To fit the product that I received on my Royal Enfield, I had to remove the side handle of the motorcycle.
BHPian aargee recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Apr 11 – Ordered a saddle stay for my Interceptor & got this delivered 19-Apr. After 3 hours & 28 minutes, learnt a hard lesson that the side handle of the Interceptor has to be removed to accommodate this product. In addition, the saddle stay & the rear footrest for the pillion (AdvTribe) cannot gel together.
Here are the pictures at the Suspension end
Pictures at the Footrest end. The AdvTribe footrest had to be nearly above the exhaust to get this fixed which otherwise has over healthy space between the footrest & exhaust.
And you guessed it right, I’ve searched all possible videos, all of them unanimously show 2 things
- Either a saddle stay model different than the one I bought, if it fits Interceptor with side handle
- OR, the same model of saddle stay, but the Interceptor is without a side handle
If anyone has tried this model on your Interceptor without having to remove the side handle at least, requesting to share the solution, please. Thank you.
Update
- They only work seven hours a day, which just so happens to overlap with my own working hours. And don’t even get me started on their phone number
- You call the number, 8/12 times the phone disconnects right when you call or when #2 for support is pressed. Ok, let’s try WhatsApp
- And then there’s the ridiculous amount of hoops I have to jump through just to prove that I’m a genuine customer. Pictures/invoices? Proof that I’m desperately seeking help? Even that’s OK, but not the follow-ups!!
- And let’s not forget the video from Zana that completely missed the mark on the side handle. I pointed out the issue, but did they respond? Of course not
- Again had to call them almost at their closing time, explained to them the issue I’m facing & now they want me to shoot a video because their technical team cannot understand. This was the last straw of holding my frustration & told them why they cannot understand what I’m saying or even what was shared on WhatsApp. The recorder, sorry the Zana folks, kept playing the same mantra – They needed video
- I was very positive they were absolutely not helping but dillydallying & was completely frustrated. That is when I started writing this post. But then, later reconsidered, thinking this a small world and didn’t want to broadcast my negative experience. So, opted to send the video that they had requested instead.
- Again no response. Had to follow-up, but now it seems the video I shared is not complete or not to their standards & it seems instead, they want me to make another video with my voice in it
- Despite the frustration, tried to hold it & suggested connecting over a WhatsApp video call to demonstrate the issue to their technical team. But, NO!! They’re adamant, no response from them regarding this alternative option
- Instead they want me to visit a Helmet center (perhaps a Zana dealer) in Chennai which is ~25 Km away, one way. So when I ask the reason why I should be visiting there, no response. Reason to have asked them is to convince them that even if I’m not qualified to their standard, I’m skilled enough to fix this & have more than sufficient tools to fix this.
- Again followed-up, as usual, no response. That was the last straw!!
I would consider an unnecessary doo-dad for Rs 2599 where frustration was a free gift from Zana & move on!
Here’s the raw unedited conversation with Zana
After this there were some more conversations, all of them related to making the video & recording my voice in it. And they shared one more video in which the stay & side handles were fitting along together. And guess what? That model is different from the one they shipped to me.
Here’s what BHPian Axe77 had to say about the matter:
Sorry to hear about the crummy experience with Zana.
This compatibility of accessories is a real issue at times. I recall I was trying to install a Givi adaptor on the rear rack of the Multistrada to mount a Givi top box. At the time, I had SW Motech side pannier mounts which house my SWM soft side bags. The two just weren’t compatible because an underside rod the Givi adaptor plate required fouled with the points where the side panniers were bolted.
Your fitment predicament reminded me of this exact issue I faced. I eventually went ahead with an SWM top box as well so that the two set ups never conflict with each other on the present or any future bike.
At the very least, from what you have narrated, Zana really could and should have handled the customer interface much better. Thanks for sharing the issue as well as the experience here for other prospective users.
Here’s what BHPian Rennjit had to say about the matter:
Zana stuff generally is poorly made. Metal is thick but the bends, joints were uneven on the racks I bought for Himalayan & later for Xpulse. First one even had the coating flaking off in chunks within a few months. Second one for Xpulse would never fit the mounting holes & could never align left-right sides evenly. I had to spend close to a day enlarging the holes with files/ rotary burrs to fit it someway.
Point is that most aftermarket stuff is not consistent in dimensions or finish. More often than not, getting them fit involves good luck as well. One needs to have loads of patience to finish.
Keyword: Horrible experience with Zana: Ordered saddle stay for Interceptor 650