Origins: NAD, 1973

The history of SHAD is rooted in NAD, which was founded by Jaume Xicola Gascón in 1973 in Mollet del Vallès, near Barcelona, Spain. The enterprise began as a small workshop producing motorcycle seats for domestic manufacturers, with early clients including Derbi, MotorHispania, Moto Vespa, Montesa, and Sanglas.3

Throughout the 1980s, NAD broadened its partnerships to include subsidiaries of major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers operating in Spain, such as Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki. These relationships facilitated the company’s transition from a local supplier to a significant manufacturer of motorcycle components.4

By the 1990s, NAD had expanded its collaboration to international manufacturers, including Peugeot, MBK, and BMW. Its accumulated expertise in plastic injection moulding and component manufacturing eventually led the company to develop motorcycle luggage and cases.5

Creation of SHAD: 1992

In 1992, NAD launched the SHAD brand to enter the consumer aftermarket directly. While initially offering accessories for both motorcycles and bicycles, the brand evolved into a specialist in motorcycle luggage and equipment.6

The first SHAD top case featured a capacity of 22 litres and was accompanied by mounting systems tailored to popular motorcycle and scooter models of that era.7

This launch marked a strategic shift for NAD, establishing its own international consumer brand alongside its existing business supplying components to motorcycle manufacturers.

OEM development

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) activities have been central to the group’s growth. In the mid-1990s, NAD collaborated with BMW to develop and manufacture original-equipment cases, starting with a project for the BMW R1200C. The company subsequently supplied luggage and seats for numerous major motorcycle manufacturers.8

This OEM heritage distinguishes SHAD within the aftermarket sector. The company manufactures products for prominent brands including BMW, Triumph, KTM, and Honda, among others.9

SHAD’s identity is defined by motorcycle luggage engineered specifically around the vehicle. Rather than treating luggage as generic add-ons, the brand develops model-specific mounting systems, cases, and accessories designed to integrate seamlessly with individual motorcycles and scooters.

The company’s philosophy emphasises:

• Engineering
• Industrial design
• Functionality
• Innovation
• Quality
• Motorcycle-specific integration

Products are designed and developed at the Barcelona headquarters, supported by a production network that includes facilities in the Barcelona area and international manufacturing centres.10

The current SHAD catalogue extends well beyond conventional top boxes.

Top cases

Top cases remain SHAD’s most recognisable product category. These rear-mounted units are positioned behind the rider and include models such as:

• SH29
• SH33
• SH39
• SH42
• SH44
• SH46
• SH47
• SH48
• SH51
• SH58X
• SH59X
• TR41
• TR46
• TR48
• TR55

Catalogues in key Asian markets, for example, feature both the conventional SH-series and the adventure-oriented TERRA range.11

Side cases

SHAD produces side cases designed for pannier racks on either side of the motorcycle. Key families include the SH36, TR36, TR47, and the newer expandable SH38X side cases.12

These are particularly valued in touring and adventure segments, allowing riders to distribute weight across the motorcycle rather than relying solely on a top case.

TERRA series

The TERRA family represents SHAD’s adventure and touring luggage line, comprising:

• TERRA top cases
• TERRA aluminium side cases
• TERRA motorcycle bags
• TERRA saddlebags
• Adventure luggage

This range targets riders requiring enhanced durability and capacity for long-distance travel and off-road use.13

Soft luggage and bags

The brand offers an extensive selection of soft luggage, including:

• Tank bags
• Saddlebags
• Seat bags
• Rear bags
• Waterproof bags
• Scooter bags
• Rider bags
• Backpacks
• Leg bags

Current offerings include the TR40 Adventure Terra Saddlebags, TR30 waterproof saddlebags, SW42 waterproof saddlebags, and SR38 Cafe Racer saddlebags.14

Tank bags and Click System

A notable mounting innovation is the Click System, which enables compatible tank bags to attach securely to a dedicated tank ring. Designed for quick installation and removal, this system eliminates the need for permanent straps or magnets. Compatible models include the E02C, E03C, E09C, and TERRA TR15CL.15

Motorcycle-specific mounting systems

Mounting hardware is integral to the SHAD ecosystem. The company develops fitting systems for:

• Top cases
• Side cases
• Tank bags
• Backrests
• Locks
• Other motorcycle-specific accessories

Prominent systems include the 3P System and 4P System, which provide tailored mounting solutions for specific motorcycle models.16

SHAD positions engineering and design as core pillars rather than secondary functions. The development process combines Engineering + Design, with product creation strategically centred at the Barcelona headquarters.17

This approach has yielded distinctive concepts such as expandable cases, integrated mounting systems, and aluminium adventure luggage. A key example is the expandable luggage technology found in the X-series, which allows capacity adjustment based on rider needs. Current expandable models include the SH38X side case and the SH58X/SH59X top cases.

