Shad Luggage INSTALLED on Z900RS Kawasaki

I bought a shad luggage system, I thought it might be helpful to show the installation process for this luggage, including some issues I ran into along the way. The luggage I chose was 23l top load side panniers and x58 top case for my Kawasaki Z900RS. Hope this is help to someone out there. Thanks for watching!
Previous Z900RS Videos:
• 2020 Kawasaki Z900RS F...
• Road Trip buying a Z90...
#kawasaki #z900rs #shad

[@glennstephens6416]

THANK YOU for creating this video. Your video is a lot more helpful than the instructions that Shad supplied. I just finished doing the same job to my 2021 Z900RS, and everything worked out perfectly.

[@kentuckyyankee]

Awesome thanks for watching!

[@nbrider7235]

I picked up my new 2019 Z900RS three days ago and really like it. I have the black one, I really wanted the green like yours but it wasn't worth paying extra for as I got my leftover black one for $4000 off MRSP. The hard part is going to be waiting for spring to ride it - it's winter in Canada now. Thanks for the awesome install video of the Shad luggage, it's what I'm going with as well. Ride safe!

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thanks! I actually wanted both black or green and honestly leaned towards black, but same thing I got a better deal on the green one, but still love it!

[@leviefrauim1425]

I like the Shad stuff- good quality cans but me, I think I'll do the Blaze saddlebag system again. Really like those bags. As soft bags, they're not as secure but easy on/off, plenty of storage, etc.

[@noelcrosbie4152]

Thanks for the awesome install video of the Shad luggage🏍

[@rds4629]

man Im not even sure if I'm going to get the topcase, but this video is awesome. I just have a regular z900 so maybe that's why directions were a little off.

[@Porsche996driver]

Great work there! 👌🏼 Thinking about this bike but 3 hard cases are a must for me on commute/tour. Have a BMW standard bike with similar setup. Usually I just have the top box to keep the bike narrow for filtering in SoCal. Cool that box expands bigger! Enjoy that beautiful Kawi Café-Tourer!! ✊🏽

[@kentuckyyankee]

I don't think you would regret getting one of these bikes I love mine! Thanks for watching!

[@NickDariusGolf]

Great video! Thanks. I'm gonna be buying a Z900RS soon and are looking at luggage options, this video was a great source of info

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thank you!

[@friedpork_owl]

Very nice Zed. Thank you for this I am looking at new luggage options and I want hard lockable side bags. This looks like a great option. 👍

[@kentuckyyankee]

I am really happy with this luggage, I haven't tried it in the rain yet, but seems to be good quality

[@Fonzie2612]

I installed the exact same topcase. And I had exactly the same experience installing it :D. funny to watch. I'm thinking about buying and installing the saddle bags the SH23s. nice video!

[@strshooter7399]

Solid video, great information. Thank you so much for this. Super job 🙂

[@CityNDN]

Liked and subscribed. looking into the Shad tour cases for my RS cafe. thank you for the great video.

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thank you! Over all my first impression of the luggage is good.

[@andrewedmond7738]

Really nice looking RS brother. Do like the colour coded fairing, sets it right off. Always good to have some carrying capacity, especially if the wife wants to go shopping!! Cool bike, cool video. Thanks mate.

[@kentuckyyankee]

I am posting a video on the fairing Sunday, the match wasn't perfect but not bad, unfortunately this fairing doesn't suit my needs so I'm taking a different route

[@marshallcollins8634]

So much for the ease of getting on like in your first video. I prefer the LTD seat. I have a 77 kz650 and the LTD seat keeps me on the bike.

[@philippep5924]

Beau travail monsieur , merci beaucoup 😉

[@gengta]

Cool…. Thank you for sharing. It’s beautiful 😍

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thanks for watching, love this bike!

[@LeonardoChiaratti]

Fantastic. Gorgeous

[@pipperthis7807]

Love it , my dream bike

[@TheMudslug]

Looks good. Nice job

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thank you!

[@josemontalvo4532]

I had a SheepSkin Seat Cover too. It eventually wore out. I love it though. It made riding very comfortable. It was on my Honda Scooter. Now I have 2022 Kymco AK550. Thank you for sharing the vid. I enjoyed watching. I’ll be getting Shad Top Box and Side Saddles very soon. Stay safe!

