I’ll apologize up front for this lengthy post, but I wanted to provide as much information as possible.
I just installed Shad SH23 side cases on my 2020 Honda Rebel 500 with Shad’s 3P mounting system (they sell a kit that includes everything). I am very happy with all aspects of the bags – functional, easy to use and (in my opinion) look good on the bike. They are unnoticeable while riding.
I would like to mention up front that you will need to have the rear footpeg mounting bracket for the left side to install the 3P system. If you don’t already have a rear seat and footpegs, the solution is to buy the rear seat kit or, if you don’t want a rear seat, you can actually buy just the rear footpeg kit (cheaper than the rear seat kit). It is available on eBay and Amazon. I got mine from Amazon because of the quicker shipping.
Using the 3P mounting system, you can also mount SH36 cases which have more capacity (36L vs 23L) if you think you’ll need the extra space. Shad also offers a kit with the SH36 cases and 3P system.
I chose the Shad because I liked the design and wanted a quick release system. Viking has similar bag but (unless I’m mistaken) 1) you have to drill the bag, 2) the bag does have any sort of “handle” (Shad has a place to grip/carry the bag) and 3) if you want a quick release with the Viking, you have separate keys for the bag and the quick release mechanism. Shad only uses one key for the lid and the quick release mechanism is inside – also, Shad provides an additional [same-key] lock cylinder so that if you purchase (e.g.) a top case later, the same key will work for all three. Very thoughtful design. At this time, Givi does not offer a hard side case option.
The installation was fairly quick and easy. No drilling required. Here are a few things worth noting regarding the installation:
I just installed Shad SH23 side cases on my 2020 Honda Rebel 500 with Shad’s 3P mounting system (they sell a kit that includes everything). I am very happy with all aspects of the bags – functional, easy to use and (in my opinion) look good on the bike. They are unnoticeable while riding.
I would like to mention up front that you will need to have the rear footpeg mounting bracket for the left side to install the 3P system. If you don’t already have a rear seat and footpegs, the solution is to buy the rear seat kit or, if you don’t want a rear seat, you can actually buy just the rear footpeg kit (cheaper than the rear seat kit). It is available on eBay and Amazon. I got mine from Amazon because of the quicker shipping.
Using the 3P mounting system, you can also mount SH36 cases which have more capacity (36L vs 23L) if you think you’ll need the extra space. Shad also offers a kit with the SH36 cases and 3P system.
I chose the Shad because I liked the design and wanted a quick release system. Viking has similar bag but (unless I’m mistaken) 1) you have to drill the bag, 2) the bag does have any sort of “handle” (Shad has a place to grip/carry the bag) and 3) if you want a quick release with the Viking, you have separate keys for the bag and the quick release mechanism. Shad only uses one key for the lid and the quick release mechanism is inside – also, Shad provides an additional [same-key] lock cylinder so that if you purchase (e.g.) a top case later, the same key will work for all three. Very thoughtful design. At this time, Givi does not offer a hard side case option.
The installation was fairly quick and easy. No drilling required. Here are a few things worth noting regarding the installation:
- The instruction sheet has the parts list on the side with the SH36 instructions. Since the SH23 instructions are on the reverse side, I found it easier for me to “organize” and label the parts in one of the cardboard boxes while installing. Picture included.
- You replace the screws on the sides of the fender. The original screws use a 6mm hex/allen key to remove. The replacements use a 5mm.
- I may have been misinterpreting the instruction drawings (which seem to indicate mounting the 3P system on the “outside” of the footpeg/muffler support), but I found that it fit best with that mount point on the “inside” of the footpeg/muffler support.
- For the SH23, the installation indicates using the #3 spacers and the #4 screws on the fender connections. The SH36 instructions indicate using the #10 spacers and #9 screws. I found that the brackets aligned better using the #10 spacers and #9 screws on both sides for my SH23 installation (numbers are from the parts list). I might have been wrong, but everything seems to work fine.
- The 3P brackets come with plastic end pieces, but the SH23 cases come with different end pieces to enable the locking mechanism. There are screws to hold them in place. I suggest changing the end pieces before mounting the brackets on the bike. It’s just a little easier to get them on, aligned and screwed into place. I also found a rubber mallet to be helpful with positioning.