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TL/DR: If you’re getting Shad luggage for your 6th gen VFR, you need to get a top case if want to build a tail rack, their soft side luggage system won’t work on the 6th gen VFR, and you’ll want the side opening hard cases if you’re running a top case too. Also, be prepared to add some extra signal lights. I recently bought a full set of Shad side case racks, top rack, and soft saddle bag supports. My initial intention was just to get the racks to make for better tie down points for soft luggage that I already had. Ultimately, due to the fit of the racks to the 6th gen VFR specifically, and after one frustration after another, I ended up getting hard side cases and a top case. Before I get into, I want to clarify that although I hit a number of frustrations with Shad’s products, I am ultimately very pleased at the final result. It still isn’t perfect, but life is full of compromises. I chose the Shad rack system largely because the previous owner of my VFR installed a fender eliminator, and the Shad system was the only system I could find that didn’t seem to use the stock fender as a mounting point. As a result of this design, I feel it’s one of the more inconspicuous rack designs, especially the side racks. I’m coming from a position of making my VFR a more capable commuter, and the occasional long-distance sport-touring. I run smaller saddlebags and a largeish, but far from massive sized sissy bar bag on my other bike, which has proven invaluable in general usability of the bike. I did run a large tail tunnel bag on the VFR for long time, but mounting and dismounting, although far from difficult, was kind of tedious. Additionally, I didn’t have any storage options other than a backpack and a tank bag if I ever took my wife for a ride on the VFR, since the tunnel bag mounts over the passenger seat. I also was leaning towards soft luggage in consideration of lane splitting. Soft saddle bags tend to be slimmer, and in the off event that I a bag rubs against a car (we are talking about CA drivers here), it less like to cause significant damage to the car, and the bags will most likely be unscathed. Unfortunately, with the way Shad’s racks fit the VFR, soft luggage isn’t really an option without some fabrication on your own. Top case/rack: Starting with the top case racks, they’re more like mounts… The top case mounts replace the grab handles beside the passenger seat, as two separate, larger, looped grab handles, with mounting points for a Shad top case. The mounts don’t connect at the rear to form a rack, and you’re pretty much required to buy one of Shad’s top cases, which come with their respective platforms. Shad cases utilize two different sized platforms, depending on which case you have. It is possible to order one of the platforms by themselves, to complete the whole rack assembly, but I went ahead and went full tilt and ordered their expandable 58X top case, which is excellent. Soft bag supports: I also ordered the soft bag supports, but what I didn’t realize when I ordered them (nor was it clearly shown by Shad), is that the supports mount to the TOP case racks, which run along side the seat, and over the turn signal light housings. It is IMPOSSIBLE to mount the soft bag supports on the 6th gen VFR. Further, the soft bag supports are cut to fit only on the top case racks, and do not fit on the side racks. So, ultimately, you’ll have to use Shad’s hard cases all the way around for the 6th gen VFR. Side Cases: I went with the Shad SH23 (top opening) side cases, trying to keep the overall profile of the bike as narrow as possible. I also prefer saddlebags that open at the top as opposed to the side for ease of loading/unloading. Unfortunately, the top opening cases are partially impeded by the top case (at least for the wider top cases). There’s enough flex in the plastic, where you can work the corner around the top case to open and close them, but it did make me scratch my head at the lack of polish. Brake Lighting: I did buy the additional LED brake light that mounts under the top case to compensate for the partial obstruction of my tail/brake lights. I also replaced my running/brake lights with LEDs. The Shad brake light is not a running light, and only comes on as a brake light. Also, it’s not really all that bright. It’s visible in daylight, but they’re more on par with the brightness of the stock incandescent running/brake light bulbs. I’m glad I bought the extra lights, but by simply changing the stock tail light bulbs with LEDs’ would probably be sufficient to compensate for the obstruction from the cases. Turn signal lighting: The side cases mount in such a way that they completely obstruct the turn signals from the sides of the back, and are really only visible if you are completely behind the bike. Admore lighting has some lighting solutions for some of Shad’s top cases and side cases, just not the cases I bought. Most likely I’m going to order a pair of LED strips to mount on the sides of the side cases, and splice them in with some sort of quick disconnect wiring rig. I’m also going to replace the both the front and rear turn signals with LED’s sooner rather than later. I planned to replace all the stock bulbs with LEDs as they burned out, but in the essence of safety, I definitely want to prioritize visibility since the cases significantly impair the turn signal light visibility. I plan on making an overview video in the near future, and will add it to the thread for reference.

