Kawasaki Z900RS - Shad Luggage and how to fit the pannier mounts.
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
- #shadluggage #z900rsluggage #kawasakiz900rsluggage #kawasakishadluggage
Skip the waffle 2:46
Shots of the luggage fitted in different combos 8:08
Fitting the pannier mounts 11:17
I know the Kawasaki z900rs isn't normally the kind of bike you put luggage on, but as I explain in the video my desires changed after buying the bike.
I was due to tour Spain this summer, expecting to cover 3500/4000 miles but for obvious reasons that's off. And there won't be anything other than day trips here in the UK. So I'm removing the Shad luggage system for the time being.
I have been asked about the luggage on several occasions, so decided to put a video together for anyone that might benefit from it. I know there was very little Z specific information out there when I was looking.
In the video I state that the mounting system takes 2-2 1/2 hours to fit. The day after shooting the video I dismantled the framework and realised that to fit the pannier mounts alone, is a 10-15 minute job. It's only really the top box part of it that takes more time. So I decided to re-edit the video, which makes it a bit choppy but I think its important to provide as much useful information as I possibly can.
Facebook:Saddlebags 73 (new page which I'm working on)
E-mail: saddlebags73@btinternet.com
I thought luggage wouldn't suit a RS but actually looks really good. Great content in there 💼👏🍻
Thank you! I don’t think the panniers look too bad on it 👍🏼
I prefer it with no luggage BUT the boxers actually look pretty good on bike. The shape sort of mimic’s the fuel tank. Looks like it’s a good match.
OG BB thanks! It’s all off now and looks a whole lot better for it 👍🏼
I like the side bags as they mask the huge void between the rear tyre and rear mudguard/fender. For a classic-look bike, this is the one flaw in the looks, since bikes of the 1970s had proper rear mudguards down by the rear wheel.
It is a big empty space. The bikes from back then also had twin shocks. Although I don’t mind the look, it’s a shame they rarely fit effective mudguards nowadays. Style is obviously more important than practicality.
Really good vid , thanks for taking the time to do , very helpful
Thank you, I’m glad you found it useful 👍🏼
I clicked on the link from your review. This vid answered my question. Looks pretty easy to pop them on and off. Heading up to Vermont in late June with the wife on the back holding on for dear life!!! thanks mate! :)
Haha I hope you both enjoy it. All the best 👍🏼
Yes.. you could use the racks and put soft luggage over the racks if you wanted big soft luggage. The racks left on also help protect it from dropping I would think. I like the engine guards you can fit on some highway pegs to engine guards. People that want huge soft bags can get a lower aftermarket exhaust.
Hi. You’re quite right, you could throw soft luggage over them, and I don’t doubt they would help protect the bike if it was dropped. I wouldn’t put those engine guards on personally, but it’s definitely an option. Thanks for watching 👍🏼
I bought the same system for my RS as well. Also had the same feelings...I have the 23 liter cases though. When the Cases are on it doesn't look too bad, but yeah, when you're not using them it's a shame to ruin the lines of the bike. So they're off. I may do small soft bags as well for day trips and install the hard cases for multi-day trips. Well done.
Soft bags make sense for day trips, definitely 👍🏼
Many thanks 😊
I intend to use my zed-rs cafe for light sport touring, its comfortable enough + its not a tank & handles much better then the 2 concours 1400’s & fjr 1300 iv owned in the past. Yeah if i was riding coast to coast the c-14/fjr/st honda’s ect ect would be better but for a 1000mi long weekend the Z’rs will do great! I enjoyed your video & may go this route 👍
Hi! Yes I agree. The Zed is a great all rounder and quite capable of touring. It still handles reasonably well with the luggage loaded too.
Thanks for watching, I’m glad you found it useful 👍🏼
Greetings from Torpoint mehht - this video is exactly what I was looking for!
