Shad, the Barcelona-based manufacturer of motorcycle side and top cases for street and ADV bikes, seats, and phone holders, has introduced its first expandable side cases. Our testing has revealed the new Shad SH38X expandable side cases are quite nice and boast new functionality.
I reviewed the Shad SH36 side cases two years ago on the Ultimate Motorcycling BMW R 1250 RS Project Bike. Since then, the Shad side cases have proven to be problem- and wear-free. I’ve ridden with the cases in heavy rain, and they have never leaked. They’ve been hit by rocks and kicked when getting on and off the bike. There are no cracks, crazing, bad seals, rock marks, or any signs of wear, and they are easy to use. The locking mechanisms operate like when new. The cases are still in service, hauling lots of gear on long trips. After a recent trip to Northern California, I washed the Shad SH36 cases off and gave them a spray of plastic cleaner. The result? They appear new again.
Now, let’s explore the all-new expandable Shad SH38X side cases, and the engineering artistry and functionality those Spaniards have conceived. While the SH36 side cases were ne plus ultra compared to the OEM panniers, the Shad SH38X expandable side cases are next level and my new favorites.
The Shad SH38X cases expand 40 percent from the standard position, increasing capacity from 28 to 38 liters when they slide out 2.75 inches on each side. That’s enough to fit a modular helmet. All it takes is opening three internal tabs, pulling out the telescopic section, and then closing the tabs. No tools or broken fingernails are required.
Expandability comes from a unique tension cable system featuring four incorporated guides inside the case’s frame. Shad calls this Dynamic Tensegrity. The term “tensegrity” is a portmanteau of “tensional integrity” created by inventor R. Buckminster Fuller about 60 years ago. It combines continuous tension and discontinuous compression to create a stable structure. It’s a fairly complex concept employed by organizations such as NASA, but I’ll just call it brilliant. I appreciate the flexibility it gives me when carrying smaller loads, allowing me to shave 5.5 inches of width off my backend.
The concept debuts in Shad’s lineup with the SH38X cases. The way it’s designed to operate and the new Premium Smart Lock system for attaching the cases to the mounts is a brilliant setup. The SH38X cases will likely cause the retirement of my SH36 units.
On the Shad models I’ve previously reviewed, the key had two positions— fully locked (case cover and mounting) and open to allow the case to be opened and/or removed from the bike. The new Premium Smart Lock has three positions—fully locked, unlocked, and removal/installation. Removal is accomplished via a new little handle sculpted into the top corner of the case.
This means I can ride with the cases unlocked, as I often do, yet they can’t be removed from the bike without the key. I consider this a sweet new feature that, frankly, I had never thought of.
The Shad SH36X cases are designed to work with Shad’s 3P mounting system. An adapter makes them compatible with the Shad 4P mounting system found more on adventure-type bikes. The sport-touring Ultimate Motorcycling BMW R 1250 RS Project Bike has the 3P mount, so off went the SH36 cases, and on go the SH38X replacements without a hitch. Once a 3P or 4P rack is installed, the cases mount and dismount in seconds. Check the Shad website’s Shop By Make/Model page for compatibility with your ride.
Another useful design feature is a shelf at the bottom of each SH38X case so your stuff doesn’t fall out upon opening. Shad isn’t the only manufacturer with a case shelf, though many don’t. The Shad SH38X employs a double channel frame with rubber seals to ensure water resistance. Due to a lack of rain, I gave them an aggressive hosing and found no water ingress.
Two keys are included, plus an extra matching cylinder lock. If you have a compatible top case from Shad, install the bonus cylinder so one key fits all three cases. The maximum recommended load is 22 pounds per case.
Instead of the ubiquitous X straps one sees across most pannier openings, Shad has an elasticized net across the opening at about half-height. It’s doubled up to form a place to separate stuff from other stuff and is easily removed. It is more useful than it might sound, and far nicer than any X straps.
The Shad SH38X cases’ optional Expandable Inner Bags ($61/pair) are the best-constructed liners I’ve seen from any manufacturer and have the most functionality. Just as the panniers are expandable, so are the inner liners, which have a second perimeter zipper, much like many expanding suitcases. The bags have an inner X strap/buckle system to help hold down items and a mesh cargo net/pocket in the cover, allowing for the separation of items requiring such packing. The outer chassis is dense poly, with a smooth, lightly padded poly lining. A carry handle and detachable shoulder strap are included with each bag. These liners give me more latitude than I have ever expected from an inner liner.
There is plenty of room for a large-size modular helmet, even with a communicator unit attached. Stashing your helmet in a side case for a stop on a day ride is highly convenient. If you want to store a modular helmet in the Shad SH38X case on an overnight ride, you’ll have to pack lighter and leave plenty of room for it.
It’s worth noting that the Shad SH38X expandable side cases look great and are far nicer than the smaller and more expensive OEM accessory side cases. When I rode up to meet Editor Don Williams for a photoshoot, the first thing he said was, “Those are cool bags.”
We went with the standard faux Carbon Fiber styling ($550/pair) to match the RS’s Storm Black Metallic paint scheme. The Silver option, which looks more like aluminum, adds another $100. Keep in mind that if you don’t have a mounting system, you’ll be spending another $137 to $360, depending on the bike.
My experience with Shad’s products is that they are the complete package for serious (and not so serious) travelers who want well-designed, reliable, full-featured storage, come what may, and at a great price. With their novel expandability, the all-new Shad SH38X side cases only enhance that perception.
Photography by Don Williams
