As I write this, it is snowing in Wisconsin, and my motorcycle is in the shop getting tuned up for next season. I’m new to riding, having just gotten my motorcycle license last summer, but I have put on a few thousand miles already. And I’m looking forward to getting back on the bike as soon as the weather turns nice!
While I’m new to operating a motorcycle, I’ve been a bike passenger for years. And I’ve always carried. Through some trial and error of different holsters and carry positions, I’ve found a few options that work really well for me as a passenger.
Choose the Right Gear
My favorite is the Ukoala bag. It’s a thigh bag with numerous pockets that attaches around the waist and thigh. The company offers Kydex holster inserts for the firearm pouch. I secure my ID, CCW permit, knife, mini IFAK and phone in there as well. It’s very comfortable and versatile.
I’ve also used a JM4 Tactical magnetic holster for appendix carry while riding passenger. It keeps my firearm accessible between myself and the driver. This reduces the chance of the wind causing my gun to print or lifting my shirt and exposing my gun.
The only downside would be if anything should happen while I’m driving. I would have to cross draw with my non-dominant hand. But let’s be real, I’m not Angelina Jolie in some action movie. I’d rather drive away than engage a threat from my bike with my firearm in my left hand.
For my male counterparts who don’t like the thigh bag idea, please be sure to find a holster that will keep your firearm secure on you. I’ve unfortunately heard of people losing a firearm (from the 4 o’clock position) and never even feeling it go.
Choose a holster and carry position that will reduce printing in the wind and keep your firearm secure if an accident should occur.
Extended Bike Travels
I haven’t made it to Sturgis yet, but it’s on my bucket list. Long bike trips bring up some interesting challenges (for reciprocity issues, check out USCCA.com/Laws before you travel).
Staying overnight — whether camping, glamping or spending time in hotels — can present challenges when you have a firearm on you. One tool that will help no matter where you spend the night is a travel gun safe. You can jump into a conversation about what travel gun safe might work best for you in the USCCA Online Community.
You can attach the gun safe in your tour pack or saddlebags if you’re sleeping under the stars without a tent. Otherwise, keeping it in your tent or hotel room with you is a good idea.
If you’re camping multiple nights under the stars in one spot (say Sturgis, for example), be sure to be discreet when removing your firearm from your body. The last restroom run of the night is a good time. Remove the firearm from your body, leave it in the holster and put it in your bathroom bag so that no one sees it when you transfer it to your safe.
Be sure to check hotel firearms policies before you travel as well so you don’t get to your destination only to find out that it won’t allow your gun in the hotel.
One of the best things to do to keep your firearm safe on longer trips is to not talk about carrying. If no one outside of your trusted travel companions knows you have it, no one will attempt to steal it.
Ride smart and stay safe!
Sources:
Ukoala Bag: UUBGear.com
JM4 Tactical: JM4Tactical.com
