BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hi, I am looking to purchase a Shad SH50 top case but they offer 2 different mounting brackets. One is for the older model of RT (2009-2013; W0RT19ST) and one is for the newer models (2014-2017; W0RT14ST). The mount for the newer model requires you to drill into the rear rack, something I would not rather do if possible. The mounting kit for the older model does not require drilling. So my question is are the rear racks the same? Would I be able to use the old mounting kit on my 2015 RT?
thx!

Both racks fit all models of OEM top box.  Aftermarket stuff, anybody's guess.

I would assume both rear racks are the same, seeing that the OEM cases fit those years. Perhaps Shad just made an improvement with the newer type of mount.  Will try to phone Shad and get some clarification.

Could it not be the case that the difference between the two racks is how they fit onto the bike, rather than how the case fits onto the rack?

Quite possibly yes. That is a great point as perhaps underneath may be different, therefore requiring the different mounts.

Talked to the Shad rep. and didn't really get the answer I was looking for. I think I will go with the newer mount and drill the required holes. That way I would know it is secure going forward as well that is the way a few others here on the forum have done it with excellent results.

mitcher16 wrote: Hi, I am looking to purchase a Shad SH50 top case

Why?  The quality of those things is awful!




:-\

That's what they call product knowledge.  And why Shad, it's not good and is really designed for scooters.

richardbd wrote: Why? The quality of those things is awful!
:-\

that interesting, why would it be awful compared to any other case? Because it does not have a BMW logo on it? I have read dozens of reviews from many online retailers and people have stated the quality is excellent. Shad also makes 'original-equipment' items for several manufacturers, including BMW, Honda and Triumph (as so stated on their website).
Regardless, for the 2 trips a year I would need a top box, I will now have a matching one with the space I wanted all for under $400 CAD. Excellent deal in my books.

Their website said Shad is a brand owned by somebody called NADSL.  It's then that apparently are involved in BMW kit.  Not the same thing I would suggest.  Showing a picture of GS panniers on their site is taking the p......

mitcher16 wrote: ..... interesting, why would it be awful compared to any other case? Because it does not have a BMW logo on it? .....

I have a BMW top box on my new R1200RT and I have a Shad top box, which I had on the back of a Z750 some years ago, sitting in the garage too. While I'm happy to defend my purchase of the Shad - it did the job - the difference in quality is obvious. I think the Shad would look completely out of place on the BMW, but it did cost a small fraction of what you have to pay for the BMW item.

gogs01 wrote: ...While I'm happy to defend my purchase of the Shad - it did the job - the difference in quality is obvious...

Exactly!!


Why anybody would spend £15,000+ on a bike and then think it's smart to save £200 by putting a crappy piece of sub-standard plastic on the back is genuinely beyond me.


It is undeniable that a Shad box is cheaper than a BMW one.  It is also undeniable that it is inferior.

richardbd wrote:
Why anybody would spend £15,000+ on a bike and then think it's smart to save £200 by putting a crappy piece of sub-standard plastic on the back is genuinely beyond me.

It is undeniable that a Shad box is cheaper than a BMW one.  It is also undeniable that it is inferior.

Well you sure like to give your opinions. Who would have known I would have received so much constructive feedback from you for asking a simple question about a rack. I guess only I would know the answer to your question as to why I would put a crappy piece of plastic on my bike.

mitcher16 wrote:
Well you sure like to give your opinions. Who would have known I would have received so much constructive feedback from you for asking a simple question about a rack. I guess only I would know the answer to your question as to why I would put a crappy piece of plastic on my bike.

I'm genuinely curious about the reasoning.  The difference in price between even a crazily expensive, giant 49l BMW box and a low-cost after-market alternative is less than 2% of the cost/value of the bike.  The difference between a BW 28l box and a Shad one is less than 1% of the value of the bike.


The RT is a fabulous bike.  It can also be a really good looking bike but whereas a GS can look great with any old junk strapped to it, the RT is a bike that can be easily made to look unwieldy and ugly.


All this fitting of extraneous scaffolding and cheaper luggage just seems like a false economy to me...

I would get a Givi top case.