Givi Monokey V35 Tech Side Cases

I had Givi E36 bags for a bike about a decade ago, so I've had some experience with their products. I bought the V35s to replace the Yamaha bags for the FJ-09 after the Yamaha bags' latching mechanisms proved balky and one of them eventually jammed closed and broke.

People here say the Givi bags are expensive, but in terms of hard bag prices they seem about average or only just slightly above average to me. The OEM Yamaha bags ran $800 for the pair, plus $100 more for lower mounts, and took almost three months to obtain.

In contrast both Givi V35s are only about $100 more expensive than a single Yamaha bag, and a pair of bags plus a rack can be had for about $750 -- substantially less expensive than the OEM bags. The Givi bags are also a full 50% larger internally, which is a godsend for longer trips.

The old E35s were basic bags, just big square boxes. The V35s are more attractive, which is nice, but their curved shape means that unless some of the stuff is pliable or small you might not get to use all of the space. The upside to that is that the bags tuck in a bit so they aren't as wide.

The Yamaha bags had the same basic shape but had an even more complex internal shape that left small, not-very-usable pockets.

The only rack available for the FJ-09 is the PLX quick-removal rack. The bags are very stable on that rack, although it looks like the rack mounts could be pushed in almost an inch on either side, which would have been nice for commuting. As it is the bags stick out a bit farther than the handlebars on the FJ, which wouldn't be so hot if I were lane splitting.

Besides shape the bags differ from the E35s by the top mount. Traditionally Givi bags used a simple latch mechanism. These bags do not, they have a pair of C mounts that wrap around the top bar on the rack and pivot inward to lock the bag in place. It's more complicated and slightly harder to get the bag in place, and it is possible to get the clamp pivoted when not mounted and require manual repositioning, but it is extremely stable. You cannot remove the key in the unlocked position, too, so you can't do something stupid like leave it half latched. The Yamaha bags were easy to leave half latched -- just forget to snap down the handles -- and I did so on more than on occasion when tired. I like the Givi system a lot better.

The Givi internal elastic straps work great, far better than the velcro-that-lets-go and clip-lock-that-doesn't-stay-clipped of the Yamaha version. There's no guessing as to whether or not the Givi latch will hold, it interlocks completely. You can stuff the bag full, clip the straps, and expect the stuff to stay in place when you open the bag while on the bike.

The locks work well (not like Yamaha), the straps work well (not like Yamaha), the latches work well (not like Yamaha), and the latch system even has an extra catch so that if it's not fully locked the bag won't just flop open. That's a smart design, although it does mean a bit more attentiveness to get it fully unlatched.

I like these bags. I like them a whole lot. I like them more than the old E35s -- they mount more firmly, the latching mechanism is more positive, and they are more attractive. The only downside I see compared to the old bags is that the internal space is more complex, but even so it works well.

Compared to the OEM bags the V35s replaced they're better in every way except ultimate width on the bike, and far less expensive to boot.

I have a cb500x, not exactly a larger bike so I originally thought these would be too big. After attaching the racks and situating everything, it doesn't look half bad. After commuting with them, I can't live without them. I can see why some don't feel comfortable lane splitting with these but I think people would know about this before adding side cases to their motorcycle going through traffic. These do add weight but that is to be expected. The trade off is that I have room for commuting gear, going on camping trips or even shopping. These are more aerodynamic that I thought they would be and don't notice any slowing or buffeting of the wind. Definitely worth the money! Also, these are waterproof.

I've been using these cases all summer and I LOVE them! They're pretty bulky, so I've had to pay more attention to spacing, but they easily fit all my daily commuter items (lunch bag, water, thermos, gym clothes, shower items). Had I gone with the more expensive and smaller stock bags (for my BMW F800ST), I think I would have been short on space.

In stock & fast delivery. Cases fit well. These cases will NOT hold my full-face helmet, so don't believe that line.

I liked they came with a 3rd matching key-lock set to install in my top case. Now all three pieces use the same key. YEA!

I like 'em.

I have been riding the Givi V35's on my DL1000 for about 4k miles. They look good, ride stable, lock great and the inner liners make loading & unloading a snap. Big negative is the first time you let go of one of the lids the dinky screw and cable retainer strips out of the plastic case. There is not enough plastic to reattach the screw. I now must catch the lid every time the case is opened.

Very easy install. I have always loved the functionality of the Givi cases.

Overall very nice side cases.

I set my wife's Ninja 650 up for touring and these hard bags are very very nice. There are some really good install videos on youtube that were invaluable when installing the racks. I really like the look of the bike with these bags.

I have some mixed emotions about the bags. The bags themselves are fine. Just they add 25 pounds to the motorcycle.

They seem very wide,
But with the SWMotech mounting on and off in about 5 minutes.
The bags come on and off easy from the mounting.

They work great, plenty big .

But is hard to split lanes comfortably. I hope I don't have to split many lanes while on a trip though.

I am happy with the bags as a product just not so sure about having the big wide things on the motorcycle. But the secure and weather protection seem worth it.

Once you get all the necessary mounts figured out these boxes are easy to install and add lots of storage. They include a spare lock mechanism so you can use the same key for a top case if you swap out the lock. They are bigger than they may appear in the picture but fit snug to the bike so don't add a lot of width. I'm considering getting a lighting kit and hoping my boots hitting them when I mount don't cause too many scuffs.