Geddon! Nice to see a local 😊
Glad someone found it useful 👍🏼
@@Saddlebags73 I certainly did, bike looks great with the panniers on but the rails alone not great - but then I suppose you're on tour so it doesn't really matter. I think the bike's too pretty to leave the rails on if not regularly needed though
@@triv7252 I agree 100%. It’s all off for now. I was supposed to tour Spain back in August, and that obviously didn’t happen. I’ll remount the panniers as and when I need them, but probably won’t put the top box mount back on. The panniers and a dry bag across the seat should be plenty 👍🏼
@@Saddlebags73 yes definitely, some of those dry roll bags are huge. We'd like to go to Italy and take in the superbike round at San Marino in June but I don't think that will be happening this year - hopefully it will be OK for 2022
@@triv7252 yea it’s difficult to plan anything at the moment eh. I’m pinning my hopes on 2022 now. You never know though. Best of luck with your trip, it sounds epic.
Very informative clip. Thanks. I still think that it looks more than OK.
Hi, thanks for that. It serves its purpose and could certainly look worse 👍🏼
Top box has 'tongue and groove" (6:25) Great video thank you and bike looks terrific :)
Ah yes, thank you! Words often fail me.
And thanks again, I’m still smitten with the bike 👍🏼
Gawd, that's a pretty thing. Your choice of luggage is great as well.
Thanx,
S
Thanks S! I ended up removing the top box mount and just fitting the pannier mounts when needed. I think it looks ok as far as luggage goes 👍🏼
Well I think it looks tidy with the boxes on, yes it spoils the lines somewhat but it really adds versatility, we don't all need a GS...
I appreciate showing us the fitting at the end, it looks easier than an MFI wardrobe 😄 Does having luggage on introduce any shakes/wibbles/wobbles etc that you notice?
A top box on my CB back in the 90s gave me a vibey "is it gonna tank slap" feel that I remember vividly in a bad way.
Great vid and fine choice of bike, I really want one. 👍🖖
Hi, many thanks 😊
Yes the luggage transforms a toy into a capable tourer. And yes a lot, lot easier than a wardrobe 🤣 although the top box mounting system is a bit more involved. I’ve removed it all for now and will probably only put the panniers back on when I need them, and maybe strap a dry bag on the back if I need more space.
The bike rode perfectly with all luggage loaded. Of course it felt different, but nothing disconcerting whatsoever.
Yep, tank slappers stick in your mind don’t they! 🙈
Thanks again! 👍🏼🍻
Kawasaki z900rs is a splendid motorcycle!
It is the motorcycle that Kawasaki z900rs is splendid!
Ydr Tko I couldn’t agree more 😊👍🏼
Your Kawi is gorgeous!
Thank you! I’m smitten with it 😊
As you should be! I had two 900's when I was a kid; a '74 Z1 and a '76 KZ so my heart lusts after this scooter. One question pls: are you taking off the pannier mounting racks each time you don't want them on? How long does that take and is it very difficult? Thank you.
@@Saddlebags73 You know, I just got a good look at this set-up on my big-screen laptop, as opposed to my Android phone, which helped a lot. Disregarding the top box and it's mounting bracket, I was surprised how well the bike looked with just the pannier racks on, and no panniers attached. The racks almost blend in and disappear, to the point where you might not have to take them off when not travelling. If removal of the racks didn't take much effort, I probably would, but they don't spoil the looks so badly that it would be essential. That said, I also thought how the looks of the panniers and the top box would improve if the "Shad" badges were either removed and replaced with a similar "Kawasaki" label, or just covered over by such a decal or badge. That would make the bags look like Kawi items. That would be pretty cool. Also, the bike actually looks pretty good with the pannier bags mounted. Not even close enough to bad-looking to have to take them off any time they are not being used, unlike, in my opinion, the top box. I think the panniers and a soft bag that can be secured to the pillion section of the seat would do well. Have you got any good ideas on what kind of windscreen you might do?
@@Sladep123 I do remove the pannier mounts when I’m not using them, as it is only a ten minute job and I only use the cases occasionally. The top box mount is more of a pain to rig up and yes, quite unsightly. On a trip to Wales last year I found the panniers and a large tank bag sufficient. For bigger trips a dry bag across the back seat would be plenty.
Good idea on changing the badges, I hadn’t thought of that.
I’ve decided not to put a screen on it. As I’m fairly tall and the riding position is quite upright, I think the screen would have to be enormous to be of any use. I find screens cause a lot of buffeting and the clear air of the naked more comfortable.
Eventually I’ll probably end up with a bike designed for touring. I tried a friends Pan European and I could get used to that level of comfort and protection from the elements. But I can’t bring myself to let the Zed go, just yet.
