Despite being a sport bike, the Honda CB650R can easily be converted into a sport tourer with the simple addition of SHAD motorcycle luggage.

Amongst their extensive line of motorcycle luggage, SHAD have options that maintain a sporty aesthetic whilst supporting the storage needed for a long-distance trip. It is important to know which cases are capable of doing so and that is precisely what we have assessed.

Why Choose Honda CB650R?

Honda’s CB650R is one of their best selling motorbikes and it is clear to see why. A direct replacement for the outgoing CB650F, the naked CB650R has been completely stripped to offer a retro style on a modern motorcycle and become one of the best looking middleweight sport bikes money can buy.

Honda have described the CB650R’s aesthetics as “less is more” but that is certainly not the case when it comes to its performance and other features. With a four-cylinder engine, lightweight suspension and high quality brakes that prevent wheel lock when hard-braking and downshifting, the CB650R provides power with control and is capable of both strong acceleration and agile mobility.

Why Consider SHAD Motorcycle Luggage?

SHAD offer a line of motorcycle luggage that often offers protection for your belongings with waterproof structures to mitigate the effects of the weather and locking systems to deter would-be thieves. Even with their cases that are not waterproof, SHAD have got you covered with the option or inclusion of their water-resistant covers and despite sharing similar features, their luggage still offers a much-needed degree of variety with a series of sizes and appearances.

Many Honda riders ignore other luggage brands in favour of Honda luggage in order to match their motorbike and while we cannot begrudge anyone that, they would be better served by SHAD. Their fitting kits are tailored to each motorcycle and can be used with various items of luggage, negating the need to buy new luggage when changing bikes. To compare, it is Honda luggage that is bike-specific, fitting to the motorcycle’s original racks and meaning a change of bike will come at the cost of new luggage.

In fact, Honda luggage is costly enough without having to fork out again for a different motorcycle. They charge significantly higher prices than the dedicated luggage brands, such as SHAD, and the reason for that is Honda branding. Their cases are not of higher quality and you are basically paying through your teeth just to have Honda logos.

Best Top Boxes For Honda CB650R

As mentioned previously, SHAD luggage boasts all of the features that are both necessary and desirable for transporting your belongings on a motorcycle and their top boxes are a fine example of this. The SH44 and SH47 in particular would be particularly effective with the CB650R and here is what can be expected of them:

Best Panniers For Honda CB650R

Sometimes motorcycle panniers are required either alongside a top box or as an alternative and SHAD panniers have got that covered. Their E48SR and SH23 panniers immediately come to mind and here is what they can bring to the CB650R:

Best Tank Bag For Honda CB650R

Tank bags are perhaps already the most convenient luggage option of all and that convenience increases tenfold with SHAD’s click system tank bags. Say goodbye to straps and magnets, the click system fitting kit is quick and straightforward to use and best of all, can secure a tank bag in seconds by simply slotting them into place.

It is not just convenience on offer, these tank bags come with rain covers, they are the only dual-locking tank bags on the market and are available with storage capacities of 3, 5 and 13 litres. All of the click system tank bags are compatible with the CB650R's arsenal and if you are struggling to nail down a choice, consider the level of storage space, the premium and pro versions’ extra locking and the expandability of the pro option.

Once you have a Honda CB650R at your disposal it is time to consider which luggage is going to accompany you on your journeys.

It is hard to look past SHAD luggage and all it has to offer. In fact, what more could you want other than waterproof protection, security and your pick of storage capacities and styles?