Panniers carry your load where a tank bag cannot. This range spans Shad hard cases with alloy panels, Giant Loop soft saddlebags built for adventure, Nelson-Rigg throw-overs and Oxford luggage. Pair them with model-specific bracket kits, inner bags and lock cylinders for a secure, bike-matched fit.
Hard panniers versus soft saddlebags
Hard panniers lock and hold their shape under load. Shad units like the SH38X expand to 38L per side and bolt to model-specific 3-point and 4-point bracket kits, so the case sits clear of your exhaust and pillion pegs. Soft saddlebags flex over the seat and shed weight, which suits off-road and adventure riding where a hard case can crack on a fall.
| Type | Capacity range | Mounting | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard pannier (Shad) | 38L to 58L expandable | 3P / 4P bracket kit | Touring, commuting, lockable security |
| Soft saddlebag (Giant Loop) | 4L pockets upward | Strap-over, no bracket | Adventure, off-road, dual-sport |
| Throw-over (Nelson-Rigg, Oxford) | Mid-volume | Strap-over | Weekend and light touring |
Match the pannier to your bike
Fitment decides everything. Shad bracket kits are coded to exact models such as the Honda CMX500 Rebel 2017 to 2025 and the Suzuki V-Strom DL1000 2014 to 2019, so check your year before ordering. A 38L hard case gives roughly 76L across a paired set, while a 46L to 58L expandable spans 92L to 116L. Add a fitted inner bag to keep contents dry inside the shell, and fit lock cylinders with 2 keys so both cases run one key. For most riders a 38L pair handles a 2 to 3 day trip with room for a helmet on many models.
Certification context for luggage
Abrasion standards differ from apparel standards. EN 17092 AAA, AA and A ratings and CE Level 1 versus Level 2 armour grades apply to riding garments, not to panniers, so luggage is rated on volume in litres, mounting points and waterproofing instead. A 38L to 58L hard case with a 3-point or 4-point steel bracket and 2-key locking gives the security a soft 4L strap-over cannot.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bracket kit for my panniers?
Hard panniers like the Shad range need a model-specific bracket kit, supplied as 3-point or 4-point fitments coded to your exact bike and year. Soft saddlebags from Giant Loop strap over the seat and need no bracket. Confirm your model and year match the kit before ordering.
How much can panniers carry?
Capacity depends on the case. Shad hard panniers run from 38L per side up to 46L to 58L on expandable models, giving roughly 76L to 116L across a paired set. Soft saddlebags vary by design. Pick volume to suit your trip length and load.
Are hard or soft panniers better?
Hard panniers lock, hold their shape and keep contents secure, which suits touring and commuting. Soft saddlebags flex, weigh less and absorb impact better, which suits adventure and off-road riding. Choose based on where and how you ride.

























