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thanks for watching, Shad luggage has been great would recommend to anyone!

[@lajostresser482]

Great video, thank you. I am thinking about getting the side S36 panniers, w/o the top box for my Z900RS. I am just not sure if I am handy enough to do the install myself.

[@aeror115]

Now the z900rs is ready for great adventures👍 Enjoy it Cheers

[@kentuckyyankee]

Exactly!! I can't wait!

[@okieiam7236]

Nice upgrade.

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thank you! I look forward to trying it out on a trip soon

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Thanks. Really appreciate this. :)

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thanks for watching

[@romesyoutubechannel5356]

That bike looks great.

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thank you!

[@pauljason2039]

Great detailed video.

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thank you! I installed oxford heated grips and a streetshield ex wind screen today video up in 2 weeks if you're interested

[@pauljason2039]

@@kentuckyyankee Absolutely. Sounds good.

[@calbee8233]

Great video. I’m looking at buying the 23’s and 48 top for my 2017 z900

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thanks! That would be a nice combination

[@summerforever6736]

looks good

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thank you!!

[@seniorrider9337]

Great video. I think the bags improve the looks due to filling the big hole between the rear tire and the bottom of the seat. Look at a 73 Z1 from the side and you will understand. The bags look good and certainly will be useful on a trip. Top box also. If traveling alone, the top box and side boxes will help support a tent, sleeping bag, etc. I am interested in the front headlight fairing. The snatchy throttle has been commented on by most every tester I have watched. I have an 1100 Yamaha Virago that when I first got it, it felt very snatchy and I started practicing precise and slow application of the throttle and now, 6 months later, it no longer feels snatchy. The Kawasaki snatchyness is caused a lot by the fueling and can be remedied by an ECM flash sometime later. But until then you can teach your wrist to be smoother and some of that snatchy feeling will be gone. Loved my Z1 in 1973 and would love to have one of these new ones also. Ride safe and enjoy the ride.

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thank you! Camping video coming soon!

[@brianw338]

senior rider: I have an 2018 RS and just had the ECU flashed. I’m glad I had it done. Big difference when getting back on the throttle. Smooth. Almost has carbureted feel to it now. Buy the way, I had a ‘76 KZ900 back in ‘76. Wish I kept it. Amazing bike. But I was young and ignorant.

[@seniorrider9337]

@@brianw338 Thanks Brian. My 73 was stolen in July 1976. I had 22K miles on it and had just had the head off to get a snapped exhaust pipe stud removed by EDM. I took the head off to deliver to the machine shop and the crosshatching was still prominent in the bores. And I rode that bike HARD! I had a new 84 Ninja also. What a difference in handling between the Z1 and the Ninja. Yep, wish I had them both still. I want an RS but can't justify two bikes at my age. 72 and hope to ride for 10 more years. Ride safe and enjoy.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Those are nice looking boxes and the install was tricky, but doable. Nice package!! Take care!!

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thanks Mike!

[@ldisipio]

Hello, many thanks for your video! it's very helpful to evaluate and mount the Shads! I really like your video 'cause they inspire me on what I could do with this fantastic bike! I'd like to ask you an opinion: do you think the Shad's lateral mounts for the luggage can be installed together with the passenger grab bar? Many thanks!

[@kentuckyyankee]

My guess is that it would but I recommend asking on some facebook groups to be sure. Thanks for watching!

[@PappyfromtheKeys]

That was a definite "Whoops" on the part of SHAD in that there is interference with the side case covers and top box. Other than that....I like them and they look simple to install..

[@kentuckyyankee]

They have been very handy! Love the look of the bike without them but they are sooo useful I have left them on.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Great video, is it possible to use only the side rack and not install the top case rack until you go touring?

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thank you. Yes, I think it is possible

[@sfzx54]

Hey KY that looks pretty good! Just wondering if you have had occasion to see if the saddlebags are water tight in a good rain?

[@kentuckyyankee]

I have traveled though rain for several hours, so far so good but it wasn't a heavy rain the whole time

[@squizzytaylor]

Thank you Benjamin, More luggage space than I would ever need, I run a shad 39 only when required. What was the fitting time roughly for the top box firstly and the panniers please mate. I can see the benefits but I feel it’s not that much in keeping with the aesthetics of the bike.

