New to the Cafe, hey yall.

[mistermurdock]

Just thought I'd say hey, searching for info on Racaposhi and Viking bags is what led me here. I've been reading for hours and still can't make up my mind. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

[TK421]

That's a tough one. They're both great manufacturers. Is there a specific style you're looking for? I think that might be what it comes down to.

What look are you really hoping for? Single strap, dual strap, trip strap? Soft, hard, solid? Top open vs. side open? Smooth, studded, fringe?

Am I making things worse? :hmm2: Sorry.

Everyone will have an opinion, but you gotta go with your gut.

Now, my opinion:

Racaposhi has some very nice VTX-specific bags with good mounting systems. You don't need to worry about purchasing additional brackets, just the four mounting bolts. That's nice. They also use an all-weather leather that matches the stock seat in color. They've got good stitching and the reinforced steal backplate to prevent sagging. You're really getting your money's worth.

[mistermurdock]

Well, I want a big bag, similar to what comes stock on the Harley Road King (leather bag with hard shell to prevent sagging). I have seen very few that are big enough. Roughly 23x12x8 is what I want. I've read that Viking has some serious delivery/customer service issues. On the other hand, I'm skeptical of a company that ONLY sells on E-Bay (Racaposhi). I even read somewhere that they are the same company! Having a hard time pulling the trigger on either one. Here's a link to the bags I like.

http://www.vikingbags.com/motorcycle-saddlebags-sbr-103-625-prd1.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RACAPOSHI-LEATHER-SADDLEBAGS-4-HONDA-VTX-1800-NEO_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el1262 QQcategoryZ35580QQihZ003QQitemZ130200825527

[Dapper]

That's a tough one. They're both great manufacturers. Is there a specific style you're looking for? I think that might be what it comes down to.

What look are you really hoping for? Single strap, dual strap, trip strap? Soft, hard, solid? Top open vs. side open? Smooth, studded, fringe?

Am I making things worse? :hmm2: Sorry.

Everyone will have an opinion, but you gotta go with your gut.

Now, my opinion:

Racaposhi has some very nice VTX-specific bags with good mounting systems. You don't need to worry about purchasing additional brackets, just the four mounting bolts. That's nice. They also use an all-weather leather that matches the stock seat in color. They've got good stitching and the reinforced steal backplate to prevent sagging. You're really getting your money's worth.
+1 to that! Have had the Racopishi bags for quite a while and I still like them very much.

[jagarcia]

I bought a sissybar bag from Jafrum.com. Inexpensive and very nice.

[Beastie Boy]

Well, I want a big bag, similar to what comes stock on the Harley Road King (leather bag with hard shell to prevent sagging). I have seen very few that are big enough. Roughly 23x12x8 is what I want. I've read that Viking has some serious delivery/customer service issues. On the other hand, I'm skeptical of a company that ONLY sells on E-Bay (Racaposhi). I even read somewhere that they are the same company! Having a hard time pulling the trigger on either one. Here's a link to the bags I like.

http://www.vikingbags.com/motorcycle-saddlebags-sbr-103-625-prd1.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RACAPOSHI-LEATHER-SADDLEBAGS-4-HONDA-VTX-1800-NEO_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el1262 QQcategoryZ35580QQihZ003QQitemZ130200825527

Have you considered US Sadlebags?

http://ussaddlebag.com/saddlebags.html

Not to add to the confusion, but I checked these out on a 1300 locally, and they are some seriously nice leather bags, with no sagging, simply twist lock onto a set of brackets, and they're roomy.

[Trail Boss]

If you really want to be confused look at the leatherlyke web site, open from top, can be locked and it is a hard bag, with easy removal.

[TK421]

Well, I want a big bag, similar to what comes stock on the Harley Road King (leather bag with hard shell to prevent sagging). I have seen very few that are big enough. Roughly 23x12x8 is what I want. I've read that Viking has some serious delivery/customer service issues. On the other hand, I'm skeptical of a company that ONLY sells on E-Bay (Racaposhi). I even read somewhere that they are the same company! Having a hard time pulling the trigger on either one. Here's a link to the bags I like.

http://www.vikingbags.com/motorcycle-saddlebags-sbr-103-625-prd1.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RACAPOSHI-LEATHER-SADDLEBAGS-4-HONDA-VTX-1800-NEO_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el1262 QQcategoryZ35580QQihZ003QQitemZ130200825527

I took a look at the two links you provided and it looks like the Viking bags are out of stock. That might help your decision making.

I really like the design of the RACAPOSHI bags because I know they're made for the VTX and they have space for the shocks. Also, no need to tweek the turn signals. It's a great set for someone who just want to add some bags and not worry about altering the tail a whole bunch.

You got me looking, and I really like the style of these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RACAPOSHI-LEATHER-SADDLEBAGS-4-HONDA-VTX-1300-1800-C-F_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713Q2em153Q2el1262QQ categoryZ35580QQihZ003QQitemZ130199497530

They'd look great on my "C".

[beitz67]

Welcome to the forum! I'm not much help with the bags you ned info on. I have the hondaline bags and mounts and they have done very well for me so far. I'm sure the rest of the Xers will get you more info than you thought there was to get!