Givi Monokey vs. Monolock

Monokey or Monolock? That is a question you may find yourself asking when trying to pick the right Givi case for your ride. Although there are many options to choose from, answering a couple simple questions about your motorcycle and riding needs will help get you pointed in the right direction. We will revisit these simple questions later in this article after we learn the differences between these cases. This article is intended to give you a quick but informative view on these two types of cases and will not necessarily delve into every detail imaginable.


Regardless of the style you choose, both have the same great features:

  • Various sizes and styles to choose from.
  • Robust locking mechanisms for the lid, and to the bike itself.
  • Watertight when closed.
  • Various styles of adapter plates for each type of case.

Monolock

Monolock style cases are the simpler of the two and are more of a universal variety. They are generally lighter and intended for smaller vehicles such as Scooters. They have a more "blockier" aesthetic which tends to match those of the bikes they are intended for. However, you can mount one of these on a larger bike too, it's up to you. Although lighter and smaller, quality and strength are not sacrificed.

  • Lighter than Monokey.
  • Single wall construction.
  • More utilitarian.
  • A few less options.
  • Come with a universal mounting plate that is intended for mounting to a motorcycles stock or aftermarket flat/tubular luggage rack. This plate can also mount to Monolock style Givi racks.

Monokey

Monokey style cases are the bigger brother of the two who may have hit the gym a little more. These are a much more refined case than the Monolock. Monokey cases are intended for use on larger motorcycles and look quite at home sitting on the top of a larger Sport Touring bike. They are often rounder or more stylized.

  • Heavier than Monolock, can handle larger loads.
  • Rigid Double wall construction.
  • More stylish, round and contoured edges to match closely those of the bikes they are meant to be mounted on.
  • Many options available for each case. (some exceptions apply)
  • Does not come with a universal plate, these are sold separately.

If you see one of these in the wild, how do you tell them apart?

Let's say you see a Givi case sitting on top of someones bike that you really like. How do you tell which one this is?

It's fairly simple, ask the owner. If they are not around take a look to see how the case itself is mounted, without removing it of course.


These two types of cases mount onto the rack in very different ways. Both have a triangular pattern to create stability in most riding conditions.


Monolock style cases have a pair of tabs that protrude out the back that slide into recesses on the rear of the adapter plate and a smaller wedge on the forward (rear of the bike, technically front of the case) section to hold the whole case in place.

Monokey cases however will slide onto nubs on the adapter plate on the rear of the case with a larger wedge up front to provide extra security for these heavier cases.

Here is a good side by side comparison of the generic adapter plates for Monokey vs. Monolock.

How to choose the right one for you.


As stated earlier there are just a few simple questions to ask to help get you started.

What are you riding? Scooter, smaller cc engine? —Monolock. Larger motorcycle, sport touring ride? — Monokey

What is the look you are going for? Both lines offer different variants of most of the cases. Lens colors, lid colors etc. Choose what fits your needs best.

Then all you will have to do is make sure everything matches.

If you want a Monokey case, make sure you get a Monokey adapter and rack.

If you want a Monolock case, make sure you get a Monolock adapter plate if not using the universal one that comes with the case.


Simple as that.


Givi has a wide variety of bike specific racks, most of which allow you to choose an option of Monokey or Monolock adapter plates. There are some bikes however which only have listings for either or.


Adapter Plates


Since your GIVI top rack system requires a top case plate to be functional you will need to have a bit of information to figure out which type you will need. After you have confirmed a rack will fit your motorcycle determine if you will be mounting a Monokey or Monolock GIVI top case to your motorcycle. Here is a quick rundown on these two different types…

Monokey top cases feature heavy duty construction combined with elegant styling. The GIVI Monokey mount system is comprised of two separate forward mounting points with a rearward locking tab.

Monolock top cases feature lighter weight construction. The GIVI Monolock mount system incorporates a forward mounting bar with a rearward locking tab. Although all new GIVI Monolock cases include a universal mounting plate kit that is designed to allow fitment to most stock or aftermarket flat or tubular luggage racks we do recommend the MM or M5M Monolock adapter be used with any GIVI top rack due to the ease of installation and a cleaner look. 


Some top racks include the top case plates and some require an additional selection. Either way knowing which type of case you are mounting will tell you which top case plate or top rack type you will need to go with your top rack. For Monokey cases you will need to select the Monokey top case plate for your top rack and as you would suspect for Monolock cases you would need a Monolock plate. Since there may be more than one choice in the style plate you need here are some key features…

M9A and M9B Monokey Plates are newly designed anodized aluiminum plates featuring formed aluminum construction which enables them to be thinner (just 3mm) lighter and stronger than the similar M8 plates. Available in aluminum or black finish. Compatible with FZ or SR series GIVI top racks and all Monokey top cases.

M8A Plate is designed to complement the Trekker line of Monokey top cases. They are constructed of 5mm anodized aluminum and available in silver (M8A) finish. There are compatible with FZ or SR series GIVI top racks and all Monokey top cases.

M5 Monokey Plate features a streamlined design with rugged nylon construction a black matte finish and is compatible with FZ or SR series GIVI top racks and all Monokey top cases.

M7 Monokey Plate provides secure mounting for any of the Monokey series top cases onto any of the FZ or SR series top racks. This rugged nylon plate features a durable center luggage rack that provides support for strapping soft luggage and smaller items to the rack when not using a top case.

CM7A900 Silver Insert adds style to your M7 Monokey plate. Simple to install the satin finish provides an accent trim to the center support area of your rack.

M3 Monokey Plate features a flat design with strong nylon construction and a matte black finish. This plate works only with GIVI F series top racks and all Monokey top cases.

MM Monolock Plate also features a flat design but is made from aluminum with a black finish. This plate works with all Monolock top cases and only GIVI F series top racks.

M5M Monolock Plate is another streamlined adapter with durable nylon construction. This is compatible with all Monolock top cases and GIVI FZ or SR series top racks.

All the adapter plates perform the same basic function for each of their respective cases, it's just a matter of fit and finish.


Although this was likely a little more information than expected, we hope this helps you to understand the main differences between Monokey and Monolock style cases. Both are great cases, just a little more geared towards different niches.


If you have any questions at all do not hesitate to reach out to any of our reps here at Twisted Throttle.


Our number is 855-255-5550, anyone answering would be ready willing and able to assist you.

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