► Link to the Viking Bags: www.vikingbags.com/kawasaki-vulcan-s-viking-side-pocket-motorcycle-saddlebags ► Link to my installation video for these bags: th-cam.com/video/BgJZu97_0_Y/w-d-xo.html
I appreciate that you went the extra mile in your review and actually took us shopping showing real world use of the saddlebags. I’d already watched your install video even though I haven’t ordered bags yet. I will order from Viking though. I like what I see on their site. The prices too. Cheers, safe riding sir.
I wanted to reach out and say thank you, I really appreciate that you made this video. I recently purchased a Vulcan S and your video helped me see what it looks like with the saddlebags installed. I purchased the exact same bags you have in this video and they look great. Again, thank you for taking the time to make this video.
Purchased a set of Viking saddle bags for my Indian Scout Sixty. Haven't mounted them yet. They've been sitting in the box for a few months now. I'd like them hard mounted but want the quick release for removal. I will check out your installation video. They really are sharp looking bags and a great alternative to the high price of the "bike specific" bags sold. The fact that they are leather but weather resistant plus plus.
2005sunfire Yeah, I'd definitely recommend the Viking bags. Sorry you had such a bad experience with the Kawasaki bags. That's maddening to pay that much and expect that quality.
I Have a removable trunk in the back. I click in place when I need it. Side bags imo hides beauty of the entire bike. Cool that yours works great for u.
Jim Mansi Yes! When I was looking at getting a Harley (I will get a street glide eventually) I was floored by how expensive every accessory was. You could buy a couple sets of these for the price of a Harley set.
Nothing I hate worse than having to go home from riding to get in my pickup to go get a few groceries or dinner for my wife. I am going to look at getting these for my Vulcan S.
Nope, this was filmed when I lived in Tennessee. I don't even have that bike anymore 😂 Feels like a long time ago. Glad you liked the video, thanks for watching!
I like my Viking bags on my Vulcan S 650 2016. Makes riding a whole lot more versatile. My question to you is do you use anything on the surface of your bags?
I never used anything on the surface of my bags. One time when I was detailing my bike I wiped them down with an Amorall leather wipe but that was it. The bags held up very nice.
Filmed this when I lived i ln Tennessee. I live in the mountains of Vermont now, you can see that in my most recent videos on my channel, even more beautiful! I like country riding, usually no traffic
Been looking at these bags but the one that they sell for the Honda shadow 1100 doesn’t have the lock on top which is of course the one I want is there that much difference in the bags that the ones with the lock wouldn’t fit my shadow?
Mine certainly were. I rode in a rain storm for a whole day. It poured buckets. Everything inside was dry. Just make sure you install them properly do they are sealed well. I have an install video on my channel. Thanks for watching!
Hey! I know it’s been 3 years but can you actually pack for a weekend with these bags? And I read somewhere on here that these were small bags but did t hear that
I took a trip with them. I was able to pack clothes, tablet, camera, and some toiletries/shaving kit. Worked for me, but it just depends on how much stuff you want to take. I thought they were plenty big enough.
@@MOTOBLADE ~ sweet! Yeah, I’m aware that I can’t pack my vacuum cleaner and iron 😂 I just wanted to know if I could pack, basically, what you described. Maybe I’d put a second seat with a rack of a gf wanted to join. Thanks!
I put oxford heated grips on mine last year. They work great! Not hard to install. Only tough part is getting the old grips off (unless you cut them off) and the bar ends are secured with loctite... So be prepared for hurting hands... Unless you have an impact driver with Allen bits lol.
Just got mine in same as yours but with the studs mine only came with 2 keys and the forgot to include the hardware or the shipping company lost it. I sent an email waiting for the response Mon.
Not with this setup. However, Viking now has a quick detach setup they offer. Can take the bags and brackets off/on in a couple seconds with that setup. Have not tried it myself so I don't know how easy it is installing. They do have a video of it on their website showing how it works and how to install.
Thomas R. Smith Yes! If you watch my installation video of the bags you'll see where I drilled the holes. The bags come standard from Viking, then depending on which motorcycle you own, you fit the bags according to your needs. You could put these bags on a Harley just by drilling different holes and they'd still be perfect.
