Let's see ... where to start ....
I've had my "OEM" cross bars since Feb (or maybe March). I couldn't understand all the US-based MO owners saying their dealers were quoting "unavailable." Now I know -- different strokes for different folks, so to speak. I guess the cross bars are like the doughnut vs. full-size spare issue between Can & US MOs. I, for one, can't understand for the life of me why NissanUSA "chose" to go with the doughnut + tray when a full size spare was available.
Jaak's right. They may have been sold as "OEM" bars but they're about as "integrated" as a square peg is to a round hole. The clamping system is not the most attractive or technologically advanced design I'd ever seen, but it'll do. I only install the bars to use my cargo box, and I only use the box when I absolutely have to (ie. Xmas road trips 7 hours north to Sudbury -- what fun).
I've moved them back, albeit marginally, and the whistle has diminished to the point where I can't hear it if both the sunroof and inner sunroof cover are closed. The rear bar sits just behind the rear vertical support for the roof rail. The front bar sits 27" (on centre) ahead of the rear bar. I wanted to place the cargo box as far to the rear as I could yet still be able to fully open the rear hatch. This, and the mounting options for the box, dictated the rear bar location. From that, I had no other choice but to go 27" forward for the front bar. For info, the bars actually have little pictures indicating the recommended locations. The rear bar is as recommended, but the front bar is a little off.
I think the bars sold in Canada were made through Yakima, but I can't be certain. Sure, they have the Nissan logo, but let's not kid ourselves, especially given the comments from Chancie23.
On that note: Chancie23, it sounds like you're either "an insider" or have access to "insider" info. So what's the deal? Any bones you can throw our way with respect to upcoming accessories and the like? Also, any idea (from anyone) why Nissan is approaching the accessories like this? That is, why issue two different versions of the same thing (ie. cross bars) at two different times in two different countries (Can & US) so close to each other geographically? Sure, I understand the whole marketing thing but if Nissan plans on introducing more integrated cross bars (for example), why sell something inferior in the interim, other than for a cash grab? Just curious.