Motorcycle Luggage racks

Motorcycle luggage racks are the part that joins the case to the bike, and the reason one top box can be fitted to hundreds of different models. The case is the same for everyone; the rack, on the other hand, is designed around the mounting points of each bike and each generation. Here you will find racks from SHAD, Givi and SW-MOTECH: top box racks, pannier frames, luggage racks and adapters.

Why every bike needs its own

There is no universal fitting because every bike has a different subframe: the rack bolts to the passenger grab rail, the rear footpeg hangers or bolts in the tail, and it has to clear the exhaust, the indicators and the number plate. That is why the rack sometimes changes between two versions of the same bike: the R 1300 GS and the R 1300 GS Adventure, for example, take different Givi ONE-FIT pannier frames. Always check the model, years and version on the product page.

Types of rack

• Top box rack, or rear rack: it carries the plate the top box clicks onto. It is the best seller, especially on scooters and everyday bikes.
• Pannier frames: two tubular frames, one on each side, for hard side cases. Some, like the Givi PLR quick-release frames, come off in moments when you are not touring.
• Bag and saddlebag holders: lighter frames for soft side bags. At SHAD they are the SR and SE; at SW-MOTECH, the SLC and, for custom bikes, the SLH.
• Luggage racks: platforms such as the SW-MOTECH Street-Rack, Adventure-Rack or Alu-Rack, for strapping on a bag or, with the right plate, fitting a top box.

Matching the rack to your case

The rack has to speak the same language as the case. Each brand organises it in its own way:

SHAD

For the top box, the SHAD rear rack (its part number ends in ST) takes the plate supplied with each of the brand's top cases. For side cases there are two families: 3P racks for the SH23, SH35, SH36 and SH38X, and 4P racks for the aluminium Terra cases; the SH38X can move to 4P with its adapter set. You will find them separately under SHAD top case racks and SHAD side case racks.

Givi

SR rear racks work with Monokey, Monolock or both, as their name states, and some also need their own plate: Monolock, such as the M5M or M6M, or Monokey, such as the M7. The plates are in this section too. For side cases, the case model decides the frame: V35 and V37 cases go on PLX Monokey Side frames; Trekker Outback cases on the CAM-SIDE fitting; and other Monokey side cases on PL, PLR or PLO ONE-FIT frames. It is all grouped under Givi luggage mounting plates and brackets.

SW-MOTECH

Its PRO and EVO side carriers take the brand's TRAX ADV, DUSC and AERO cases and, with side carrier adapters, cases from other systems such as Givi Monokey. SLC carriers are sold by side, left or right, for a bag or the URBAN ABS case; SLH carriers are for saddlebags on customs and V-LOC for nakeds and retros. The luggage racks are a family of their own under SW-MOTECH luggage racks, and all their side carriers are under SW-MOTECH side carriers for cases and bags.

Before you order

• The exact model, years and version of your bike, including variants such as Adventure, Rally or GT.
• If you run an aftermarket exhaust, check it does not foul the pannier frame on the silencer side.
• If you have fitted a tail tidy or removed the grab rail, make sure the rack still has somewhere to mount.
• Which case you are going to fit or, if you already have one, which system it uses.

Fitting is usually a job for home with basic tools, using the original mounting points; tighten to the instructions and recheck the bolts after the first few miles, when everything beds in. Once your bike is saved in your garage, the strip above the products tells you how many of these racks are made for it and can narrow the list down to them. To choose the case itself, with its capacity and material, go back to motorcycle luggage or on to side cases.