I wanted to like these bags. at first they look nice when they are brand new...but about a month and a half later the tops are starting to collapse in, I've had to add a steel backing plate inside because the cheap plastic back was warping and causing them to sag(not even loaded up, just carrying gloves in one and a sweatshirt in the other), and one of the plastic clips that you turn to open it fell off. Add all that with being kind of a pain to install, and really bad customer service if you can even get them on the phone (I had to call 5 times and then they still give you the runaround), and these saddlebags are just simply a product you should avoid.
I do not remember them having sizes when I ordered. I just ordered the model I wanted and I believe it's just one size. I would say compared to something like Harley or Indian Saddlebags these are slightly smaller, but not by much. Hope that helps!
Ion-Christopher DiMeglio Mine came with the bike, but you can get the fixed windshields from kawasaki for about $120. If you want the quick release setup (which is what I have) that will cost maybe $100 more, give or take. It is nice though, I can just put a key in and pop my windshield off without having to disassemble any mounting hardware.
I don't think Viking guarantees that, but I will say I rode with them in massive downpours of rain. I had lots of paper documents inside, no traces of any moisture. They did exceedingly well for me in wet weather.
Brett Creech yeah, it is. These are larger than the kawasaki bags. I think they are the largest saddle bags for the Vulcan s at this price at least. If you need more room you can get more sissy bar bags for the back to go along with these.
Excellent bags. Is your windshield Kawasaki or aftermarket? What kind of camera are you using? Beautiful machine. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.
Windshield is Kawasaki quick release. I use a gopro hero 7 black with a microphone adapter. You can check out links to my equipment I use in the video description. Glad you like the videos- thanks for watching!
To buy the Kawasaki "premium" bags it is 650 dollars with the brackets, I know people like to Meme on Harley for being expensive, but Kawasaki is just as much for quality that is trash. These viking bags are better in literally every single way than the Kawasaki bags, save yourself a few hundred dollars and get these bags instead. The Kawasaki "premium" bags have a 5lbs weight limit and an 80mph speed limit.
I decided on Viking because they looked good and were cheap. Well, if support doesn't matter, go for it. Installation on my 2017 Harley Davidson Street Bob was a nightmare. The hardware they provided included bolts that were too short, and very vague instructions that seemed to be ad-hoc. After finally mounting the bags, one of the brackets broke. I tried to get support, and got the run around. Then I noticed the straps were poorly made and just hung loose, again I got the run around. Will I ever buy Viking again? Nope. Why? Because they sent manufacturing and management to Pakistan, and they suck. I *really* wanted to like these bags. Now, I just want to offload them on Craigslist. PS, VikingBags (the company) did not post my negative review, further underscoring the shadiness of the company. AVOID VIKING BAGS!!!
Sorry you had a bad experience. My bags were fantastic. I watched the video thoroughly from the company on how to perform the installation and it worked great! Sorry you had a bad experience, but I would not avoid viking bags at all. (I'm not paid by viking or have anything to do with them, I just had a great experience with mine).
Yea they’re just junk. They lie on their website saying bags fit your bike. Then when they don’t they say to just send it back, minus the $70 I’m out because their website lied
My Vulcan S sat outside. I did not have a garage at the time. Sat through major rainstorms in southeast Tennessee. Never had a drop of water get into the saddlebags - they were awesome the whole time I had that bike!
► Link to the Viking Bags: www.vikingbags.com/kawasaki-vulcan-s-viking-side-pocket-motorcycle-saddlebags
► Link to my installation video for these bags: th-cam.com/video/BgJZu97_0_Y/w-d-xo.html
MOTOBLADE b
To indonesia ?
I just ordered the large Raven bags for my 11 Fat Boy Lo. I’m really impressed with their prices and these great reviews that I’ve seen.
Does it fit Vulcan 900 Classic ?
I appreciate that you went the extra mile in your review and actually took us shopping showing real world use of the saddlebags. I’d already watched your install video even though I haven’t ordered bags yet. I will order from Viking though. I like what I see on their site. The prices too. Cheers, safe riding sir.
I'm so glad you liked the review! Thanks for watching, ride safe!
I wanted to reach out and say thank you, I really appreciate that you made this video. I recently purchased a Vulcan S and your video helped me see what it looks like with the saddlebags installed. I purchased the exact same bags you have in this video and they look great. Again, thank you for taking the time to make this video.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
Glad you reviewed the small pouch. Couldn't tell how they worked from the Viking video. Nice detail!
