From RoadBike, March 2011
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BY TRICIA SZULEWSKI fter a couple of weeklong trips on my Suzuki Bandit 1200S fitted with soft luggage, I realized the downfalls of not having hard bags. While soft bags can be used effectively, there’s really nothing that can compare to the convenience of keyed hard bags on your bike. Besides being able to stow your gear securely, there’s no need to mess around with bungees, tie-downs, locks, or rain covers with hard luggage. I’ve also had plenty of opportunities to use removable hard luggage on our test bikes, and appreciate being able to carry the cases into the hotel at night for easy loading and unloading. Shopping around for hard bags led me to a company that manufacturers them for some of the OEM motorcycles I’ve used before. SHAD is a European manufacturer who’s been in this business for years producing quality products. With a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from, I chose to outfit my Bandit with the company’s large-capacity cases, the SH43 side cases and SH50 top case, with color plates that closely match the Bandit’s red paint. The one pitfall of putting luggage like this on your bike, is that you’re stuck with a system of support racks that isn’t necessarily the prettiest way to show off your ride when the bags are at home. But, the sacrifice is well worth it if you’re more interested in traveling. SHAD’s mounting brackets for the Bandit were easy to install and required no permanent modification to hard data the bike. The side case brackets even SHAD came with a set of turn signals premountSH43 Large Capacity Side Cases, ed, so you don’t need to remount your $460 (Pair) stock signals in an alternate location. SH50 Large Capacity Top Case, $369 The SHAD side bags and top case Side Master Mounting Kit, $301 use a separate set of keys, which are difTop Master Mounting Kit, $105 ferent lengths, so knowing which is Garnet color plates, $79 www.SHADUSA.com which is simple. However, the side bags
1 The full kit saddlebag supports include all the hardware you need to do the job.
2 Remove the grab rail spools and washers from both sides of the bike with a 6mm hex key. If you have stock turn signals installed, you’ll need to remove them now. RoadBikeMag.com RoadBike March 2011 89
came with an extra barrel that can be used in the top case so you only have the one key to deal with. All the bags can be locked to the bike and still opened and shut, but I recommend locking them shut before setting off on a ride. Flip-out handles make carrying the bags easy, though they can be pretty hefty, especially when full of gear. Measuring 23.5" wide x 12.6" high x 18" deep, the huge, 50-liter top case is big enough to fit two full-face helmets and includes a document holder in the lid. A “lumbar” backrest is includ-
3 Remove the pin and circlip from the left footrest. While holding the peg in place, insert the provided M8 x 65 screw and stock washer. This will hold the footpeg in place for now.
4 Install the left-side support bracket at the grab rail using a spacer, washer, and the M8 x 55 screw with a 5mm hex key.
5 At the left footrest, insert the lower end of the support bracket onto the protruding screw. I added a spacer up top. I used a 6mm hex key and 1/2" wrench to tighten the M8 nut over the washer and bracket. 90 March 2011 RoadBike RoadBikeMag.com
ed, but is located way too high up to be real lumbar support for your passenger, though simply having the case back there offers peace of mind. A brake light that runs the horizontal length of the top case support plate is offered as an option, which I chose to skip. Another SHAD top case, SH46, is a little smaller than the SH50, but it offers the brake light option integrated into the case, above the handle, which offers even more visibility. The side bags measure 21.65" wide x 15.75" high x 11" deep and can also fit a full-face helmet in each, with lots of room to spare. I filled a duffel bag and set it easily on the internal shelf that offers a fullsize resting spot for your stuff. This is a nice convenience feature; it prevents you from getting material caught in the lower seam as well. Thick elastic bands connect in the middle with a snapping closure. The lip around the seam of the bags includes a rubber gasket and works well to keep out rain. If you’re not into hard bags, SHAD also offers a variety of soft luggage, including tankbags. But for a lot less money than a new sport-tourer, the SHAD system turned my Bandit into a real pavement pounder.
6 Push the retaining clip through the hole in the screw and bend the ends.
8 Using the washers, M6 x 20 screws, and M6 nuts, attach the union pipe supports. You’ll need a 4mm hex key and 10mm wrench. Note: SHAD instructions picture this support bracket with the middle brace in the upward position. My fender eliminator didn’t allow clearance for this, so I installed it upside down, which still offers enough strength.
9 Connect the turn signal indicators and use the zip-ties to clean up the wiring.
10 Attach the side cases. First, tilt the bag and steady the lower portion of the case in the anchorage rod, and push forward until the notch in the bag connects with the hook on the support bracket. The internal mechanism locks the bag in place.
7 Install the upper portion of the right-side support bracket as in step #5. Remove the exhaust pipe screw, nut, and washer. Secure the lower portion of the bracket, spacer, washer, and locknut using a 1/2" wrench and 5mm hex key.
11 Disconnect the bag from the bracket by lifting the inner portion of the handle with the key in the unlocked position.
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To open the bag, lift the handle and the springloaded lever on the handle. Pivot the flap forward and upward to release the lid.
Before you ride, it’s a good idea to lock the bags shut, to keep them from accidentally popping open. (Though this didn’t happen to me on my fully loaded test run.)
Attach the top case support using a 6mm hex key with the M8 x 85 screw and washer over the full kit side case support in the rear.
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The bag can be locked to the bracket without being locked shut. Shown on the bottom here, the bag is locked to the bike, but the lid can still be opened. Shown on top, the bag is completely unlocked.
The top case attaches to the Bandit with the top kit supports shown here with included hardware.
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21 Use a 5mm hex key with the M8 x 75 screws and spacers in the forward area.
22 Repeat steps 21 to 24 on the other side.
With the side cases off, remove the stock forward bungee point spools with a 6mm hex key.
A lower, internal “shelf” and elastic bands also makes loading easy and secure.
15 The color plates just screw on with three small Phillips head screws.
19 Then remove the screw and washer that we just used to install the side bag supports in the grab rail area.
23 The top case comes assembled with the plate that attaches to the supports. You need to unscrew these three screws to remove the plate. Save these screws (arrows). RoadBikeMag.com RoadBike March 2011 91
28 24 Use the four screws and washers that came with the supports to attach the metal plate to the supports.
To attach the top case, make sure the key is turned to the release position. Pull the springloaded mechanism back while fitting the case to its mounting points. Turn the key to lock the case in place.
32 For around town, I may just use the top case and leave the side cases at home.
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25 Then attach the plastic cover back to the plate with the three saved screws.
The top case can be left locked or unlocked while secured to the support bracket. To open the lid, make sure the key is in the open position. Push the button until the handle pops out. Then squeeze the hidden tab to release the lid-locking mechanism.
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The color plate is installed by first drilling four holes in the lid using a 3mm drill bit.
33 Or I could leave the top case at home and use the side cases.
34 I can just as easily leave all the bags at home.
Use the four provided screws in the top of the plastic plate cover to tighten it down.
27 This plate serves as a tool-less, quickconnecting point for the top case. 92 March 2011 ď€ RoadBike ď€ RoadBikeMag.com
31 Fit the color plate tabs into the slits on the top of the lid and secure it using the four screws provided.
35 Now the Bandit is a true sport-tourer, ready for long-distance touring. RB