US Saddlebags proving hard to buy

[mkelley]

Both MeanGirl and I are looking at US Saddlebags for our Mean Streaks. I think US Saddlebags only sells thru their dealers and their company website has no detailed information or part numbers. I'm trying to buy the bracket kit first so see if I run into problems I can't mod my way around without buying Kawasaki's fender strut billet covers. I've got a sissy bar/luggage rack mounted under the stock chrome covers and that worked out well.

One Kawasaki dealer in Woodbridge, VA near where I work didn't have any catalog, wholesale price list, or other literature even though they're a US Saddlebags dealer. They suggested I get the necessary ordering info off the Internet and come back to place the order. Right! The other Virginia dealers are at least 2 hrs away.

The only Maryland US Saddlebags dealer is a Honda dealer and I had a hard time convincing them that the mounting kit I needed should be available from US Saddlebags. They wanted to sell me something out of the Honda accessories catalog. I loved their question when I first showed up and said that I had a Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak and I was asked if that was a "big bike", i.e., cruiser. No one was answering the phones at US Saddlebags today, so they must be observing MLK holiday. The Honda dealer's wholesale price list listed only mounting kits for 900 Classic, 1500 Classic, 1600 Classic, and 2000 Classic, and I need to find out if the 1600 Classic mounting kit is what US Saddlebags recommends for Mean Streaks.

So far I'm 0-2 getting info from their dealers. At this rate, these 2 dealers (who just picked up US Saddlebags) aren't going to sell a darn thing from US Saddlebags.

[AtlantaDave]

Mike -

I didn't even try to see if any local dealers had them or would order them for me. I bought my set directly from US Saddlebags in Oct. Called them up, placed the order for the bags and brackets and they were shipped to me within just a few days. Very friendly folks, too.

The number I used was on their homepage: 1.800.233.1044

These are on my 900:

[Bob Brooks]

Originally Posted by mkelley

Both MeanGirl and I are looking at US Saddlebags for our Mean Streaks. US Saddlebags only sells thru their dealersf and their company website has no detailed information. I'm trying to buy the bracket kit first so see if I run into problems I can't mod my way around without buying Kawasaki's fender strut billet covers. I've got a sissy bar/luggage rack mounted under the stock chrome covers and that worked out well.

One Kawasaki dealer in Woodbridge, VA near where I work didn't have any catalog, wholesale price list, or other literature even though they're a US Saddlebags dealer. They suggested I get the necessary ordering info off the Internet and come back to place the order. Right! The other Virginia dealers are at least 2 hrs away.

The only Maryland US Saddlebags dealer is a Honda dealer and I had a hard time convincing them that the mounting kit I needed should be available from US Saddlebags. They wanted to sell me something out of the Honda accessories catalog. I loved their question when I first showed up and said that I had a Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak and I was asked if that was a "big bike", i.e., cruiser. No one was answering the phones at US Saddlebags today, so they must be observing MLK holiday. The Honda dealer's wholesale price list listed only mounting kits for 900 Classic, 1500 Classic, 1600 Classic, and 2000 Classic, and I need to find out if the 1600 Classic mounting kit is what US Saddlebags recommends for Mean Streaks.

So far I'm 0-2 getting info from their dealers. At this rate, these 2 dealers (who just picked up US Saddlebags) aren't going to sell a darn thing from US Saddlebags.

I'm taking a less expensive route...Saddlemen. Just bought what I wanted for half-price on ebay.

The brackets seem to be a big deal in the forum chatter but I'm convinced that's true only if you want to fasten them more tightly than the throw-over style, and be able to remove them in a flash. I don't like the looks of the throw-over style with the yoke covering the rear fender. If I had wanted a horse, I could have gotten one for less than the price of my 900. Once my bags arrive I plan to fabricate my own brackets, then see if I like to leave the bags on all the time. If not, or if I want to quickly take them into a motel after a day on the road I'll buy Easy Brackets.

And, if I get my wife on the 900, all schooled and licensed, I'll buy a Nomad which has the best integrated hard cases I've seen.

[mkelley]

Originally Posted by AtlantaDave

Mike -
I didn't even try to see if any local dealers had them or would order them for me. I bought my set directly from US Saddlebags in Oct. Called them up, placed the order for the bags and brackets and they were shipped to me within just a few days. Very friendly folks, too.

Oh, thank God! Direct sales. I thought for sure I saw something on their web site that their products were available only thru their dealers. I'm going to call them tomorrow...

[ScottLewis9]

Their customer service is great, I had a problem with one of the mounts, they overnighted a replacement with no hassles. I love mine...highly recommend.

[uncle-wiggly]

Originally Posted by ScottLewis9

Their customer service is great, I had a problem with one of the mounts, they overnighted a replacement with no hassles. I love mine...highly recommend.

