Motorcycle Concealed Carry: How to Concealed Carry on a Motorcycle

Riding a motorcycle and practicing concealed carry at the same time can be tricky — but it’s 100% doable with the right setup. If you’re searching for how to concealed carry on a motorcycle, this guide breaks down everything you need to ride smart, stay legal, and keep your firearm secure at high speeds.

Whether you’re commuting on a cruiser, leaning into curves on a sportbike, or heading cross-country on a touring rig, carrying a concealed weapon on two wheels brings its own set of challenges. This article covers the best holsters for riding, how to avoid printing or exposure, carry laws that matter, and tips to make your setup both safe and accessible — even in full gear.

Let’s dive in and make sure you’re carrying with confidence and control every time you ride.

How to Conceal a Firearm While Riding a Motorcycle?

Picture this: you’re on a highway, doing 65 mph, the wind is kicking up through your jacket, your body is leaning slightly forward, and your shirt’s puffing like a parachute. Now imagine your firearm is on your hip, printing through your shirt, or worse — exposed by airflow.

This is where most motorcycle concealed carry setups fail — and why it's absolutely critical to treat carry while riding as its own specialized skillset.

Control Printing and Exposure: The Wind Is Not Your Friend

Airflow while riding turns even the most concealed setups into problems. A loose shirt or untucked jacket can get caught by the wind and ride up over your holster, leaving your weapon clearly visible to traffic, or even law enforcement — which in some states, can become a legal issue fast.

Solutions:

• Always button or zip your outer layer securely. Leave nothing to flap.
• Use form-fitting clothing as your first layer — like compression undershirts or base layers — to stabilize your holster.
• Consider longer jackets (like tactical cut motorcycle jackets) that offer more consistent concealment coverage in the wind.

Dress Smart: Build a Motorcycle-Ready CCW Wardrobe

What you wear matters more than your holster. Here's how to build a kit that works:

Motorcycle Concealed Carry Vest

Vests built specifically for CCW offer:

• Reinforced, ambidextrous interior pockets
• Trigger-guard retention built-in
• Quick-access zippers or Velcro flaps
• Often leather or heavy canvas = wind resistance + durability

If you're wearing a vest over a base layer, always pair it with a soft holster insert to keep the weapon from shifting or printing.

Concealed Carry Motorcycle Jacket

This is your next best option — ideally one designed with built-in holsters or hidden compartments:

• Look for jackets that don’t flare when seated
• Choose lined pockets that secure the firearm barrel and grip
• Avoid any baggy designs that inflate with airflow

Stop the Flap: Lock Down Loose Clothing Before You Ride

Even a loose hoodie can become a problem. Always:

• Tuck in your undershirt if carrying IWB
• Secure your outer layer tightly — zipped or buttoned all the way
• Use snap closures or Velcro tabs on your jacket or vest to hold it down

Pro tip: some riders even sew small weighted strips into their jacket hems to prevent flapping at speed. That’s the level of commitment you want if you’re serious about riding armed.

Retention Systems: Don’t Skip the "What If I Crash?" Test

You can’t talk motorcycle carry without addressing crashes. Ask yourself:

“If I go down at 60 mph, will my firearm stay on me, protected, and not injure me?”

That’s where retention holsters come in — and why adjustable shoulder or IWB holsters with multiple locking points are crucial.

If you're carrying in a jacket or vest pocket:

• Use a trigger-protected pocket holster
• Ensure it’s attached internally (Velcro, snaps, or stitched anchor)
• Avoid soft-sided carry bags unless they have retention holsters sewn in

Never carry off-body without at least two levels of retention — and never carry anything that could become a projectile in a crash.

Positioning: Your Bike Determines Your Setup

• Sportbike riders (forward lean): Shoulder holsters and high-riding IWB positions (appendix or 2 o’clock) work better here. Hip carry may dig into your thigh or shift dangerously.
• Cruiser riders (upright): You have more freedom — 3, 4, or 5 o’clock IWB, or even a properly designed tank bag.
• Touring riders: Comfort is king. Shoulder holsters, belly bands, and reinforced vest carry are all viable.

Don’t Neglect the Draw: Can You Access It Under Stress?

Securing your weapon is half the job — but accessibility matters too. You must be able to reach and draw your firearm:

• While seated
• While wearing gloves
• While wearing zipped or buttoned gear

If it takes more than one step and two seconds to access your firearm, you need to rethink your setup.

CCW Tips for Different Motorcycle Types

Concealed carry on a motorcycle must be adapted to the geometry of your riding position. Different styles of motorcycles place the body in very different orientations, which directly impacts holster compatibility, comfort, and draw efficiency.

Concealed Carry on a Cruiser

Cruiser riders benefit from an upright or slightly reclined seating position. This posture makes inside the waistband (IWB) holsters at the 3, 4, or 5 o’clock position highly practical. The firearm remains stable and accessible, with minimal interference from the rider’s body or gear.

A strong belt and holster combination is critical. Look for a holster with rigid retention and secure clip or loop anchoring. Appendix carry can also be viable, especially for shorter rides, though comfort varies by torso shape and seat depth.

Cruisers also support shoulder holsters, particularly under open vests or jackets with zippered access.

Concealed Carry on a Sportbike

Sportbikes force a forward-leaning posture, often with high rear-set foot pegs and low handlebars. This position compresses the abdomen and waistband area, making traditional IWB carry uncomfortable or even hazardous due to firearm pressure against the thigh or groin.

For this reason, shoulder holsters are highly recommended for sportbike riders. The firearm sits above the waistline, remains accessible, and avoids interference with seated posture.

