[GGreggB]

Does anyone have experience with support or warranty on Hardstreet Slimbags?

I installed the HR Slimbags on my Stryker in April and had them on for about 1000 miles, but just discovered to my horror that the backs are cracked out around all of the mounting holes.

The cracks on the right bag are hairline, but the cracks on the left bag have actually left holes where sections have broken out. I've never come close to the carrying the maximum recommended 6 pound capacity, so I know they weren't overloaded.

I purchased directly from Hardstreet and used their fixed mount hardware, following all of the instructions explicitly. The bags are pre-marked to drill mounting holes for a Raider; I used those holes to help me locate where to drill my mounting holes; the area that I drilled through was the same apparent thickness as the area that they'd marked, so I don't believe it was an error in installation. I can't find any warranty information on the site, nor on the paperwork (installation instructions) that came with the bags. I'm awaiting a return call, but would like some idea of what to expect (although I'm afraid that I know what's coming).

I love the appearance of the bags and they were a great addition to the bike. I'm just hoping that they'll stand behind their product.

I found a very similar post on another forum (http://www.victoryforums.com/showthread.php?t=13872), but there was no follow-up. I'll update this post if anything comes of it.

Any insight or experiences would be appreciated.

 

[GGreggB]

Here's a photo of the damage

 

[Blackvapor]

Funny you should ask that today...

I have the gloss black slim bags with the quick release easy brackets. I love them, and can't comment about the cracking, as mine are holding up just fine.

I DID however, lose all 4 of the corner weatherstrip pieces, because the double sided tape they used to stick them on was garbage.

So, not only did it take me 2 months to get my bags (I ordered them direct from Cycra too) but it took 2 voicemails and 3 calls before I got a **** person to talk to who said he'd send me some replacements. I started calling about a month ago and just got a hold of them today.

Their product seems pretty decent, but their customer communication is pitiful.

 

[GGreggB]

Thanks for the info, Blackvapor. Interestingly, I had found a nicely-formed rubber piece in my driveway some time ago but couldn't find a home for it. I now see (and you can see in my photo) that the front weatherstripping caps are missing on both bags as evidenced by the white foam mounting square left behind. My mystery part is a perfect fit. Where the other one ended up is anyone's guess...

I managed to speak with someone today who gave me his email address and asked if I could send some photos. I sent them off. I'm cautiously optimistic.

Do the Easy Brackets provide much mounting surface against the body of the bag? If they provide more support, I might be inclined to change my mounting method. A photo would be helpful.

Thanks!

 

[GGreggB]

Follow-Up

Update on my Hardstreet HR issue:

I managed to speak with someone at Hardstreet last week. He provided me with an email address and asked if I could send some photos. I was told on Friday that they're going to replace my bags, so I can't say anything negative.

I'd be interested to know if anyone has any insight or suggestions for a shock-absorbing mount of some sort. I don't know whether vibration was the issue or if it was a material defect in the first set of bags, but I'd obviously like to prevent a second occurrence. Any thoughts on drilling the hole a little larger and fitting a rubber grommet in the mounting hole or doing something similar (or completely different if you have a better idea)?