+1 Love mine, bought direct . Spent about a half hour on the phone with the owner. He was curious about how I liked the 900. Great customer service

[RainMan]

We bought the u.s. saddleman saddlebags with studs, they look great great in my opinion. We bought the saddle man brackets that was for the vn900, they will fit, we had to take the chrome pieces off each side to attach the brackets. The stock brackets put the bags a little to high over the fender for me, so I made a couple of adapter plates to lower the brackets about an 1 inch an a half. They look great, I will email you a picture if you like, I'm new to this forum, so I don't know if I can post a picture on here or not. Let me know.
Thanks
Dennis (RainMan)

[MeanGirl]

Originally Posted by mkelley

Oh, thank God! Direct sales. I thought for sure I saw something on their web site that their products were available only thru their dealers. I'm going to call them tomorrow...

Ya know...I got the same impression from their website. I called them just to ask about a couple features and the guy on the phone told me I could order directly from them. That's what I'm gonna do when I'm ready to buy. It sounds like they really take care of you. If you purchase from a dealer, they've got a million other things to worry about. If you buy from US Saddlebag, they're focus on your saddlebags.

[kingofwings]

They sure are nice looking bags, but when they are off the bike won't you still have that frame hanging off the fender struts on the Meanie?

[MeanGirl]

Originally Posted by kingofwings

They sure are nice looking bags, but when they are off the bike won't you still have that frame hanging off the fender struts on the Meanie?

Yup. That would be the only draw back. Thing is, for me, chances are I'd never take the bags off. US Saddlebag also added a bag to bike locking system. Considering the price tag, I'll want to use them as much as possible.

[mkelley]

US Saddlebags has changed their order web page to include a statement that you can order direct. Previously the order page said "U.S. Saddlebag Co. products are available only through our dedicated resellers". Much better for their business. Unfortunately their FAQ web page still reads "Currently we do not sell directly to consumers. Check out our vendor list to find an authorized US Saddlebag dealer near you."

[mkelley]

Just ordered a set of mounting frames for my MS direct from US Saddlebags and scored a set of black flame bags on ebay so I'm ready to get going once the big brown truck delivers the pieces. I'm going to try to keep/mod the stock chrome strut cover, but we'll see.

[gugevitch]

Originally Posted by MeanGirl

Yup. That would be the only draw back. Thing is, for me, chances are I'd never take the bags off. US Saddlebag also added a bag to bike locking system. Considering the price tag, I'll want to use them as much as possible.

Just curious where did you get the info on the locking system? I could not find it on their website (probably just not looking in the right place). The quick release is a great feature but could be a bit of a security concern at times.

[mkelley]

Originally Posted by kingofwings

They sure are nice looking bags, but when they are off the bike won't you still have that frame hanging off the fender struts on the Meanie?

At least for the LE, the brackets are already black. I suppose you could repaint them dull black to better match the LE. On my black meanie, I hope they look better in black than they would if they were chrome .

[MeanGirl]

Originally Posted by gugevitch

Just curious where did you get the info on the locking system? I could not find it on their website (probably just not looking in the right place). The quick release is a great feature but could be a bit of a security concern at times.

When I called US Saddlebag to ask my million questions, I talked to the owner, Peter (the guy in the video I think). One of my questions was about a security system. Peter told me that they added a bag to bike locking system but it isn't updated on their website yet (thats why you couldn't find it).

They've also been trying to develop an outside the bag locking system but haven't had any luck with a design that works with the bag.

[gugevitch]

Thanks for the update. Are you getting your bike soon?

[MeanGirl]

Originally Posted by gugevitch

Thanks for the update. Are you getting your bike soon?

Glad to help. Don't hesitate to call them if you need additional info. They are GREAT to talk to.

I'm waiting for my draft check to come from the credit union. If all goes well, I'll have it in my garage by the weekend. <crossing my fingers>

[uncle-wiggly]

Originally Posted by MeanGirl

When I called US Saddlebag to ask my million questions, I talked to the owner, Peter (the guy in the video I think). One of my questions was about a security system. Peter told me that they added a bag to bike locking system but it isn't updated on their website yet (thats why you couldn't find it).

They've also been trying to develop an outside the bag locking system but haven't had any luck with a design that works with the bag.

Peter is the guy in the video, a very nice fellow. My bike is on the top of the list on the tetimonial page. They were quick to accomodate my request for a custom flap. I also love the quick connect under the stainless buckles.
Look great and easy to use

[MeanGirl]

Originally Posted by mkelley

Just ordered a set of mounting frames for my MS direct from US Saddlebags and scored a set of black flame bags on ebay so I'm ready to get going once the big brown truck delivers the pieces. I'm going to try to keep/mod the stock chrome strut cover, but we'll see.

You will, of course, post pics when you mount the bags. I'll look forward to seeing them on a Meanie. The black flame bags look cool on their website.

[MeanGirl]

Originally Posted by uncle-wiggly

Peter is the guy in the video, a very nice fellow. My bike is on the top of the list on the tetimonial page. They were quick to accomodate my request for a custom flap. I also love the quick connect under the stainless buckles.
Look great and easy to use

Peter was GREAT to talk to. As a matter of fact....I left a message on their voice mail and he called back. A lot of companies DON'T return calls. That gave me a good 1st impression. He was giving me information above and beyond my initial questions. I've heard positive reviews from a couple forum members about the quality of U.S. Saddlebag BUT my phone call with Peter is what sold me.

I'll go to the testimonial page and check out your bike! That's cool. I want to check out your 'custom' flap.