What do you wear when you are on your bike?

jtyson · October 26, 2013, 01:15 AM

I'm talking hogs and rockets here. No offense to the pedal type, but I haven't bothered with one of those since I was old enough to legally get behind the wheel (or bars in this case) of something with a motor.

I know it's coming up on winter and it won't matter as much, but I'm trying to figure out what and where to carry when I am riding. Honestly, I'm more of a wheel gun guy. I've had my fair share of semis and will continue to buy more, but for self defense I don't think anything beats a revolver.

I've been considering an LCR. I don't feel undergunned with a good 38+p round and I've been thinking ankle rig, but since I ride rockets, my pants do tend to come up a bit and I don't want to accidentally brandish. I could probably do a shoulder holster, but then I'm forced to keep my jacket on everywhere I go. Typical IWB couldn't be easily accessed with my jacket either.

Here in NM, open carry is legal, but I don't think a guy on a bike with a gun on his hip would make too many folks happy and I don't want to stir the pot unnecessarily.

So what do you guys do when you're on two wheels?

Auto5 · October 26, 2013, 07:38 AM

I'd say no on the ankle holster. If you get caught in the rain, the lower part of your legs will get soaked first because of the spray and grit kicked up by the front wheel. Besides, I usually wear touring boots, so the ankle hoster wouldn't work for me.
Most of my riding jackets have suitable inside or outside pockets that will hold a small pistol with or without a pocket holster. Small of the back carry also works well on a bike unless you ride a sportbike and wear a short jacket that rides up in the back.

Ozzieman · October 26, 2013, 08:07 AM

Charter arms Bulldog in a shoulder holster.
It is the spring type that holds the gun very firmly.

whip1 · October 26, 2013, 08:11 AM

I'd suggest the riding jacket as mentioned above. Also, Glock Store, and I'm sure others, sell an undershirt with a built in holster. When I ride, I usually have 2 shirts on, so the under shirt would be ideal. They're a little pricey, so it would pay to look around a little.

http://www.glockstore.com/undertech-...cealment-shirt

qwik · October 26, 2013, 08:42 AM

I have Coronado Leather bike vest, has inside built in holster for conceal carry gun, It's well made. That said I can tell you from experience if you go down, gonna wish that you nothing in pockets, I wasn't wearing my vest that night had a NAA mini mag in pants pocket and it left me with an extra hurt. So glad didn't have CCW on my hip

buck460XVR · October 26, 2013, 09:07 AM

90% of the time I carry a stainless j-frame in an ankle holster. Like with any of my firearms, rain is the least of my worries. Ridin' in the rain is no different that huntin' in the rain.

Besides, the rainsuit that is always in my bags keeps my ankles dry even when riding all day in rain. Decent ankle holsters either accommodate wearing over boots or have strap extensions available. I also figure an ankle holster offers the least chance of injury if I go down or get cut off by a car. Other 10% of the time I wear a 1911 in a shoulder holster under my vest/jacket.

rodfac · October 26, 2013, 09:16 AM

My S&W M60 with a 3" bbl, and it's holster go in my daily ride bag strapped behind the pillion seat. When I dismount, I slide it on my waist belt...

Riding, I don't like extraneous objects in my pockets...wallet, phone, CCW and knife all go in that small bag behind the rear seat, as does my license, Ins card, and registration for the bike....On dismount, reloading my pockets takes :30 seconds and does engender some pointed remarks from my riding buddies....especially if they see the gun..."hey, you expectin' trouble?" is the usual quip...the reply goes like this, "nope, if I was, I'd be packin' a 12 ga pump in a scabbard!".

Best Regards, and ride safe....Rod

ClydeFrog · October 26, 2013, 05:23 PM

Id look at the good 5.11 under-shirts or the active wear from Lenny Magill's popular www.glockstore.com . You can pack a small revolver or semi auto pistol under your shirt or jacket & have quick access.
Woolrich Elite, Blackhawk & 5.11 also market shirts with pockets to hide small guns. They don't look very tactical or SWAT like & you'll blend into most places.
There was a company called Bullet 50 that sold a line of jeans that concealed weapons & LE gear. It was started by a group of retired cops in southern CA.

