Concealed Carry on a Motorcycle

My primary mode of commuting is via a motorcycle. As such, I have some unique challenges associated with carrying a handgun while traveling to work and around town. I have come to a solution, however, everyone has their own unique needs, so what works for me may not work for you.

First, let’s take a look at some of the additional problems associated with CCW when it comes to riding.

For my usual CCW, I wear strong side outside the waistband in a pancake holster. My normal carry gun is a 1911. A quality holster and quality belt make this easy and I find concealment is not typically an issue. The motorcycle doesn’t allow for outside the waistband carry very well. One of the problems is the wind associated with even moderate speeds. Couple this with sitting down and maybe a slight forward lean, would probably expose the holster and firearm. One of my concerns is frightening rush hour commuters by riding by with a pistol exposed. For that reason, I dropped outside the waistband holster for motorcycle riding.

A good friend of mine carries a smaller gun and prefers to keep it in his jacket pocket. Many quality riding jackets have ample inside jacket pockets where a firearm can be secured and carried, in complete security and concealment. It happens my jacket would fit my 1911. I opted to not use this method. While it is a good compromise for concealment and security, two things about this method make it a non-starter for me. First of all, I usually ride with my jacket zipped. That means part of the presentation would include unzipping both the jacket and the pocket to access the gun. Secondly, when I arrive at my destination, I typically take my jacket off. That means I either need to transfer the gun to a different holster, or the gun set up becomes “off body” carry. I am not a big fan of off body carry. I don’t want to go to the restroom, or get up for something and have to worry about taking my jacket with me. I also don’t like to transfer the firearm at my destination, unless I am sure of complete privacy where I am sure I won’t flash the gun or accidentally flash.

Some people use a fanny pack or other similar EDC bag. These can be a very viable option for both motorcycle and bicycle riding. As long as the bag remains on your body, the issue of “off body” carry is mitigated. A quality EDC bag also allows the user to carry a wallet, pepper spray, and other necessities in the same bag.

One of the issues that come up with the motorcycle is the potential for a crash. Sliding on the asphalt may very well damage the waistband or attachment methods for the EDC bag. Separating from the bag while sliding on the asphalt can make a very bad situation worse. An additional concern with the fanny bag carry is where the bag is situated. For sport bikes, placing on the front of the body will put it directly against the gas tank. Some riders will find this bothersome as it might damage paint. Placing the bag to the side or back incurs the risk of striking the bag and causing additional spine injuries to the lower back should you have a harsh impact with the ground.

For me, I have found that inside the waistband, in a secured holster is the better compromise. But it is a compromise never the less. A high-quality retention holster gives me assurance that the gun is not likely to go sliding separately from me during a crash. An inside the waistband holster conceals much of the gun, with my jacket giving me enough coverage to conceal the grip while in the riding position, even at higher speeds with strong winds. My riding pants frequently use hip pads so I get some protection from the possibility of hitting the pavement with the gun between me and the firearm. Finally, the inside the waistband position places the gun in the same place as my normal carry and the draw stroke is no different from my normal draw stroke. I need to only lift the jacket, in the same way I would a shirt or hooded sweatshirt for access to the pistol.

One final consideration. If you ride wearing gloves, which is always prudent, make sure you shoot using gloves on occasion. If you haven’t practiced this, it can present some difficulties that periodic training should overcome. Wearing your riding helmet for range practice, or even dry practice, can also be helpful as well.
If you decide you want live fire practice with all your riding gear, come on out to our range. We can help you run through some of the complexities associated with this. And nobody will judge or be surprised as you take steps to be better prepared.
We’ll see you at the range.

About the writer

Mike Lazarus
Military and Law Enforcement Veteran
FBI certified firearm instructor
MP5 and Sub Machine gun instructor
Defensive tactics instructor