HOW TO: Shad 50 Install

[CrazyBiker]

I finally received my Shad50 top case and FZ6 top master kit (rack). I've to say that I am damn IMPRESSED! Much better quality than the Givi's I've seen on my friend's bikes. Claudio@AdventureMotoUSA says that SH50 is currently the best top case in Europe and infact recommended me to get the Shad 50! He advised not to get the brake light kit as it mounts to the plate and is of no use being so close to the stock tail light. Comes with a back rest standard and the topcase and the kit together cost more than $50 lesser than the Givi E52 or V46. The rack is very sturdy and seems better and stronger than Givi rack.. It is the least instrusive also as it will work with any aftermarket exhaust since it is attaches to the grab rails. However installing the topmaster kit is a PITA. Pictures and instructions to follow:

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Here is how the rearend looks . Smokin!!
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Here is the pic with the seat removed. Next remove the top screws of the side pods with an allen head screwdriver. Remove the pods.
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[CrazyBiker]

Unscrew the lower grab rail bolts. Keep them aside as Shad provides longer ones. Retain their washers in place though.
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The difficult PITA part begins now, but Beer is the savior as always!
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Slide in the larger rack carefully without scratching the grab rail. I accidently put it upside down and while trying to figure out what is the issue I scratched mine . Anyway mine is scratched already so I am not worried.

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[CrazyBiker]

Use the plastic washers as described in the manual and install the smaller rack as instructed. Now trying to get all the bolts in place is a bitch mainly due to the welded counternuts in the part that attaches the upper portion of the grab rails. I had to bend one a little to get it to align right. The tolerances are extremely tight and I had to try multiple times loosening/tightening screws to get it right. Don’t tighten all the screws first. Tighten the lower bolts enough so that the grab rail compresses to the required alignment for the top screws but loose enough that you can slide the rack back and forth. Infact as I was tightening I could hear the welds on the counternuts snapping off; only after that the screws aligned with the counternuts properly. But since they will keep rotating while tightening, I pushed in different allen keys to arrest their rotation. Now install the screws for the top rack to secure it tightly to the lower rack. This is how it looks after install.
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Now comes the simple part. Follow the manual for the rest. You’ll only need the shorter screws from the supplied kit from the top case.

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[CrazyBiker]

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[brianlgarrett]

Nice write up. I've got the Yamaha factory top case, and I must admit the Shad looks to have a sturdier mounting plate. I tried contacting adventuremoto twice before getting the Yamaha case, they never returned my emails. Did you get good service/shipping with them? Looks like a good Givi alternative.

[CrazyBiker]

Originally Posted by brianlgarrett

Nice write up. I've got the Yamaha factory top case, and I must admit the Shad looks to have a sturdier mounting plate. I tried contacting adventuremoto twice before getting the Yamaha case, they never returned my emails. Did you get good service/shipping with them? Looks like a good Givi alternative.

I got great service from them. They always reply to emails in the evenings. However you can call them. Claudio there infact recommended me to get the Shad 50. I would definitely say a better, cheaper alternative to Givi and looks great too.