Glad I could help. Thanks for watching!
Thank you, I was looking at buying these exact bags. I was worried they were not the size i would like.They looked great.
amanda coxx Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!
Ordered a pair for my Shadow. Can't wait to put them on!!!
Awesome! Hope you like them as much as I did. Thanks for watching!
@@MOTOBLADE Arriving Tuesday!
Thanks I just purchased the same ones for my ride. Love the look and the price. Thanks for the video.
Glad you liked it! Just installed another set on my new (new to me) Harley this afternoon! They're great bags! Thanks for watching✌🏻😎
Purchased a set of Viking saddle bags for my Indian Scout Sixty. Haven't mounted them yet. They've been sitting in the box for a few
months now. I'd like them hard mounted but want the quick release for removal. I will check out your installation video. They really are sharp looking bags and a great alternative to the high price of the "bike specific" bags sold. The fact that they are leather but weather
resistant plus plus.
They really are great bags. Mine always worked great and I had no issues. Glad you like them so far!
Dude I gave you a thumbs up just for riding in 11 degree weather!!
LOL, thanks bro!
i paid for the $400 set, not waterproof. You made the right choice.
2005sunfire Yeah, I'd definitely recommend the Viking bags. Sorry you had such a bad experience with the Kawasaki bags. That's maddening to pay that much and expect that quality.
Awesome mine are coming in Friday can't wait!
Blaze775 Yeah! They are great bags. Thanks for watching!
I Have a removable trunk in the back. I click in place when I need it. Side bags imo hides beauty of the entire bike. Cool that yours works great for u.
thnx for your video. that made me decide to buy one for my 2008 kawasaki vulcan 900 classic.
Nice bags & review! I'm gonna look into these for my Sportster. Harley bags are just way too overpriced!
Jim Mansi Yes! When I was looking at getting a Harley (I will get a street glide eventually) I was floored by how expensive every accessory was. You could buy a couple sets of these for the price of a Harley set.
Nothing I hate worse than having to go home from riding to get in my pickup to go get a few groceries or dinner for my wife. I am going to look at getting these for my Vulcan S.
Kelly Zabriskie That's why I got them. Had to go home to get my SUV just to go pickup a gallon of milk? Ridiculous. These bags are so worth it.
nice review, what windshield did you install? it looks great.
Looks like a puig
how bout a review on that windshield?
Just ordered mine. Thanks!
You're welcome. Glad I could help. Thanks for watching!
i have same exact bags. love them
They are great bags!
Thanks for the vid, I truck for a living and judging by the tires on that dump are you in Michigan? They have crazy weight limits lol
Nope, this was filmed when I lived in Tennessee. I don't even have that bike anymore 😂 Feels like a long time ago. Glad you liked the video, thanks for watching!
I like my Viking bags on my Vulcan S 650 2016. Makes riding a whole lot more versatile. My question to you is do you use anything on the surface of your bags?
I never used anything on the surface of my bags. One time when I was detailing my bike I wiped them down with an Amorall leather wipe but that was it. The bags held up very nice.
Re-watching a few videos after having just gotten my 2015 Vulcan S and I'm waxing nostalgic about grocery stores with stocked shelves........
HAHAHA 🤣🤣 Didn't think about that. I should do a toilet paper run on my bike when the weather warms up. Still in the 30's here and snow.
Insurance and registration in the outside pouch or the inside pouch? Hmmm....Top opening seems awfully small. Do you have issues putting stuff in it?
No issues. Like I showed with the groceries, it carries plenty. Have another set on my new harley.
Where do you riding in this video, mate ? It’s so beautiful in the start.
Filmed this when I lived i ln Tennessee. I live in the mountains of Vermont now, you can see that in my most recent videos on my channel, even more beautiful! I like country riding, usually no traffic
how much weight do you think they can hold? without forcing the bolts?
I think they said the limit was like 20lbs in each. I pushed them to 30lbs each at one time. No issues. They're sturdy.
@@MOTOBLADE thanks for the info. very helpful! btw nice review!
Just bought a these for my 01 Yamaha Vstar 1100
Been looking at these bags but the one that they sell for the Honda shadow 1100 doesn’t have the lock on top which is of course the one I want is there that much difference in the bags that the ones with the lock wouldn’t fit my shadow?
how do the bags fair going 75 mph+? any vibrations or rattling?
