Shad top case using Shad mount

[peterbulgar]

The corporate jackals where I work have decreed that I must take my laptop home with me every night, so I'm in need of a top case for secure transport of said computer. A quick search of the forum reveals that several members have and are happy with the Shad top case in various sizes. However, fixing the Shad universal mount to the stock BMW rack does not seem to be a straightforward install. I see that a customized cutting board is popular for this purpose, but I'd like a turn-key solution. Has anyone used the R1150R specific Shad mount? It's pricey at $68, but if it works well and installs quickly, I might go for it.
Thanks,
Peter '73 R75/5, '04 R1150RA

[hank]

Hi Peter,

I copied this from one of my earlier posts, I found that the large top box needed extra support.

For proper stability you need something like the Givi SR683 carrier brackets, the top plate is specific to givi boxes and wont be of use to you but the brackets fit behind the pannier rails and the top brackets replace the parts that your chopping board is mounted to. This setup adds some support to the rear of the top box mounts and makes the whole set up stronger and more stable.




I have been using this same set up with a Shad 48 litre top case on my bike for the past three years , just had to drill the Shad mounting plate to corrospond with the holes on the Givi top brackets.


Hank.

I hope this helps solve your problem

[R4R&R]

My laptop fits nicely in my right side case with the city lids on. I guess it would fit in the left case too since I have the full sized case over there, but I usually keep my raingear and extra gloves in there.

I guess it depends on the model/size of your laptop. I have a Dell Lattitude D620, and in my backpack, it has plenty of room in there.

[peterbulgar]

Thanks for the replies. If I go the top box route, I'll look into those Givi struts. My old laptop in its padded case did not fit in the BMW system case, but my new laptop is a Dell 620 with a Dell case and I haven't tested it yet. I'd hoped to avoid using the system cases on my commute since I live in CA and sometimes split lanes, but since I already have the system cases that may be the best solution.

I just returned from a trip to Alaska with three other guys, all of whom have top cases on their bikes. I've never liked the looks, but they sure are convenient.
peter '73 R75/5, '04 R1150RA

[hank]

Using the system cases with the standard lids shouldn't cause any problems when lane splitting as they are no wider than the handlebars.

Hank.

[pdiamond]

I also thought that standard cases were no wider than the handlebars - until I scraped a car with my bags while my bars fit quite nicely. The car owner was very nice - did his own repair work and charged me only a few $$ for parts. But I would advise all to be very careful about the width of those bags!!

[Buckeye Beemer]

I am not sure what you were looking for in the Shad cases but the 46 liter was just fined. Have the 15 inch Mac Pro in a well padded case. The Mac was never truly happy travelling in the starboard sidecase...it ended up getting some damage. The topcase works great. Good luck.

Larry