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Many motorists in the United States prefer to hit the road with a firearm in their vehicle. However, even if you’re one of those gun owners, you might prefer to ride a motorcycle than drive a car. So, can you ride a motorcycle with a concealed or open carry gun in a holster? And if you can, how do you do it safely?

You can legally ride a motorcycle with an open-carry or concealed-carry gun in many states, but you might want to consider a few things

Many states, like Texas, Florida, Colorado, or Kentucky, will allow you to carry a gun on your motorcycle in either an open or concealed context. However, you might want to consider a few things before you do.

  • Consider your state’s laws regarding transporting a firearm aboard a vehicle
  • Your state might not allow you to ride with an open-carry firearm
  • Appendix, hip, or shoulder-holstered weapons could crack bones in the event of a crash
  • Depending on the retention classification, a holster might not be suitable for riding
  • Some businesses might not allow firearms, like “51%” establishments

First and foremost, riding a motorcycle with a concealed-carry or open-carry gun requires an awareness of state laws. For instance, Colorado won’t allow motorists to hit the road with a handgun that has a loaded chamber. However, Texas will allow motorcycle riders to open carry a gun without a license to carry (LTC). 

A rider on a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle has an open carry gun rather than a concealed carry firearm.
A rider on a Kawasaki Ninja packs an open-carry handgun | Brett Carlsen, Getty Images

As you might imagine, a steel firearm is stronger than, well, your ribs or pelvis. As a result, if you put your bike down or crash, that firearm finds the path of least resistance. Hopefully, it’s out of your holster. However, if you ride with a large firearm, like a K-Frame revolver, in a level three shoulder holster, it may break your ribs.

While a Kydex outer waistband holster (OWB) might be sufficient for a concealed-carry gun, it might not suffice for motorcycle riding. Riding is an involved process, and a low-retention holster might result in you dropping your firearm on the highway. 

Beyond riding a motorcycle with a firearm, you might not be legally allowed to carry your gun into certain establishments. For instance, if a Texas establishment makes 51% or more of its revenue from alcohol sales, it’s illegal to carry inside. It makes sense, too; the state doesn’t want intoxicated people brandishing a firearm.

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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).