I apologize if this has been covered, but I'm having difficulty finding answers about the VFR1200 trunk/top case. I ordered the OEM rear carrier hoping that I could install my Givi case, but they do not appear compatible. A few questions, if I may: 1. Is there an adapter plate that would allow install of a givi case on the OEM carrier? 2. Regarding the OEM trunk/top case, how does this mount to the carrier? I do not have an OEM top case to look at, and I'm having trouble picturing how it attaches. Is an adapter plate of some kind required here as well? (Photos of rear carrier/base plate and underside of OEM trunk would be appreciated) 3. I've read that a larger (45L instead of 31L) OEM trunk is available. Does anyone know where I may source one without paying an arm and a leg? 4. Are there any surprise duties/taxes/fees when ordering items from Europe from here in the States? Thank you in advance!

Hey 5th Gen folks, Does anyone recognize the rear rack in the attached image? I'd like to learn what make/model it is. I like traveling with just a top case, and my Givi Wingracks are very clunky looking and overbuilt for non-saddlebag rides [The Wingracks are great when using the saddlebags, though]. The rack in this image has an attractive, simple design - perfect for a topcase-only trip. I'm envious of the 6th Gen guys and their externally accessible grabrail mount points - it's so much easier for them to bolt a simple rack on. [This image was originally posted by Auspanglish - I culled it from the puzzling, infamous, and strangely magnetic thread "Unleashing 5th Gen Factory Power + DMr + Thurn MS"]

On both my old VFR's I had full luggage sets but I found that the one piece that got the most usage was the topcase. I like the look of the OEM topcase, but there is no way in hell I am spending ~$900 for that and the mounting kit. I have looked at the Givi setup, but I do not like the way it looks. It sticks up and back too far and it looks like it will break too easily. Such as this: I only know of a few case manufacturers (Givi, Kappa, & Shad) but what I am hoping to find is a 35 liter topcase that I can put my helmet in at least and not look like a waiter with a serving tray.

Yes, I'm aware of the long discontinued Givi Wingrack Y143 for the 3rd gen VFR but those seem to be nearly non-existant and ugly as sin without the hardbags. Has anyone modified a set of 6th gen hard bags to work on a 3rd or 4th gen? I'd like to see what you have and details on mounts if possible. I'm looking for something better than the soft side bags I have now. Share with the group what you have please. I'll start I HAVE NO HARD BAGS

Can anyone enlighten me to what in the world this rubber strap that came with the OEM rear carrier is for? I figured out where it attaches to the top at, but not where it straps to. What are the horizontal holes for between the top and bottom of the mounting rack? What about the rubber grommets that fit in the round holes? Sadly, looks like Honda built in some features and then only provided a single exploded view for assembly, leaving out any description of how to use this stuff! Rubber strap location (where do I strap it to and what is it for?! Round hole through the carrier, kit included rubber grommets for this hole, which I fitted. What is it for?

looking for new or used 08L55-MCW-170 Seems it's sold out from all dealerships, is there anyone that might be able to help me find one? Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

Hey guys, So I just picked up an OEM top case for my bike and would like to add the backrest to it but I am having trouble finding it online. Any ideas of where I can pick one up?

Just got my 6th gen solo rack in the mail the other day and mounted it up. I can't recommend it enough to those that are looking for a top case rack. KanadianKen is a top notch guy and he delivers a top quality product, and wicked fast to boot. I'll try to get some non-crapphone pics in the near future and post up for reference. Good stuff, thanks again Ken!