Product review - Viking motorcycle bag

If you ride you know that storage space is at a premium. Saddle bags can hold a lot, but if you really want to maximize storage, get saddle bags and biker luggage.

When Viking Bags contacted me about doing a product review, I jumped on it. They sent the Viking Large Studded Leather Motorcycle Sissy Bar Bag. It's listed as a medium bag. If this is medium, some families could live in the large ones.

TECH SPECS

The website description says lockable. It's not by my definition. Lock means something that opens with a key or a combination dial. The only way I can see to lock the bag down is by strapping cables across it.

The bag. The studs are chrome. Bad lighting makes them look black

The specs say 3247.5 cubic inches of storage. If that doesn't mean anything to you, the pictures here should. They are taken with a standard yardstick to give you perspective. If you need exact measurements - 16.5" x 19" x 7"  and the top roll bag is 13" x 9".

It comes with mounting hardware and, YAY!, a rain bag to stretch over it for riding in rough weather. If you don't ride in the rain, you don't ride. The website has a PDF with mounting instructions and an installation video.

You can probably get by without a luggage rack on the back, but that means the bottom of the bag is sitting on the rear fender. You can mount it to the front of the sissy bar if you don't have a passenger or on the back if you want someone to ride with you.

Top roll bag on its side. Attachment loops shown.

If you mount it to the front side, you will need something to sit between you and the bags if you want to lean back. The studs and buckles will get annoying really fast.
Both come with handy carry handles. It also includes a detachable shoulder sling. That's something ALL bike luggage should have.

SPACE

The interior of the big bag has a zipper on the liner. I don't understand why. You might be able to slide a few papers in there. It's definitely not a false back for hiding important stuff. The top tube has a Velcro seal for the interior liner. Again, why? Not much room for anything but very thin items.

Interior view. Can't explain central zipper.

The inside has a big mesh web on the front and two smaller mesh holder areas on each side. Your stuff can be held very securely.

The sides of the big bag open out for maximum storage. Zip them up to make it as compact as possible.

The main bag has pockets, four on the outside and one pocket with a top access into a pouch on the inside of the big bag.

The top roll bag is detachable.

You can pack enough in here for a decent stay at most any rally.

CONSTRUCTION

The zippers are plastic. You will need to tuck the edges in when zipping them up.

The website calls the construction Viking leather and Cordura. The Viking leather is a man-made material, not dead animal hide. The material does feel very durable.

The top tube and the main bag have lightweight plastic insert shells. This bag will not fold down.

The sewing appears to be good enough. If you bought "diamond plate" leather gear, then know this sewing job is much better.

Strategic points are reinforced with heavy canvas straps.

APPEARANCE

When Viking asked me to review their stuff, I specifically picked the bag with the chrome studs because biker.

It looks good. It feels good. It feels durable.

My chief concern is my daughter will see it and take it away. She'll use it as her book backpack when she heads off to college in the fall.

BUY OR NOT

If you need luggage, this is a buy. In case you're worried about plunking down your hard-earned cash, don't be. "We believe in great customer service – even when you don’t like something and want to return it. Our return policy is fast and easy but there are still some ground rules to follow." Get the list of return rules, which are simple, here. https://www.vikingbags.com/return-policy.htm

You can see the full list of bags here https://www.vikingbags.com/motorcycle-sissy-bar-bags.htm. This is the one I got: https://www.vikingbags.com/cruiser-leather-studded-motorcycle-sissy-bar-bag.htm.