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Whether you ride as your primary means of transportation or you’re a weekend wanderer, setting off on two wheels is a great way to get around. However, you might, for one reason or another, want to keep a firearm with you in your saddlebags or storage options. So, when you park your bike, can you legally holster your gun in your motorcycle saddlebags, solo bag, or other pouch without getting in trouble with the authorities?

You can holster your gun in your motorcycle saddlebags without breaking the law, but you might not want to

Depending on your state and your status, you’re well within your rights to holster your gun in your motorcycle saddlebags. For instance, in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, riders don’t require a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit to carry a gun. As such, a rider can store and carry a gun on their motorcycle.

However, some circumstances would land you in hot water with the police for storing a gun in your saddlebags. For instance, convicted felons are not legally allowed to possess a firearm. Regardless of whether the gun is in a holster, unloaded, and locked in a motorcycle saddlebag, it’s a no-go for felons.

Further, some states may require a rider to store a weapon separately from ammunition or in a certain condition. For instance, depending on where you live, you might not be allowed to store a weapon inside in “condition one.” That means no storing a weapon with a loaded chamber and magazine inserted. You should know the state and local laws regarding firearms and vehicles. 

Many hard-sided saddlebags offer locking solutions. However, your locking saddlebag on your Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Yamaha, Indian, or Ducati is hardly a match for thieves. In fact, some opportunist could pop the saddlebag on your ride and steal your firearm. Tragically, you’ll have to file a police report for your potentially dangerous stolen property after the fact. Still, if you’re going to leave a gun in your motorcycle saddlebags, always secure it.

However, certain establishments might not allow you to concealed carry your firearm at all. For instance, in Texas, licensed carriers can’t conceal a weapon in an establishment that generates 51% or more of its revenue from alcohol sales. It’s a prudent move, frankly. The Lone Star State doesn’t want firearm owners carrying their potentially deadly weapons in an environment where they could get drunk and hostile.

Source: Avvo

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).