The Ruger LCR is a good choice. My friend just got a new LCR .38spl with a Centerfire red laser.
A S&W 442/642 .38spl +P could work well too. Id look at a Blackhawk SERPA holster.
A red or green laser aimer may be a good add-on. If you are wounded or on your bike, you may need to fire one-handed.
CF

orionengnr · October 26, 2013, 06:17 PM

I don't own a car, and have only owned a double-handful of cars/trucks in my 57 (in a week or so) trips around the sun...as opposed to nearly 85 bikes (so far, and five currently).

From this, you may infer that I ride every day, rain, shine, or whatever...and you would be right.

Most of the time, I carry my Kahr PM9 in my right front pocket. Sometimes, I carry a 1911 IWB. I don't worry about accessing my handgun while riding, as I will use the acceleration and maneuverability of my bike to get me out of a situation long before I will take a hand off the throttle to reach for a hand gun.

If I am at a dead stop, and trapped...all bets off.

markallen · October 26, 2013, 08:57 PM

I always carry my S&W 642 in my front pocket. When I carry my 1911, or my Alaskan .44 Mag, OWB. The 642 is still in my pocket. So when I ride ( cold enough for a jacket) I will transfer it to the inside left breasted pocket, and switch back whenI get off. The 642 is small enough to palm it and be discreet.

jtyson · October 27, 2013, 02:14 AM

Found a used LCR 38 with crimson trace grip and a box of ammo for $450 in good shape locally. If it is still available and funds allow I may pick it up in the next week or so. I've gone and played with the S&W airweight and I actually had an LCR for a short bit (regret selling) and I far prefer the trigger on the LCR.

I really like the looks of those conceal shirts. I'm gonna do some shopping on those. Anyone know how well they fit? How true to size they are?

Also, just to open another can of worms, I'm young -26- and don't have near the 2 wheel experience that some do, but in my 9 or 10 years on motorcycles, I've had two people TRY to run me over. Not accidentally, but chase me north of 100 mph trying to run me over. Once with my girlfriend at the time on the back. Considering they were using their cars as weapons in an attempt to potentially kill me, would there have been legal standing had I drawn on them? I was under age so I couldn't carry a gun at that point anyway, just curious though. Not sure if there is any precedent there. I imagine it'd be a losing battle without any witnesses or a camera since you couldn't prove it. And like mentioned otherwise, my bikes are plenty nimble to outrun 95% of the cars/trucks on the road, so why not flee.

kln4 · October 27, 2013, 06:57 AM

When I rode, (geiserglide classic) I carried SOB w/XD.40). I didn't like the bag option cause some ah stole the bag I had attached to the sissybar.

OxyGuy · October 27, 2013, 07:04 AM

I don't change my carry when I ride. A J frame in my pocket or a G17 on my belt.

Thespis · October 27, 2013, 09:20 AM

I'm an older guy with some 55 years of mostly H-D riding. My current ride is an '07 FXDL Low Rider with detachable windshield. Over time, I've developed what is for me a comfortable method of concealed carry. I have a leather vest from Coronado Leather which offers interior cc pockets, right and left. In my right saddlebag, I carry a rolled-up glove-leather jacket purchased several years ago in Florence, Italy. Because the leather is soft and lightweight, it's natural to wear the jacket under the vest. This allows me to be sure I'll be able to stay warm and keep the vest on the outside and the gun accessible in any dry weather circumstance. (In wet weather, of course, I'll put a rain jacket over the vest.) In terms of gun choice, I find I can carry anything from a NAA Guardian in .32 to a Kahr PM9 to a Colt Officers model .45 - although this last is best left for short trips because of its weight. This past summer I took the Kahr on my ride from New England out to Glacier in western Montana, enjoying maximum comfort and zero cc problems.

