We’re going to talk more about the stuff we use in our biking lives – stuff we use day in, day out. Stuff that gets hammered by mother nature, continued use and bears the scars of oodles of wear and tear. We hammer a lot of stuff and it’s time to tell you how it’s doing!
For a while now I’ve been using the SH59X top box from SHAD. Top boxes have never been high on my agenda I must say, but after struggling for longer than i care to remember with transporting cameras, laptops, waterproofs and more I thought it was time to give one a go. And you may as well go big or go home as they say. So I did.
I’ve taken the SHAD panniers off the CFMOTO 650MT (That come as standard) so as not to steal the limelight from the cavernous expandable top box. The SH59X boasts 58 litres of storage, is waterproof and impact resistant. This I know to be true. Because I dropped it! Contents and top box intact, apart from a few scuffs. Doh!
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Buy the box, then buy the extras…
The box itself has an RRP of £288.99 and I opted for a few extras, too. The fitting kit specifically for the CFMOTO 650MT (RRP £87.99) and the backrest kit (RRP £68.99). These were relatively easy to fit. The fitting kit is installed by simply removing the seat and the current grab rail structure, replacing it with the robust black powder-coated SHAD mounting system. The backrests need a bit of drilling action to fit – but SHAD have a very decent YouTube video which holds your hand when you start to butcher your new top box. The result is great – very secure, both top box and pillions, who have admitted to a more relaxing ride knowing their backs are supported and they won’t disappear off the rear..
I like the look the backrests give to the box as well. Very smart indeed, SHAD!
Does it do what it says on the tin?
SHAD claims this box will comfortably hold two helmets. It certainly swallowed up mine (medium) and Mrs L’s (small) – with room for more stuff in there, too. See the photo below, it’s off to work we go with a laptop, diary, pens, notebooks and other paraphernalia. And a lid. And still room for more. If you don’t want the top box on it’s also very easy to take off. Simply turn the key to the removal position, pop the latch and unhook it from its base and away you go. Putting it on is as easy, too.
It’s a whopper. What’s it like to ride with it?
This is where I thought I’d find a flaw in this new found practicality, but no! Not sure whether it’s the bike’s screen, my post-birthday increased protective ‘width’ or SHAD’s streamline design, but even when rammed the box did not seem to affect the ride. Knowing that all my belongings were safe, protected from the elements and not hanging from my shoulders in a heavy rucksack makes for a nice, relaxing ride, too.
Slimming it down
The beauty of this beast is you can make it slimline, if you don’t need its full capacity. Dropping it down is as easy as popping the two red latches inside – and job done.
Still lots of room once you’ve dropped it down yet a more svelte appearance. Good if you have less in and don’t want it rattling around so much.
Summary
It’s robust, highly practical, easy to install and looks very smart, too. I’m about to pop my SHAD panniers back on – the bike will look like I’m about to embark on a European tour and you know what? With the amount of carrying capacity I now have at my disposal I probably would be able to comfortably do that. Am I now a motorcycle luggage fan? I have to say, yes! I’ll keep you posted on what else I’m transporting. I just KNOW that someone’s going to send me for lots of pizza…
For more information on SHAD products take a look, here
#morebikes #morekit #SHAD #topbox #luggage #reviews
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