UNIT Garage’s rack-and-bag systems start on one and of the spectrum with the lightweight/smaller-capacity Klickfix system; and it ends here: with the heavy-duty ATLAS Series hard cases, made of formed 1.5mm thick aluminum, which is doubled on the inside mounting face, and clad with (replaceable) ABS corner protectors.

ATLAS hard cases come in four individual configurations—two sizes for flat racks; and two for racks with an offset profile to accomodate an exhaust.

Each case is symmetrical, front to back, and can be opened at either end, with the locking latches doubling as hinges.

From UNIT Garage: “We wanted classic, elegant and robust cases, with beautiful steel hinges and carefully considered details, created for adventure and resistant to all conditions.”

From what we’ve seen: mission accomplished. The adjective "classy" doesn't come up much when talking motorcycle luggage. But the ATLAS hard cases get the nod.

As always, the devil is in the details. Note the hinges, locks and all other contrasting hardware (anything silver) is made of stainless steel with a micro shot-peened electro-polished treatment—a high quality finish that promises a long service life even when exposed to the elements.

In a nice contrast to all the aluminum and steel, the inside of each lower case is lined with plush 2.5mm neoprene, so that the contents aren’t rock-tumbled while underway. The lid comes equipped with anchor points for an elastic shock-cord lattice, which makes a nice soft and flexible nest for storing gloves, an extra layer, a sack luck, maps, etc.

The cases use a simple leather strap equipped with quick-release snaps as a tether to hold the lid open for loading. Unclip the snaps and remove the entire lid as needed.

These cases mount up quickly and easily to any UNIT Garage ATLAS Series Side Rack, and come with built-in adjustability to fit many other factory BMW or other 3rd party heavy-duty racks with ~18mm tubing.

They install quickly by simply notching the lower mounting point over the lower pannier-frame rail, then pivoting the case upright and engaging the steel clasp to the top rail. An oversized aluminum quick-release lever cam inside the case cinches the upper case latch firmly in place, and locking latches at either end prevent would-be thieves from making off with the cases. For added security, a padlock can be threaded through any of the ATLAS latch clasps for even more security on the road.

Each case is painstakingly built by hand, one at a time, at UNIT Garage’s production facility in Northern Italy. Thanks to the modular design, the cases are fully rebuildable, and they can be keyed together to work in sets alone or in combination with a UNIT Garage ATLAS Top Box. There’s even an adapter for BMW owners to match case locks to their ignition key.

Rubber feet underneath the cases help keep them stable while set on the ground—although be warmed, balancing can be tricky/impossible with the offset exhaust-side cases.

UNIT is careful to note these cases do not meet Europe’s “IP67” waterproof standard. The lid interface is made up of a circumferential foam gaskets mirrored at the lid and the base of each case, which seat together when the cam latches are closed shut. No better waterproofing torture test exists than that which a motorcycle barreling through a rainstorm accomplishes; and no, under such conditions these bags might let in a slight trickle of h20.

UNIT points to the same fate suffered by stock BMW Vario cases, and the company suggests picking up a dry bag pannier liner to protect sensitive electronics and such while on long tours with unpredictable weather.

Features and Specs:

• Case body and lid in 1.5 mm thick high-strength aluminum. Inside face is 3mm.
• High quality stainless steel locks, hinges, and hardware.
• Micro shot peened and electro polished accessories.
• ABS corner bumpers replaceable in case of a fall.
• Dust protection caps for lock cylinders.
• Double sealing gasket on the lid and body.
• ATLAS cases are symmetrical and can be mounted either side.

Dimensions and Part Numbers:

UNIT Part No. AL1 - 40L Flat Profile
406 x 445 x238mm; 7.5kg
16 x 17.5 x 9.4in; 16.5lbs

UNIT Part No. AL10 - 47L Flat Profile
406mm x 445mm x 278mm; 7.8kg
16 x 17.5 x 11in; 17.2lbs

UNIT Part No. AL2E - 41L Exhaust Profile
406mm x 445mm x 278mm; 7kg
16 x 17.5 x 11in; 15.4lbs

UNIT Part No. AL1E - 37L Exhaust Profile
406mm x 445mm x 238 mm; 6.8kg
16 x 17.5 x 9.4in; 15lbs