Warning - Viking Bags

[Big G]

I bought Viking bags shortly after I got my R3, Sept of '12. Installation was a pain, the bolts were wrong. But, for the price, they did the job. In fact, before my road trip last month, I Googler them to maybe order a bigger set. I couldn't find their site? I thought they had gone under?

 

[IdahoRenegade]

They are still around, I just ordered saddlebags and a windshield bag last week, they came in Friday. Motorcycle Saddlebags & Luggage Expert | Viking Motorcycle Bags Mounting them was a bit of a challenge, but it was a Triumph design issue more than a Viking one. The mounting points on the R3 are low with respect to where the exhaust is, meaning that the bags needed to be mounted about as high as possible-which is somewhat limited by the "links" that support the bag. Not a big deal, just think it through. Also, on my bike at least, the front mounting bolt hole appears to be a shallow, blind-tapped (or incompletely tapped) hole. The bolts only engage a few turns. I bought some longer (80mm vs the supplied 70mm) bolts, however they bottom in the tapped holes before drawing down on the bags/washers. I'll study it a little more-may need to pick up a M10-1.5 tap and chase/deepen the threads. Again though, not a Viking issue. Quality of the bags is quite nice for the price.

The windshield bag I really can't recommend. Quality is decent, but the mounting arrangement (one bolt in the middle) is lame, and the 3 pockets are too close together. By the time you wrap them to match the contour of the windshield they interfere. Usable, but not ideal.

 

[EMJAYEM]

I also experienced horrendous customer service with viking. I ordered bags and a rack bag and immediately had issues with the website. I immediately contacted them by email and a few unanswered calls as you don't get a confirmation email right away. A few days, few more emails later still no response from viking and I get a shipping email with only the saddlebags on it. Checked my credit card statement and definitely paid for the rack bag. They're very quick to take your money of course. I received the saddlebags and no mounting kit which it specifically said was included. Called three more times, none of my emails responded to still mind you, and finally got someone. He says the missing merch is being sent but I'll believe it when I see it. Sad thing is they're nice bags for a good price. Too bad they're awful to deal with. Sad really.