Viking Saddlebags Install - Part 2: Quick Disconnect Mounting & MORE Frustration!

[@Marzen216]

OMG! My frustration factor went thru the roof watching you try and figure out basic assembly had me yelling at the screen. I do hope Viking updates their documentation & provides a better selection of bolt lengths. That said, I didn't notice anything in place to protect the fender paint. I would use a rubber or fiber washer to try & mitigate any paint damage from the mounting hardware. Good luck going forward, you'll eventually get better with using tools. Try not to get frustrated & thanks for letting us know what's in store if you buy this bag.

[@rebelrider500]

WOW, thanks for sharing and showing your wins and fails. I'm opting for shop install. Love the look!

[@evergreenmoto]

For sure! I thought it would be easier then it ended up being, but I learned a ton and do not regret doing it. But it was a challenge.

[@MarkGray-u4i]

How long would it take for Viking to make an installation video for their customers, with a link on their website? Customer Service, y'all.

[@evergreenmoto]

They do have one, but it’s just a general video for all of their quick disconnect systems. They made it look 1000 times easier than it actually was…

[@isaacsieg]

Can you link to the QD?

[@evergreenmoto]

@@isaacsieg I had one at one point, but I think they discontinued it now that they integrate the system directly into the bags. It’s something like this www.vikingbags.com/products/viking-saddlebags-quick-disconnect-system-for-honda-valkyrie-motorcycles

[@ST1300PA]

Which quick disconnect system did you use? Viking only seems to list model-specific ones.

[@evergreenmoto]

It’s really strange. So when I bought these last year, Viking had a “Honda Rebel” quick disconnect system. But they don’t list it anymore. It could have been for the previous generation, but it really didn’t specify that I remember. It’s weird to me that they don’t have it anymore.

[@MichaelDivirgilio-d8v]

I cut the longer bolts to size with a dremel.

[@evergreenmoto]

Yeah that’s a good call. I ended up getting a dremel after this project 😂

[@FoxVelox222]

Man I wish my scl500 had as many accessories as the rebel. Can't be helped with a newly released bike I suppose.

[@michaelterry85]

I agree

[@evergreenmoto]

Yeah, that would be cool. Hopefully more come out this next year now that the scl500 will be in its second year. Ride safe!

[@FoxVelox222]

@evergreenmoto same buddy. Keep pumping out the videos. Fun to see another side of the country haha

[@evergreenmoto]

@@FoxVelox222 absolutely! Lots more in the works. If I can, it would be cool to check out the scl500. How have you been liking it?

[@plasticjoe26]

couldn't you have just cut the bolt to a shorter length instead of using the standoffs ? or buying shorter bolts from Amazon or somewhere ?

[@evergreenmoto]

Exactly, that’s what I ended up doing. I didn’t have a great way to cut off the bolts at the time, so I just went to Home Depot and got the correct bolts.

[@TJ-qo2xu]

What I'm taking away from this already, early in the video, is that they don't provide detailed instructions and the hardware they provide isn't optimal for the setup on this particular bike...

[@evergreenmoto]

Exactly. I’ve dealt with worse instructions before, but these really could have been better… and it just seemed so strange that Viking provided such long bolts, regardless of what bike is used, it seems they would all stick out inside the fender. I’ve seen other videos where people had similar issues, so I guess people just need to throw away the provided bolts and go get better ones.

[@hrvojegolub3948]

Nice video. But i must say this, a good angle grinder is always your friend.

[@evergreenmoto]

For sure! That would have been one way to go. I just ended up getting different bolts.

[@peteranderson7497]

Those long bolts are a joke! They look down-right dangerous. I would NOT ride a bike with those saddlebag connectors. Viking Saddlebags ought to be a product to be avoided at any cost. I don't suppose you can get your money back!

[@evergreenmoto]

The actual saddlebags are actually pretty good. But yeah, those bolts were BS. I ended up just getting my own that work WAY better and are not going to cause any issues with the tire.