Tactical Jackalope · October 27, 2013, 09:52 AM

Quote:

I'm talking hogs and rockets here. No offense to the pedal type, but I haven't bothered with one of those since I was old enough to legally get behind the wheel (or bars in this case) of something with a motor.

So my Fisher-Price tricycle and I aren't welcome. Is that what you're telling me?

I'll answer anyways, Glock 19 AIWB in a PHLster Skeleton.

g.willikers · October 27, 2013, 11:04 AM

Bicyclists are more fit, but motorcyclists can hold more beer.

Here's how to carry:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/...8f32a053df.jpg

Ok, seriously, here's an undervest with a concealed carry pocket:
http://www.bikersden.com/public/Prod...814/Image1.jpg

dajowi · October 27, 2013, 01:53 PM

Clothes

Stevie-Ray · October 29, 2013, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Bicyclists are more fit, but motorcyclists can hold more beer.

I dunno, I can hold a lot of beer.

bt380 · October 29, 2013, 03:38 PM

Whatever you carry, don't carry it near the spine, pelvis, ankles, thoracic region, femur, and not above the collar bone. Where ever you wreck, Murphy will make sure whatever is hardest will hit whatever can hurt the mostest. Keep it on the bike until after you get off the bike. Help out your local fire department and paramedics who are the ones that have to deal with the pain of a crashed motor cycle rider. If a ALS (paramedic) shows up, they have drugs. If BLS (emt) show up, they have ear plugs for themselves.

Brian Pfleuger · October 29, 2013, 03:43 PM

I wear the same thing I do all the rest of the time. A Glock 33 in a Crossbreed Supertuck IWB.

I refuse to ride without full armor, in my case TourMaster Flex jacket and pants. They zip together in the back, completely eliminating any chance of accidental exposure.

g.willikers · October 29, 2013, 06:03 PM

Quote:

completely eliminating any chance of accidental exposure.

Way too tempting.
You did that on purpose, didn't you?
Set us up, that is.

jtyson · October 29, 2013, 06:29 PM

@BT380 - The only options you left me really is strapped to my stomach or a sleeve gun. I know what you mean about pain with things attached to your body though. The one time I did wreck, I had a box of tic tacs in my pocket which made sure to shatter and gouge a chunk out of my leg. Just adding insult to all the road rash.

Seriously though, keeping it on the bike isn't really an option. I ride rice bikes, and the only storage is accessible with my key, so gun is worthless unless I'm off the bike. Wonder if I could make some sort of hidden holster in front of my tree or something? I'd just be worried about road grime

Axelwik · October 29, 2013, 10:48 PM

I ride a sportbike and my LCR or XDs goes into a chest pocket. I do serious riding, so wear full racing protection including armored boots - so there's no room for an ankle holster.

RockDTMC · October 30, 2013, 05:40 PM

I ride my Road King daily. I carry my 1911 in a Blackhawk Serpa paddle holster and my CZ 75 compact IWB. Very comfortable and secure and I can access either while on the bike.

jumpinjack · October 30, 2013, 07:01 PM

Bikes have always been a passion of mine, enough so that a few years ago (07ish) I sold my truck and have ridden one daily, year round ever since, Rain, shine, snow, sleet, you name it, been there done that. Anyway all the while I've carried, In the winter time I usually have either the glock or 1911 in a sholder rig, summer is usually the p-32 apendix carry. Seems to work ok. prob stick with it.