Really good informative video 👍 I've gotta get some luggage sorted for the bonnie. Nice one buddy 👍
Helmet Head thank you mate! Luggage isn’t a good look for a bike, especially of this style. But it transforms its capabilities as you know 👍🏼
Another great video, that luggage system suits the bike too. I thought it would look a lot worse, keep up the great content
Thank you muchly!
For some reason, this along with several other comments aren't showing. I had to delve deep into the workings to find it.
So, if I don't reply to a comment, apologies but the chances are I haven't seen it.
@@Saddlebags73 Thats ok I have had the exact problem before, I think because I comment more than usual it thinks i'm spamming every video..... Have you got your settings on 'Hide possible spam comments' or 'allow all?' that seems to have fixed it on my end
Thank you so much. Very awesome video and I think I will get one now for my 2019 z900rs Cafe :-)
Hi! Thanks for that. I’m glad you found it useful. Ride safe 😊👍🏼
Great video, great shop!
Thank you 🙏🏻
Thanks so much for this information!
You’re very welcome 👍🏼
Awesome video bro. this way I have a lot better impression what the luggage will look like on my kawa. The sidebags look a bit wide however. I think the SH23 might look a bit better on a bike like this since they are less wide. What do you think?
Hi, thank you. Yes the 23’s are much more compact and if that’s all you need it’s the way to go 👍🏼
All the best!
what is the weight limit for the side and top box ?
and wwill the limit change if you ggo for only side or only top compare to all 3 boxes ?
by the way you choosing Nikita for your black Z9RS is a perfect fit
I have the yellow ball and call it Ronin because of the Kawasaki Ninja line up
Very informative video
Hi! From memory the weight limits are 5kg for the top box and 10kg each pannier, applicable in whichever combination is used. Details will be on SHAD website and probably best to confirm.
Oh I do like the yellow, very nice! Many thanks. Safe travels 👍🏼
@@Saddlebags73 thanks for the reply ride safe
You are correct, there is a weight limit, but I hate to think how much I’ve gone over it when touring.😂
@@marksimpson5218 likewise. Nothing has broken yet 🤞🏼
Hi! good video. Can you tell me is this a good bike to long travels? now i have a Yamaha FZ6 and i wonder to change with z900rs. Thanks
Hi and thank you! I find the Z900rs comfortable and have clocked up 360 miles in a day, and almost 1000 miles over 3 days. The riding position, seat etc are just fine. The only issue I’ve had from long journeys is fatigue from the wind, as it’s a fairly upright riding position and there’s no fairing, so travelling at 70mph for sustained periods can be tiring, for me anyway. I’m actually in the market for something better suited for touring 2-up, although the Z is quite capable, I imagine it wouldn’t be the most comfortable for a pillion.
Hope that helps. All the best 👍🏼
Really helpful video. 👍🏼
Thanks, I’m glad you found it so 👍🏼
I find once you get use to luggage, it’s a pain going out without it. Where do I put this etc,etc.
I agree. No doubt it spoils the look but it makes life easier 👍🏼
Hello my friend, Good job, as always. Please permission to use some images from this video in one of mine, mentioning you of course.
Hola amigo! Yes, please feel free 👍🏼
Great video mate. Looks good!
Many thanks! I’ve decided to leave the top box system off completely, and mount panniers when necessary. I can carry everything with those and a dry bag strapped across the seat.
Oh! Merry Christmas 😊👍🏼
@@Saddlebags73 Good choice! I do the same with with Triumph Thunderbird Sport unless I'm going somewhere where I need to lock up the helmet, then topbox on.
Hello again! May I ask you if the lateral cases reduce the passenger's space for the legs on the foot pegs? Thanks again!
Hi, I’m sorry to say I haven’t taken a pillion with the panniers on. But I’m certain there is plenty of room.
Great video dude ! Nice job
Stefan Feria that’s very kind, thank you 👍🏼
Hi Saddlebags,
This was a really good video; I enjoyed it a lot.
Did the folks from Shad or Kawasaki make any statement regarding maximum load you can put on the frame?
Thanks a lot and greetings from Germany.
Thomas.
Hi Thomas,
Thank you!
I can only find maximum load for the cases.
Top box 4kg max
Panniers 10kg each max
I hope that helps.
