Givi Canyon Review
Modular 3‑Bag System Rackless – GRT721B
Needs a better name, hey – that’s a mouthful. But after using this system for a few months, I think the name is about the only thing I don’t rate. This one is a keeper, and I’ve bought some more items from the Canyon range to further increase the set‑up’s inherent flexibility.
If, like me, you prioritise the ability to run luggage on your bikes without having to install nasty‑looking luggage rack systems, then you’ve probably looked at ‘rackless’ products before. Which is why you’re reading this review.
There are a number on the market, ranging from relatively inexpensive, lightweight systems like the 12‑litre Giant Loop Mojavi saddle bags that I also have (which are perfect for day rides on smaller‑capacity bikes), all the way through to 80‑litre systems in varying complexity and price points.
As someone who aims to travel as light as possible at all times, Givi’s 44‑litre system feels like it sits smack bang in the sweet spot – not only in terms of volume, but also value.
What is Givi’s rackless system?
The set‑up uses a horseshoe‑shaped base layer that Givi calls a “universal loading system.” That base is made from a combination of highly impact‑resistant and abrasion‑resistant materials such as Cordura and Hypalon, and has some nice anti‑scratch padding on the underside to help keep your panels in el primo condition.
Once that’s put together and adjusted to best fit your bike (a one‑beer job at best), you then slide in your two 16‑litre waterproof side bags, which buckle into their cradles. You can probably already see how this is so good.
The bags go on and come off in seconds, are easy to carry around, easy to pack, and are made from really durable 840D tarpaulin with an even more abrasion‑resistant base cradle protecting them from terra firma should you drop the bike.
So you get those two bags loaded up on either side for 32 litres, positioned nice and low, then you have an additional 12‑litre bag that attaches to the top, running in line with the bike rather than across it.
That gives you 44 litres of total storage. Depending on how long you’re anticipating being away for, that will often be enough – especially if you’re running a backpack as well. And because it’s nice and modular, you can leave the included top bag off and run a larger bag or a swag up there (such as the Kulkyne Biker Swag) as I did on my Hattah ride earlier in the year.
Super‑flexible options with Canyon range
This is where the system’s flexibility really starts to make sense. I bought two additional Canyon eight‑litre GRT722B bags that I can attach to the engine crash bars while keeping things nice and low, giving me 48 litres of storage without the top bag, or 60 litres with it.
More options. If you wanted to carry even more load, you could switch out the included top bag for a larger Canyon option, such as the 40‑litre GRT712C (which I have also purchased) or the 45‑litre GRT726. To be clear – neither are included in the 3‑bag modular system discussed here. But those additional options give you bulk storage room up top for longer tours with a tent set‑up instead of a swag.
To put that into perspective, the Canyon system can scale roughly like this:
- Base system: GRT721B = 44 L.
- Add a pair of GRT722B crash‑bar bags: +16 L → ~60 L total.
- Add a GRT712C 40‑litre cargo bag on the rack/pillion: +40 L → ~100 L total, still within the same Canyon ecosystem (same materials, hardware, and look).
So you can start in that 40-60 litre minimalist space for overnighters and short ADV trips, then build it up into genuine “big trip” territory without changing the base system.
Fit and bike types
The Givi Canyon system can be moved easily from one bike to the next, with adjustment in the base loading harness to get the best fit for most adventure bikes. From Tuaregs and Ténérés, 890 ARs and Tiger 900s through to GS 1300s and 1390 SARs.
The horseshoe base lets you keep weight central and low, and because it doesn’t rely on model‑specific racks, it’s particularly handy if you’re like me and find yourself swapping between test bikes fairly regularly.
Givi Modular 3‑Bag System specs
Configuration & capacity
- Horseshoe‑shaped, rackless base.
- Two 16‑litre waterproof side bags + one 12‑litre waterproof rear bag.
- Total base capacity: 44 L.
- Base consists of four panels, reconfigurable with the included hardware for different bikes and load shapes.
Mounting / rackless system
- Universal “Canyon Base” ‑ style harness: straps with steel clamps secure it to the rear of the bike – no metal pannier frames required.
- Designed to fit a wide range of adventure bikes and eliminate the weight and visual clutter of support frames.
- Intended to keep weight close to the bike for good off‑road stability.
Materials & construction
- Base and bags use Cordura nylon.
- Hypalon reinforcement panels where it matters.
- 840D tarpaulin for the main bag bodies.
- UV‑resistant outer material tested to 1500 hours (ISO 4892‑2).
- Roll‑top closures on the bags for waterproofing – designed to handle heavy rain and water spray rather than full submersion.
Features and expansion
- MOLLE webbing (loops) on the bags for attaching Givi Canyon add‑ons like the GRT730 tool/flask bag or engine‑guard bags.
- Reflective graphics for increased visibility.
- Compression straps for load security; hardware is sensibly positioned to minimise flapping.
- Designed to work with other Canyon dry bags on top (20, 40 or 45‑litre options, for instance) to bump total capacity well above 80 L using the same base concept.
Pricing and availability
If you haven’t guessed by now, I rate the Canyon rackless 3‑bag modular system highly. It stacks up pretty damn well against the competition. At just under $900, it’s available through plenty of online and bricks‑and‑mortar retailers in Australia, as is the wider range of Canyon add‑on range of bags you can expand your options with.
Realistically, I’d expect to see these on bikes where the rider wants to avoid hard luggage boxes that can increase injury risk off‑road (soft bags ftw!), while keeping weight down for more challenging riding.
Givi Canyon Modular 3‑Bag System Rackless – GRT721B Images