If waistband carry is required, appendix and side positions should be carefully tested while seated on the bike. Additionally, compression undershirts with built-in holsters or crossdraw configurations can offer viable deep concealment alternatives.

Concealed Carry on a Touring Bike

Touring bikes are designed for extended comfort. Seats are wide, posture is relaxed, and most riders wear multi-layer gear for long-distance protection. This environment demands long-term comfort and maximum retention.

IWB holsters can still be effective if positioned carefully. However, belly bands, crossdraw shoulder rigs, or even specially designed tank bag systems are often preferred due to ease of access and low fatigue.

Because long-distance riders may remain seated for hours at a time, it’s essential to test holsters for pressure points, shifting, and draw angle accessibility with all layers in place. Retention must be absolute — sudden stops or gear adjustments should never risk exposing or dislodging the weapon.

What to Avoid When Concealed Carrying on a Motorcycle

Carrying a firearm while riding requires a setup that prioritizes control, concealment, and safety. Failing to meet those standards can lead to legal consequences, loss of weapon retention, or compromised personal security. 

The following are common mistakes that must be avoided:

Loose or Unsecured Holsters

Any holster used while riding must be rigid, form-fitted to the firearm, and firmly attached to the rider’s body or gear. Holsters that rely on passive friction or loose clips can shift, detach, or fail under the dynamic forces of wind, vibration, or sudden movement.

Always verify holster retention through seated position tests on the motorcycle. A proper motorcycle-ready holster should hold its position during a full day of riding and remain accessible without adjustment.

Carrying Without Trigger Guard Protection

Exposed triggers are an unacceptable risk in any carry scenario, and that risk is amplified on a motorcycle. Movement, gear pressure, or sudden dismounts can introduce unintentional contact with the trigger area if it is not properly covered.

Every carry method — whether waistband, shoulder, vest, or jacket pocket — must include a holster that fully encloses the trigger guard. Soft carry pouches, jacket pockets, or bags without integrated trigger protection should not be used.

Off-Body Carry Without Retention

Tank bags, saddlebags, and backpacks are frequently used by riders but introduce serious security concerns. If a firearm is stored off-body, it must be in a dedicated, lockable, and retention-equipped compartment. Simply placing a handgun in a zippered pouch or unsecured pocket creates a high risk of loss, theft, or accidental discharge.

If off-body carry is necessary, invest in a system designed specifically for firearm transport — ideally with dual retention and restricted access points.

Printing or Visible Firearm Outline

Motorcycle airflow, movement, and layered clothing can cause garments to ride up or press tightly against the firearm, exposing its outline — or the firearm itself. This is called “printing,” and while it may be legally permitted in some jurisdictions, it can draw unnecessary attention or provoke concern from the public and law enforcement.

To prevent this:

• Choose appropriate clothing with structure and weight

• Use holsters with slim profiles

• Routinely inspect yourself in a mirror while geared up and seated on your bike
  

Concealed carry only works when the weapon stays concealed.

Final Thoughts on Concealed Carry While Riding

Concealed carry on a motorcycle demands more than just choosing a holster. It requires an intentional setup that prioritizes retention, concealment, comfort, and legal compliance — all within the context of dynamic motion and environmental exposure.

While gear selection is essential, it is not a substitute for proper training. The best carry system is only as effective as the rider’s ability to deploy it under pressure, manage it in real-world conditions, and understand the applicable laws.

Riders should routinely:

• Test their carry setup while mounted and geared
• Practice safe draw and reholster techniques
• Stay up-to-date on state laws regarding transport and display

Every ride is different. Conditions change. Traffic, weather, and even riding posture can impact how your carry setup performs. Preparation and legal awareness are what make the difference between responsible carry and avoidable liability.

FAQs About Motorcycle Concealed Carry

Can I legally conceal carry on a motorcycle?

Concealed carry on a motorcycle is legal in most U.S. states, provided the rider has a valid concealed carry permit where required. State laws generally treat motorcycle carry the same as on-foot carry, but it’s essential to verify local regulations, especially regarding transportation and exposure of firearms during travel.

What’s the safest holster for motorcycle riders?

The safest holsters for motorcycle riders are those with high retention, full trigger guard coverage, and secure attachment to the body. Inside the waistband (IWB) and shoulder holsters are typically the most reliable options, as long as they are adjusted properly to remain stable during movement and seated riding positions.

Can airflow expose my concealed firearm while riding?

Airflow at highway speeds can lift or shift loose clothing, leading to printing or full exposure of a concealed firearm. This risk is higher with untucked shirts or unzipped jackets. To maintain concealment, riders should wear wind-resistant outerwear that fits snugly and securely fastens over the firearm.

Are motorcycle vests with built-in holsters legal to use for CCW?

Motorcycle vests with built-in holsters are legal to use for concealed carry in most jurisdictions, as long as the user has the appropriate permit. However, the vest must provide full trigger guard protection, ensure retention of the firearm, and meet state requirements for concealment.

Do I need a concealed carry permit to carry on a motorcycle?

A concealed carry permit is required to carry a firearm on a motorcycle in states where permits are legally mandated for CCW. Riding a motorcycle does not change the legal requirement — if you need a permit to carry on foot, you’ll need one while riding unless your state has permitless carry laws.

 

Learn More About Concealed Carry in Outdoor Activities & Travel

• Concealed Carry While Camping
• Concealed Carry While Hiking/Backpacking
• Concealed Carry While Driving
• Concealed Carry on Amtrak Trains
• Concealed Carry in the Rain
• Concealed Carry While Sitting Down
• Concealed Carry While Being Active