No vibration, no rattling, everything is tight and well made!
Hi thanks for your video it was great! Do those spacers on the bolts come with it as well. Much appreciated!
Nice looking bags are they waterproof? I mean riding in rain far a Day waterproof
Mine certainly were. I rode in a rain storm for a whole day. It poured buckets. Everything inside was dry. Just make sure you install them properly do they are sealed well. I have an install video on my channel. Thanks for watching!
Hey!
I know it’s been 3 years but can you actually pack for a weekend with these bags?
And I read somewhere on here that these were small bags but did t hear that
I took a trip with them. I was able to pack clothes, tablet, camera, and some toiletries/shaving kit. Worked for me, but it just depends on how much stuff you want to take. I thought they were plenty big enough.
@@MOTOBLADE ~ sweet!
Yeah, I’m aware that I can’t pack my vacuum cleaner and iron 😂
I just wanted to know if I could pack, basically, what you described.
Maybe I’d put a second seat with a rack of a gf wanted to join.
Thanks!
Can you get heated grips for that model?
James Rollins I think so, but I'm not 100% sure. Lemme check.
James Rollins just checked kawasaki. They do not make them, but there are aftermarket solutions from other companies for them. Hope that helps :)
I put oxford heated grips on mine last year. They work great! Not hard to install. Only tough part is getting the old grips off (unless you cut them off) and the bar ends are secured with loctite... So be prepared for hurting hands... Unless you have an impact driver with Allen bits lol.
Just got mine in same as yours but with the studs mine only came with 2 keys and the forgot to include the hardware or the shipping company lost it. I sent an email waiting for the response Mon.
I am curious how much you get paid from Viking ???
Could you still have a passenger if you install this?
Yes, you should be able to. Passenger seat would not interfere, and it shouldn't interfere with the passenger foot pegs.
Nice bags, have the same bike and thinking about the same bags. Just one question, from the holes, water doesn’t get inside? Thanks
Matias Carbon Nope. No water. They give you rubber plugs to seal the holes firmly.
MOTOBLADE thanks mate!!! Nice videos!!
Matias Carbon you're welcome. Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it!
Can you easily detach the bag?
Not with this setup. However, Viking now has a quick detach setup they offer. Can take the bags and brackets off/on in a couple seconds with that setup. Have not tried it myself so I don't know how easy it is installing. They do have a video of it on their website showing how it works and how to install.
Very nice! Great review as always! Did you have to drill more holes in the bags since I heard the holes on the bags don't line up.?
Thomas R. Smith Yes! If you watch my installation video of the bags you'll see where I drilled the holes. The bags come standard from Viking, then depending on which motorcycle you own, you fit the bags according to your needs. You could put these bags on a Harley just by drilling different holes and they'd still be perfect.
I wanted to like these bags. at first they look nice when they are brand new...but about a month and a half later the tops are starting to collapse in, I've had to add a steel backing plate inside because the cheap plastic back was warping and causing them to sag(not even loaded up, just carrying gloves in one and a sweatshirt in the other), and one of the plastic clips that you turn to open it fell off. Add all that with being kind of a pain to install, and really bad customer service if you can even get them on the phone (I had to call 5 times and then they still give you the runaround), and these saddlebags are just simply a product you should avoid.
Sorry you had a bad experience, mine were perfect and never had those issues.
Are Viking saddlebags made in USA?
would they survive constant exposure to rain please???
Mrinal Mishra I keep my bike outside and they do just fine
thanks!!
Mrinal Mishra no problem!
Does it waterproof?
Yes. Mine are.
Dang the price went up since you bought these?
Yeah, I guess it has. It's been 4 years. I guess the cows are demanding more for their leather now 😂
@@MOTOBLADE 🤣 I believe it!!!
What size are these please ? Are they large or medium ? Thanks ps love the review good work
I do not remember them having sizes when I ordered. I just ordered the model I wanted and I believe it's just one size. I would say compared to something like Harley or Indian Saddlebags these are slightly smaller, but not by much. Hope that helps!
MOTOBLADE Thankyou for your reply
11deg? Holy Jesus.
How much was the shield? Looking..