[@kentuckyyankee]

First time installation maybe 1 hour. Everything is easily removable except the framing. I plan on traveling with this bike, when not traveling, I can remove the extras

[@sirskyrage]

how do you like it after 3 years? looking to get some side cases for my regular z900 and the shad 3p system looks like the best option because it looks easy and very discreet without the boxes. also beautiful bike you got there 😍

[@candidoalcantara6718]

thanks nice video

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thanks for watching!

[@candidoalcantara6718]

very helpful video

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Cool.. looks nice with luggage. Did you look at the GIVI Monokey system? I was thinking also using some big Giant Loop soft bags for long trips with dry bags I side. Having some panniers brackets on the sides will also help keep soft bags from flopping around. 👍

[@kentuckyyankee]

I have Givi soft bags on my z400 I personally prefer the hard cases, everyone is different. I feel like my stuff is a little more secure in the hard cases

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

@@kentuckyyankee I just like the pannier frames and probably would have both types. The frames will keep things firmly in place 👍 Can even use pannier frames to mount heat shield for letting me dual sport bikes with higher exhaust.

[@georgeburton339]

I have the same SH23 panniers, my Top Box is the SH33; it is matt black like the panniers and will hold a full face helmet. My windshield is a Puig Naked. I have bullet style turn signals I got from WeBike! in Japan; the rear OEM turn signals are too big for the SH23 panniers. I bought Daytona engine guards from WeBike! but they won’t work with the Kawasaki center stand. I like those engine guards because they mount to the frame and not to the motorcycle’s engine mounts. Unfortunately the lower mounting point is the same as the center stand, so both won’t fit. I am anal about chain maintenance so I have a center stand and no engine guards. The tie down spools that are removed to fit the panniers can be moved to the swing arm and used as rear stand spools.

[@eyemallears2647]

Shocking that shad didn’t tell you the paniers would hit the top box when opening.

[@lukamoon6094]

I’m looking to buy this for my 2023 rs, any long term things I should know about before purchasing?

[@d14a1s]

Thank you for video! Is this kit suitable for Z650RS?

[@kentuckyyankee]

I wouldn't think that it would fit a Z650RS but I'm not sure

[@camilosurinach9381]

Like the vidio, very much , nice bike

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thank you!

[@photographerjonathan]

What is the front wind screen fairing and where did you buy it ? and can you buy them in a solid color, thanks

[@kentuckyyankee]

I will have a video on it Sunday it is a puig, a company called pyramid paints them to match your bike

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*I want luggage that disappears when I don't need it and reappears when I do. Like Optimus Prime's trailer.* Dear, Shad. Make me a Cybertronian vanishing luggage set.

[@kentuckyyankee]

😂😂 Yep!

[@MaverickAus]

That's really poor of SHAD to not leave clearance between the topbox and the panniers to open. However it's clever the way the topbox lifts to make more room. I'd be curious to know how it holds up to pouring rain with it in the elevated position. Nice job on the video.

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thanks! I was a little frustrated that they wouldn't open properly, I also discovered the lock cylinder they send will not work either.😑 I will give updates on the luggage, I think it will shed water good, but we will see

[@papakubochan8838]

カッコいいね👍

[@felipetupinamba6048]

Excelente.... Estou comprando uma moto igual a sua.... 21/22

[@du-rron874]

How do the rear turn signals work with the side boxes? Any interference?

[@kentuckyyankee]

They are very close, one side almost touches

[@sfzx54]

One more question about these if you mount side cases only. No Topbox. Does it look like the side cases are going to interfere with the turn signals

[@kentuckyyankee]

They don't interfere with my turn signals but are very close nearly touching

[@miamisuncity1424]

Hi There You did great video and really helpful. Just I’m wondering about both cases,racks and mount Would you please tell me where did order ? And details. I greatly appreciate you

[@kentuckyyankee]

They are made by Shad Luggage, hope that helps I don't remember who I ordered them from

[@miamisuncity1424]

@@kentuckyyankee thank you so much for replying me .Do you have any model numbers?

[@kentuckyyankee]

@@miamisuncity1424 SH58X top box SH23 on side boxes

[@miamisuncity1424]

Thank you so much!!!! Drive safely and have a blessed day...