October 26, 2013, 01:15 AM	#1
jtyson Member Join Date: June 4, 2011 Posts: 65	What do you wear when you are on your bike? I'm talking hogs and rockets here. No offense to the pedal type, but I haven't bothered with one of those since I was old enough to legally get behind the wheel (or bars in this case) of something with a motor. I know it's coming up on winter and it won't matter as much, but I'm trying to figure out what and where to carry when I am riding. Honestly, I'm more of a wheel gun guy. I've had my fair share of semis and will continue to buy more, but for self defense I don't think anything beats a revolver. I've been considering an LCR. I don't feel undergunned with a good 38+p round and I've been thinking ankle rig, but since I ride rockets, my pants do tend to come up a bit and I don't want to accidentally brandish. I could probably do a shoulder holster, but then I'm forced to keep my jacket on everywhere I go. Typical IWB couldn't be easily accessed with my jacket either. Here in NM, open carry is legal, but I don't think a guy on a bike with a gun on his hip would make too many folks happy and I don't want to stir the pot unnecessarily. So what do you guys do when you're on two wheels?

October 26, 2013, 07:38 AM	#2
Auto5 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 662	I'd say no on the ankle holster. If you get caught in the rain, the lower part of your legs will get soaked first because of the spray and grit kicked up by the front wheel. Besides, I usually wear touring boots, so the ankle hoster wouldn't work for me. Most of my riding jackets have suitable inside or outside pockets that will hold a small pistol with or without a pocket holster. Small of the back carry also works well on a bike unless you ride a sportbike and wear a short jacket that rides up in the back. __________________ At the young age of five, a bear told me that I was the only person who could prevent forest fires. Why I was chosen, I'll never know.

October 26, 2013, 08:07 AM	#3
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	Charter arms Bulldog in a shoulder holster. It is the spring type that holds the gun very firmly. __________________ It was a sad day when I discovered my universal remote control did not in fact control the universe. Did you hear about the latest study.....5 out of 6 liberals say that Russian Roulette is safe.

October 26, 2013, 08:42 AM	#5
qwik Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2004 Location: nc Posts: 152	I have Coronado Leather bike vest, has inside built in holster for conceal carry gun, It's well made. That said I can tell you from experience if you go down, gonna wish that you nothing in pockets, I wasn't wearing my vest that night had a NAA mini mag in pants pocket and it left me with an extra hurt. So glad didn't have CCW on my hip __________________ havejeepwilltravel [0lllllll0]

October 26, 2013, 09:16 AM	#7
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,624	My S&W M60 with a 3" bbl, and it's holster go in my daily ride bag strapped behind the pillion seat. When I dismount, I slide it on my waist belt... Riding, I don't like extraneous objects in my pockets...wallet, phone, CCW and knife all go in that small bag behind the rear seat, as does my license, Ins card, and registration for the bike....On dismount, reloading my pockets takes :30 seconds and does engender some pointed remarks from my riding buddies....especially if they see the gun..."hey, you expectin' trouble?" is the usual quip...the reply goes like this, "nope, if I was, I'd be packin' a 12 ga pump in a scabbard!". Best Regards, and ride safe....Rod __________________ Cherish our flag, honor it, defend it in word and deed, or get the hell out. Our Bill of Rights has been paid for by heros in uniform and shall not be diluted by misguided governmental social experiments. We owe this to our children, anything less is cowardice. USAF FAC, 5th Spl Forces, Vietnam Vet '69-'73.

October 26, 2013, 08:11 AM	#4
whip1 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 383	I'd suggest the riding jacket as mentioned above. Also, Glock Store, and I'm sure others, sell an undershirt with a built in holster. When I ride, I usually have 2 shirts on, so the under shirt would be ideal. They're a little pricey, so it would pay to look around a little. http://www.glockstore.com/undertech-...cealment-shirt

October 26, 2013, 09:07 AM	#6
buck460XVR Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2006 Posts: 4,342	90% of the time I carry a stainless j-frame in an ankle holster. Like with any of my firearms, rain is the least of my worries. Ridin' in the rain is no different that huntin' in the rain. Besides, the rainsuit that is always in my bags keeps my ankles dry even when riding all day in rain. Decent ankle holsters either accommodate wearing over boots or have strap extensions available. I also figure an ankle holster offers the least chance of injury if I go down or get cut off by a car. Other 10% of the time I wear a 1911 in a shoulder holster under my vest/jacket.