Ion-Christopher DiMeglio Mine came with the bike, but you can get the fixed windshields from kawasaki for about $120. If you want the quick release setup (which is what I have) that will cost maybe $100 more, give or take. It is nice though, I can just put a key in and pop my windshield off without having to disassemble any mounting hardware.
Can you have 2 seats with saddle bags ?
Brave Boy Yessir! The mounting areas are separate so there is no problem having both!
They don't ship to Puerto Rico :(
Are these waterproof
I don't think Viking guarantees that, but I will say I rode with them in massive downpours of rain. I had lots of paper documents inside, no traces of any moisture. They did exceedingly well for me in wet weather.
Will this fit a full face helmet?
Jaypaul Woody No it won't. It would fit a half helmet.
What size are your bags?
Brett Creech each one is just over 1800 cubic inches.
Is that large ?
Brett Creech yeah, it is. These are larger than the kawasaki bags. I think they are the largest saddle bags for the Vulcan s at this price at least. If you need more room you can get more sissy bar bags for the back to go along with these.
Excellent bags. Is your windshield Kawasaki or aftermarket? What kind of camera are you using? Beautiful machine. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.
Windshield is Kawasaki quick release. I use a gopro hero 7 black with a microphone adapter. You can check out links to my equipment I use in the video description. Glad you like the videos- thanks for watching!
Thank you Sir.
To buy the Kawasaki "premium" bags it is 650 dollars with the brackets, I know people like to Meme on Harley for being expensive, but Kawasaki is just as much for quality that is trash. These viking bags are better in literally every single way than the Kawasaki bags, save yourself a few hundred dollars and get these bags instead. The Kawasaki "premium" bags have a 5lbs weight limit and an 80mph speed limit.
Never understood why people run in the street when their is a perfectly good sidewalk right next to them.
Madcatdave me too! They're so stupid. Why bother putting in the sidewalk if they're going to run in the road!
Did you get a leather jacket for this review?
Always had that leather jacket. Viking didn't give me anything for the review if that's what you're asking. Just my thoughts on owning these bags.
Well, VB did offer me a free leather jacket, for a positive review on my purchase, so just asking:)
Roger That's awesome! Wish they had done that for me...
In my opinion, that just sucks. They are bying good reviews.
Do NOT lose the key! No replacement is available!
They sent me 2 with my new bags I just got from viking. I had a spare made to leave at home in the safe, just in case.
Looks like you eat way too much dairy :D I think you forgot the Honey Nut Cheerios ;-)
Thomas R. Smith LOL :D I was making a big homemade lasagna for my wife that night. I usually healthier haha
Lucky wife ! My wife doesn't cook much and neither do I. So it's going out to eat a lot which isn't that healthy.
I decided on Viking because they looked good and were cheap. Well, if support doesn't matter, go for it. Installation on my 2017 Harley Davidson Street Bob was a nightmare. The hardware they provided included bolts that were too short, and very vague instructions that seemed to be ad-hoc. After finally mounting the bags, one of the brackets broke. I tried to get support, and got the run around. Then I noticed the straps were poorly made and just hung loose, again I got the run around. Will I ever buy Viking again? Nope. Why? Because they sent manufacturing and management to Pakistan, and they suck. I *really* wanted to like these bags. Now, I just want to offload them on Craigslist. PS, VikingBags (the company) did not post my negative review, further underscoring the shadiness of the company. AVOID VIKING BAGS!!!
Sorry you had a bad experience. My bags were fantastic. I watched the video thoroughly from the company on how to perform the installation and it worked great! Sorry you had a bad experience, but I would not avoid viking bags at all. (I'm not paid by viking or have anything to do with them, I just had a great experience with mine).
My set of bag broke at less than one month. I contact with them for returning. Service sucks!
Sorry about your experience. I have always had a great experience with Viking so far. My bags have held up without any issues.
Did you get paid for those videos???
Not paid a penny. I just bought them and installed them. I wasn't sponsored by anyone.
Yea they’re just junk. They lie on their website saying bags fit your bike. Then when they don’t they say to just send it back, minus the $70 I’m out because their website lied
Sorry you had a bad experience. Fit my bike perfectly, just had to install them carefully.
How rainproof are the bags?
My Vulcan S sat outside. I did not have a garage at the time. Sat through major rainstorms in southeast Tennessee. Never had a drop of water get into the saddlebags - they were awesome the whole time I had that bike!