[@kentuckyyankee]

@@miamisuncity1424 You're Welcome

[@jackrutherford-1]

Should be able to carry plenty of gear, grub and beer now!

[@kentuckyyankee]

Yes sir!

[@kennypool]

Remember the extra width behind you when maneuvering in tight places. Caused me a bad day.

[@kentuckyyankee]

Thanks, I will be careful!

[@ScottMartinD]

Any idea how many pounds the Top Case case can carry?

[@willidevegt8831]

Sorry i wonder why you need such a big top box ? Is it not that the rack from the top box is rate for max 10 kg ?

[@MelloYellow510]

Can you do a review on that windshield?

[@kentuckyyankee]

Yes I will coming soon!

[@seaninness334]

@@kentuckyyankee yeah I'm not wild about the Kawasaki cafe cowl. It looks retro (too retro?) and it does have some appeal but not for me. I preferred something like what you have and am interested in hearing about it. BTW, I'm sure the sheepskin feels comfy, if not aesthetically pleasing.

[@francislareau2670]

Is the turn signals touch the boxes..?

[@kentuckyyankee]

One side does just barely touch the other doesn't

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

This bike is very useful in any sense, but it is up to the owner if he/she wants to use luggage on it.

[@kentuckyyankee]

Right I agree it can be used for touring, commuting, day cruising, it's the perfect machine for everything in my opinion

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@kentuckyyankee Agree.

[@dominikphilipp4234]

Hi KY: Why do you buy a luggage system without asking us first? 😉 Have fun driving!

[@kentuckyyankee]

Cause I'm a crazy dude! 😂😂

[@dominikphilipp4234]

@@kentuckyyankee Right you are! 😂

[@stevepovey2489]

Do you think you would get a 14" laptop in the side cases?

[@kentuckyyankee]

No I don't think so

[@stevepovey2489]

@@kentuckyyankee :-(

[@jerryhumphrey5533]

Any negative affects on the aerodynamics or handling with all three boxes on the back?

[@photographerjonathan]

I can't speak for how it would feel on this bike, but on a smaller bike the top box will definitely effect the feel of the handling or the balance, especially if it's full with something heavy. because it changes the center of gravity and makes the bike more top heavy.

[@robertmarsh3588]

Great video. Shame about those cases not being as compatible as they should be. I love the look of the Z900RS without cases but I've found such a configuration (on a ZRX last time) absolutely useless in the real world. My girlfriend won't go on the back, I cant use it to pick up shopping or leave a helmet in, so it just doesn't get used and I only ever take out a practical bike or scooter. ZRX got sold....

[@kentuckyyankee]

I can understand that

[@carloabdon5135]

Nope.

[@louisknickerbocker934]

why do you scream when you talk? is this the way you normally talk?hahah

[@kentuckyyankee]

YES!!!......😂😂

[@briantouchette8073]

What are you thinking, I have the same bike and would NEVER dream of S'ing it up with all that goofy nonsense. Use another bike for that. This bike was meant for performance and great retro looks for shorter, sportier rides. I like your vids, but I don't get this.

[@kentuckyyankee]

Everything comes off in minuites, I want to use it for traveling, when using it locally I could take everything off but the luggage framing.

[@LTLT900]

It looks horrendous. Im with Brian.

[@KB-yj5xp]

Everybody wants different things with their bike, the best part of a good ujm is that you can do virtually anything you want with them. What you find goofy works for him. I’ve put 40,000 km on my Z900rs so far and I don’t think there is a better bike out there that can tick any box you want it to.

[@robertmarsh3588]

Bike looks better without cases yes, but without those cases, in practice I'd never ride it. I got tired of just hopping on for a 1hr circuit many years ago, and all my rides get combined with a cafe/shopping stop and usually with a pillion. That means (as a minimum) a top case, or no trip.

[@tc106]

@@LTLT900 A sport tourer would probably suit him better. I had a FJR before before buying my z900rs. Sport tourers are fun and comfy. A FJ09 GT would be perfect for him. LOL, I get a kick out of his videos just the same.

[@stevesmith6236]

Way to ruin a great looking bike. Fugly add-ons!

[@GhettoSuguru]

Can the side luggage box fit a full face helmet' ?

[@kentuckyyankee]

No