All the best from the UK 👍🏼
@@Saddlebags73
Thank you :-)
Ciao! Thanks for this video! It’s a great support for evaluating and mounting shad’s cases. Complimentis for the shhoting! So you do confirm there is no need to undo parts under the saddle in order to mount Just the lateral racks, do you? Thanks again
Hi there! Thank you, I’m glad you found it useful.
Correct, no parts under the saddle for the panniers. It’s really easy.
@@Saddlebags73 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!
@@ldisipio No, I don’t think it will. I could be mistaken. It uses the same mounting points as the grab rail. If the grab rail was between the pannier mounts and frame, it would be out of position at the foot peg 😕
Cheers
Really useful video, thanks. Do you know the total width across the panniers when fitted please?
I’m sorry to say I don’t have the answer to that. I didn’t think to measure them and I no longer have the bike 🫤
greetings from germany - have same bike ;-)
Hi 👋🏼 I admire your taste in motorcycles 👌🏼
What is the width of them when on the bike?
I’m sorry, I don’t know. I didn’t think to measure them and have since sold the bike.
Good video man keep safe catch you later
MrG1965 thank you very much, you too!
Did you do a vid on fitting the back box mount by any chance
No, sorry. It’s a little more in depth than the pannier mounts, but straight forward enough with the instructions. I would think Shad would have the instructions/diagrams available for download.
Классный мои и кофры
Ему очень идёт👍👍👍
Sorry I cannot read that, but thanks for watching 😊👍🏼
hi, can the panniers be fitted if the bike has the chrome grab rail. Will a helmet fit inside.
Hi. The panniers will accommodate full face helmets. I haven’t tried to fit the grab rail with the panniers but I’m quite certain it wouldn’t fit. The pannier rails use the same mounting points as the grab rail, and I think they would interfere with each other.
@@Saddlebags73 cheers for that mate.
You’re welcome 👍🏼
good video ! ^^)b .... not bad luggage! ~
Thank you! It transforms a toy into a capable tourer 👍🏼
I'm only three years too late.
It’s evergreen 😊👍🏼
How is the bike for 2 up riding , would you recommend it or not ?
It feels fine 2 up, but I have only made short journeys with a passenger, and she only weighs 8 stone. Although that’s on factory suspension settings. I’m sure if you stiffened the rear it would be fine for a heavier passenger. She said it was comfortable, but it’s the only bike she’s been on so nothing to compare it to.
@@Saddlebags73 Thanks for reply my wife is a little one to just under 5ft. she rides with me 75% of the time, I'm thinking of a new bike currently own since new 1983 SUZUKI GS750T czcams.com/video/PRH9zCwEhqE/video.html
@@CAPTLIEPS it’ll be fine with her on the back in my opinion.
I’ll check out your link, thanks 😊👍🏼
@@CAPTLIEPS looks tidy! I got you off the 13 subs 😉
@@Saddlebags73 Thanks, also added you, by the way I'm in CANADA !
Can your pillion ride even with the panniers installed sir?
Hi, yes there is still room for a pillion, with access to rear pegs 👍🏼
@@Saddlebags73 thanks alot!!! 😀
@@keytrixz you’re welcome 👋🏼
belle! ma la piastra del bauletto è un pugno nell'occhio!
Sono d’accordo al 100%
Pourquoi tuer le look rétro de cette moto ? Si besoins de bagages il faut acheter un T Max 😂
Parce que je voulais faire le tour de l'Espagne sur ce moto. Cela ne s'est pas produit alors maintenant les bagages sont retirés 🤷🏻♂️
我拥有cafe版，我也同样加了三箱，有兴趣的朋友可以看看
老王快看 thank you! I think.
@@Saddlebags73 加油，一切为实用而生。。
Not to be negative, but that bike is so not made for luggage. Buy a different style bike if you want to dress it. Sorry.
Brian Touchette you are 100% right. As I stated in the video, I had no intention of putting luggage on it when I bought it. But I decided I wanted some trips away. And I know a different bike would have made more sense, but couldn’t part with this one. So I had to adapt.
It’s all off now...so much better 👍🏼
Why would one want to stick to a particular style of bike, only because of luggage? In real life luggage come really handy if you really use your motorcycle, if you intend to travel somewhere, especially in the summer.