October 26, 2013, 05:23 PM	#8
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	under-garments, concealment shirts.... Id look at the good 5.11 under-shirts or the active wear from Lenny Magill's popular www.glockstore.com . You can pack a small revolver or semi auto pistol under your shirt or jacket & have quick access. Woolrich Elite, Blackhawk & 5.11 also market shirts with pockets to hide small guns. They don't look very tactical or SWAT like & you'll blend into most places. There was a company called Bullet 50 that sold a line of jeans that concealed weapons & LE gear. It was started by a group of retired cops in southern CA. The Ruger LCR is a good choice. My friend just got a new LCR .38spl with a Centerfire red laser. A S&W 442/642 .38spl +P could work well too. Id look at a Blackhawk SERPA holster. A red or green laser aimer may be a good add-on. If you are wounded or on your bike, you may need to fire one-handed. CF

October 26, 2013, 06:17 PM	#9
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,177	I don't own a car, and have only owned a double-handful of cars/trucks in my 57 (in a week or so) trips around the sun...as opposed to nearly 85 bikes (so far, and five currently). From this, you may infer that I ride every day, rain, shine, or whatever...and you would be right. Most of the time, I carry my Kahr PM9 in my right front pocket. Sometimes, I carry a 1911 IWB. I don't worry about accessing my handgun while riding, as I will use the acceleration and maneuverability of my bike to get me out of a situation long before I will take a hand off the throttle to reach for a hand gun. If I am at a dead stop, and trapped...all bets off.

October 26, 2013, 08:57 PM	#10
markallen Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: N E Ohio Posts: 221	I always carry my S&W 642 in my front pocket. When I carry my 1911, or my Alaskan .44 Mag, OWB. The 642 is still in my pocket. So when I ride ( cold enough for a jacket) I will transfer it to the inside left breasted pocket, and switch back whenI get off. The 642 is small enough to palm it and be discreet. __________________ Don't do anything Stupid. And don't let Stupid do anything to you.

October 27, 2013, 02:14 AM	#11
jtyson Member Join Date: June 4, 2011 Posts: 65	Found a used LCR 38 with crimson trace grip and a box of ammo for $450 in good shape locally. If it is still available and funds allow I may pick it up in the next week or so. I've gone and played with the S&W airweight and I actually had an LCR for a short bit (regret selling) and I far prefer the trigger on the LCR. I really like the looks of those conceal shirts. I'm gonna do some shopping on those. Anyone know how well they fit? How true to size they are? Also, just to open another can of worms, I'm young -26- and don't have near the 2 wheel experience that some do, but in my 9 or 10 years on motorcycles, I've had two people TRY to run me over. Not accidentally, but chase me north of 100 mph trying to run me over. Once with my girlfriend at the time on the back. Considering they were using their cars as weapons in an attempt to potentially kill me, would there have been legal standing had I drawn on them? I was under age so I couldn't carry a gun at that point anyway, just curious though. Not sure if there is any precedent there. I imagine it'd be a losing battle without any witnesses or a camera since you couldn't prove it. And like mentioned otherwise, my bikes are plenty nimble to outrun 95% of the cars/trucks on the road, so why not flee.

October 27, 2013, 06:57 AM	#12
kln4 Member Join Date: August 13, 2013 Posts: 82	When I rode, (geiserglide classic) I carried SOB w/XD.40). I didn't like the bag option cause some ah stole the bag I had attached to the sissybar.

October 27, 2013, 07:04 AM	#13
OxyGuy Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: South Carolina Posts: 77	I don't change my carry when I ride. A J frame in my pocket or a G17 on my belt.