SHAD has received international recognition for product design, reinforcing its reputation as a design-led accessories company. Notable accolades include:

• SH36 — Red Dot Design Award, 2015
• SH58X — Red Dot Design Award, 2017
• SH36 — German Design Award, 2017

Later products, including TERRA cases and bags and expandable top cases, have also garnered international design recognition.

Although fundamentally a Spanish brand, SHAD operates internationally. The company reports a presence in more than 80 countries across five continents, with over 6,000 points of sale and annual production and distribution exceeding 2.5 million units.18

Its manufacturing network includes facilities associated with Barcelona, Jakarta, and Shanghai. Subsidiaries have also been established in Indonesia and China to support international expansion.19 This infrastructure is particularly relevant to Asian motorcycle markets, where SHAD maintains substantial distribution and manufacturing capabilities.

A significant strength of the NAD/SHAD group lies in its relationships with motorcycle manufacturers. OEM activities have included work for:

• BMW
• Triumph
• KTM
• Honda
• Yamaha
• Suzuki
• Peugeot
• Piaggio
• Aprilia
• Benelli
• Kymco
• Moto Guzzi
• SYM

Collaborations vary by manufacturer and product, ranging from seats and original-equipment luggage to other components.20 This background ensures products are designed to meet manufacturer specifications, distinguishing SHAD from purely aftermarket accessory companies.

It is important to distinguish between the two entities:

• NAD is the parent and manufacturing group, established in 1973. Its historical business encompasses motorcycle seats, OEM components, and luggage manufacturing.
• SHAD is the consumer-facing brand established in 1992. It focuses on the aftermarket, selling cases, bags, mounting systems, seats, and accessories under the SHAD name.21

In summary, NAD serves as the industrial parent group, while SHAD functions as the international motorcycle accessories brand.

SHAD combines centralised design and engineering with international manufacturing. While Barcelona operations remain vital for development and production, capacity in China and Indonesia supports the global supply chain. In 2023, approximately 70% of turnover-related production remained in Barcelona, supplemented by output from Asian facilities.22

This model differentiates SHAD from brands that outsource virtually all manufacturing, reflecting the group’s longstanding industrial heritage.

SHAD maintains formal quality and environmental programmes. The Quality Lab focuses on internal and external audits, continuous improvement, and product standards. Environmental efforts are promoted under the “We are doing green” initiative, covering resource management, waste reduction, and impact mitigation.

Additionally, the company has established the SHAD Forest, a reforestation and carbon-compensation project.

SHAD occupies a distinctive position in the motorcycle accessories market, spanning multiple categories:

• Traditional luggage manufacturer: Top boxes, panniers, and soft bags
• Motorcycle OEM supplier: Seats and cases for manufacturers
• Design brand: Internationally recognised product design
• Engineering company: Proprietary mounting and luggage systems
• Adventure/touring brand: TERRA and long-distance luggage products

This multifaceted identity stems from over five decades of motorcycle component manufacturing experience.

SHAD’s philosophy encompasses several key themes:

1. Function before decoration: Products address practical rider needs.
2. Motorcycle integration: Mounting systems are developed for specific models.
3. Design: Emphasis on aesthetics, ergonomics, and industrial design.
4. Innovation: Features such as expandable luggage, 3P/4P systems, and Click System tank bags.
5. Global engineering: Maintaining a Barcelona design base while operating internationally.

As of 2026, SHAD remains an established international motorcycle luggage brand under the NAD Group. Its portfolio includes traditional plastic top boxes, aluminium adventure cases, expandable luggage, soft bags, tank bags, mounting systems, and rider accessories.

The brand’s evolution from a small Spanish seat workshop to a global equipment business defines its identity: NAD began in 1973, SHAD was created in 1992, and the group has since expanded into OEM manufacturing, aftermarket luggage, international distribution, and product engineering.

1. Quiénes somos: marca y fabricación de equipaje | SHAD
2. NAD Group | SHAD
3. Why Shad | SHAD
4. SHAD-NAD, from a workshop to an international business | SHAD
5. About us – SHAD UK
6. Quem Somos – SHAD BRASIL, Engineered for Riding | Compre Online
7. Products | SHAD
8. Products | SHAD
9. Products | SHAD
10. PRODUCTS Archives | SHAD
11. Products | SHAD
12. Products | SHAD
13. Products | SHAD
14. PRODUCTS Archives | SHAD
15. 公司介紹
16. 〖SHAD 30周年〗SHADからのオフィシャルコメント – SHAD JAPAN
17. Products | SHAD
18. SHAD JAPAN – バイク用トップケースブランド、SHAD。本物にこだわるライダーへ ヨーロッパが認めたトップケースのスタンダード、シャッド。
19. ABOUT SHAD – SHAD JAPAN
20. WHO WE ARE? — SHAD USA
21. 50 Anos de Grupo NAD – SHAD BRASIL, Engineered for Riding | Compre Online
22. PT. SHAD INDONESIA MOTOACCESSORY | LinkedIn