The CB1100 Community Forum

(07-29-2026, 02:37 PM)Gone in 60 Wrote: [ -> ]Are they hard plastic, or sort of a soft material? They look like the Givi Wl901 "Semi Rigid" top box.

The Kawi side cases are made of a plastic that is hard yet thin and flexible, not as hard and rigid as the givi top box. Inside, there is a fabric lining.

(07-29-2026, 02:55 PM)peterbaron Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-29-2026, 02:37 PM)Gone in 60 Wrote: [ -> ]Are they hard plastic, or sort of a soft material? They look like the Givi Wl901 "Semi Rigid" top box.

The Kawi side cases are made of a plastic that is hard yet thin and flexible, not as hard and rigid as the givi top box. Inside, there is a fabric lining.

That must make them nice and light. Good for handling.

(07-29-2026, 03:36 PM)Gone in 60 Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-29-2026, 02:55 PM)peterbaron Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-29-2026, 02:37 PM)Gone in 60 Wrote: [ -> ]Are they hard plastic, or sort of a soft material? They look like the Givi Wl901 "Semi Rigid" top box.

The Kawi side cases are made of a plastic that is hard yet thin and flexible, not as hard and rigid as the givi top box. Inside, there is a fabric lining.

That must make them nice and light. Good for handling.

It seems esier than CB's

I agree with Peterbaron's characterization of the plastic's hardness. I owned the top case, which had an expandable fabric lining that increased storage capacity. The stored items were not as secure as when the plastic lid was the only protector, but I did use this fabric function when I had more items than could fit in the standard case. It worked well for me, and I never lost a load or experienced any aerodynamic issues. See pictures to help make my slightly confusing statements make sense.

Are they waterproof?

(07-29-2026, 07:42 PM)Cormanus Wrote: [ -> ]Are they waterproof?

Unfortunately, no. The case itself is waterproof, but the zippers are not. In a light rain and light wind, no water will penetrate. But in heavy rain or heavy wind, there will be some seepage. SW-Motech provides a waterproof bag to place your items in before inserting it into the Top Case. The same applies to the matching Side Cases.

See details and picture.

URBAN ABS Top case

• Lightweight top case for sporty motorcycles and naked bikes
  
• Durable, robust and lightweight due to the 2.5mm (bottom) and 2mm (top) thick ABS plastic
  
• Volume can be expanded from 16 to 29 l via circumferential zipper
  
• With the volume fully expanded, the URBAN ABS top case holds a helmet
  
• Integrated straps for compressing the luggage prevent the lid from fluttering
  
• Anti-theft protection via mount on rack, lockable zipper and lock for motorcycle luggage included in delivery
  
• Integrated straps for compressing the luggage prevent the lid from fluttering
  
• Convenient carrying handle
  
• Reflective details for more safety in traffic
  
• The top case's modern-looking textured surface is easy to maintain and scratch-resistant
  
• Spacious mesh compartment on the inside of the lid
  
• Padded interior lining, with pocket for stowing the lock for motorcycle luggage
  
• Waterproof inner bag included in delivery
  

Details

• Material: ABS plastic / Polyester
  
• Color: black / black
  
• Size: 36,0 x 40,5 x 21,5 cm / 14.2 x 15.9 x 8.5 in
  
• Total Weight: appr. 2,3 kg / appr. 5.1 lb
  
• Total Volume: 16,0-29,0 l
  

Waterproof inner bag

• Material: 210D polyamide
  
• Surface: PU coated
  
• Color: black
  
• Total Weight: appr. 0,1 kg / appr. 0.3 lb
  
• Total Volume: 29
  

Side Cases

SW-Motech Website

Here are my observations: for water to leak into these panniers, you would have to submerge them in water.
I put all my gear into a plastic bag first, and then into the panniers.
I’ve ridden through a downpour like that for several hundred kilometers, and there was just a bit of moisture on the plastic bag.
The construction of the CB and Kawasaki panniers is very similar.
My bikes are not U-boats, ride more and worry less..

Today, I tested my Kawi nonstop at 7000 rpm, 92 miles/hr for a distance of 100 miles, all was good, no issues.
She's now ready to take a serious long distance trip.