Motorcycle side bags

What side cases change on a motorcycle

The side cases, mounted on either side of the rear wheel, offer a large volume of storage placed low, near the motorcycle's centre of gravity: when loaded, the bike remains more stable than if all the weight is perched on the passenger seat. Fitted in pairs, they balance the load between the two sides and keep the seat free for a passenger. Rigid, they lock and protect belongings from rain; soft, they adapt to more compact motorcycles. All rely on a support specific to the motorcycle model, and most can be removed in seconds for a lighter ride every day.

By item

The side cases come in various types:

• Motorcycle side cases.
• Supports.

Luggage is also available as top cases, saddlebags, cargo bags, luggage for the biker, on the luggage page.

Plastic, aluminium or bag: three types of luggage

The plastic Shad SH23 and SH36 cases, sold in pairs, offer twenty-three or thirty-six litres per side and are mounted on the 3P system supports. In aluminium, the Givi Trekker Outback comes in thirty-seven and forty-eight litres: the smaller one is placed on the exhaust side to maintain a balanced silhouette, and the Monokey Cam-Side mounting locks it in four points, with a colour code confirming the attachment. The SW-Motech Trax ADV kits, waterproof, have a fully removable lid. The Blaze bag, made from semi-rigid ballistic nylon, goes from fourteen to twenty-one litres per side when unzipped.

Shad 3P, SR and SW-Motech PRO: mounting by model

The Shad 3P System, patented, replaces the classic rectangular frame with a single L-shaped arm that holds the three attachment points of the case: once removed, the support is almost forgotten. The SR system from Shad, with its minimalist frame, accommodates café racer-style saddlebags, like on the Moto Guzzi V7. The SW-Motech PRO supports, made from thick steel, follow the line of the motorcycle and can be dismantled thanks to quick releases. Each support is designed for a specific model and year, like the Kawasaki Versys 650 or the BMW R 1300 GS: you need to check the exact match before ordering.

The good deals

Good deals can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

Are there universal motorcycle side cases?

Cases from one brand often fit many motorcycles, but the support is specific to each model and its years. Even a soft bag needs a mounting kit that keeps it away from the wheel and exhaust.

Can you fit Givi cases on a Shad support?

No, each brand uses its own attachment system: Shad cases fit on Shad supports, Givi Monokey cases on Givi supports, and Trax ADV cases on SW-Motech PRO supports. Choose cases and support from the same system.

Aluminium or plastic side cases: which to choose?

Aluminium withstands falls and tracks, recovers after a hit, and is suitable for adventure motorcycles. Plastic, lighter and more discreet, is more than adequate for road travel, with a key lock and good waterproofing.

Are side cases waterproof?

Rigid cases can handle heavy rain thanks to their lid seals; for example, Givi tests theirs under a water flow simulating a storm. For travelling, inner bags also protect clothes and electronics.

Do you need to adjust your riding with side cases?

Yes, the motorcycle widens and catches more side wind: anticipate overtakes and narrow passages. Also, adjust the tire pressure and the shock preload according to the load, as indicated by the manufacturer.