October 27, 2013, 09:20 AM	#14
Thespis Senior Member Join Date: December 18, 2010 Location: New England Posts: 125	I'm an older guy with some 55 years of mostly H-D riding. My current ride is an '07 FXDL Low Rider with detachable windshield. Over time, I've developed what is for me a comfortable method of concealed carry. I have a leather vest from Coronado Leather which offers interior cc pockets, right and left. In my right saddlebag, I carry a rolled-up glove-leather jacket purchased several years ago in Florence, Italy. Because the leather is soft and lightweight, it's natural to wear the jacket under the vest. This allows me to be sure I'll be able to stay warm and keep the vest on the outside and the gun accessible in any dry weather circumstance. (In wet weather, of course, I'll put a rain jacket over the vest.) In terms of gun choice, I find I can carry anything from a NAA Guardian in .32 to a Kahr PM9 to a Colt Officers model .45 - although this last is best left for short trips because of its weight. This past summer I took the Kahr on my ride from New England out to Glacier in western Montana, enjoying maximum comfort and zero cc problems.

October 27, 2013, 11:04 AM	#16
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Bicyclists are more fit, but motorcyclists can hold more beer. Here's how to carry: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/...8f32a053df.jpg Ok, seriously, here's an undervest with a concealed carry pocket: http://www.bikersden.com/public/Prod...814/Image1.jpg __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.” Last edited by g.willikers; October 27, 2013 at 11:16 AM.

October 27, 2013, 01:53 PM	#17
dajowi Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Posts: 1,196	Clothes

October 29, 2013, 03:38 PM	#19
bt380 Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2012 Posts: 331	Whatever you carry, don't carry it near the spine, pelvis, ankles, thoracic region, femur, and not above the collar bone. Where ever you wreck, Murphy will make sure whatever is hardest will hit whatever can hurt the mostest. Keep it on the bike until after you get off the bike. Help out your local fire department and paramedics who are the ones that have to deal with the pain of a crashed motor cycle rider. If a ALS (paramedic) shows up, they have drugs. If BLS (emt) show up, they have ear plugs for themselves.

October 29, 2013, 03:43 PM	#20
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	I wear the same thing I do all the rest of the time. A Glock 33 in a Crossbreed Supertuck IWB. I refuse to ride without full armor, in my case TourMaster Flex jacket and pants. They zip together in the back, completely eliminating any chance of accidental exposure. __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley

October 29, 2013, 06:29 PM	#22
jtyson Member Join Date: June 4, 2011 Posts: 65	@BT380 - The only options you left me really is strapped to my stomach or a sleeve gun. I know what you mean about pain with things attached to your body though. The one time I did wreck, I had a box of tic tacs in my pocket which made sure to shatter and gouge a chunk out of my leg. Just adding insult to all the road rash. Seriously though, keeping it on the bike isn't really an option. I ride rice bikes, and the only storage is accessible with my key, so gun is worthless unless I'm off the bike. Wonder if I could make some sort of hidden holster in front of my tree or something? I'd just be worried about road grime

October 29, 2013, 10:48 PM	#23
Axelwik Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2012 Location: Land of Enchantment Posts: 436	I ride a sportbike and my LCR or XDs goes into a chest pocket. I do serious riding, so wear full racing protection including armored boots - so there's no room for an ankle holster.

October 30, 2013, 05:40 PM	#24
RockDTMC Member Join Date: October 25, 2013 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 96	I ride my Road King daily. I carry my 1911 in a Blackhawk Serpa paddle holster and my CZ 75 compact IWB. Very comfortable and secure and I can access either while on the bike.

October 30, 2013, 07:01 PM	#25
jumpinjack Junior Member Join Date: October 27, 2013 Posts: 8	packin while ridin Bikes have always been a passion of mine, enough so that a few years ago (07ish) I sold my truck and have ridden one daily, year round ever since, Rain, shine, snow, sleet, you name it, been there done that. Anyway all the while I've carried, In the winter time I usually have either the glock or 1911 in a sholder rig, summer is usually the p-32 apendix carry. Seems to work ok. prob stick with it.