The freedom of the open road and the freedom of firearms go together like peanut butter and jelly. 

But the reality of carrying while you’re riding a motorcycle? Not so simple. 

Traditional holsters and typical motorcycle gear often fight each other, leaving you to choose between being uncomfortable or being unprotected. 

Whether you are navigating a cross-country tour or just heading to the local bike night, your setup needs to work as a single, cohesive system that prioritizes both your safety and your ability to stay focused on the ride.

Navigating the Legal Landscape of Two-Wheeled Carry

Before you ever strap on a holster or zip up a carry jacket, you have to understand the legal ground you are riding on. 

Laws for carrying a firearm change the moment you cross a state line, and as a motorcyclist, you are much more "exposed" to legal scrutiny than someone in a car.

Understanding Reciprocity and State Lines

One of the biggest mistakes a rider can make is assuming their home state’s permit is a golden ticket across the country. 

Reciprocity – the agreement between states to honor each other's permits – is a shifting map that you must check before every trip. 

Some states recognize all out-of-state permits, while others, like California or New York, are much more restrictive.

If you find yourself in a state that doesn’t honor your permit, you may need to stop and legally "transport" your firearm, which usually means it must be unloaded and stored in a locked container inaccessible to the rider.

The Firearm Owners’ Protection Act (FOPA)

If you are touring across the country, federal law provides a "safe passage" provision under FOPA. This protects you while traveling through restrictive states as long as you are legal to carry at your starting point and your destination.

However, the conditions are strict: the firearm must be unloaded and locked in a container like a hard-sided saddlebag or a dedicated motorcycle safe. "Traveling" isn't explicitly defined, so if you stop for a long lunch or an overnight stay in a restrictive state, you may lose that federal protection and fall under local laws.

Choosing the Right Carry Method for Your Bike

How you sit on your bike dictates how you should carry. A rider on a sportbike with a forward lean has different needs than someone sitting upright on a cruiser.

On-Body Carry: The Gold Standard

Most experts recommend on-body carry because it keeps the firearm under your direct control.

• Appendix Carry (AIWB): While this is fairly accessible for upright riders, depending on your position it’s not the most comfortable. It allows for a quick draw, however.

• Shoulder Holsters: These are fantastic for long-distance touring because they distribute the weight across your shoulders and keep the gun off your waistline. However, be aware that in a fall, a shoulder holster could potentially contribute to rib injuries.

• Jacket Pockets: Integrated pockets, like those in our Bohn Kevlar® Jacket, are designed for the seated position. They offer quick, natural access without the discomfort of a belt digging into your stomach for 300 miles.

What to Avoid: The 6 O'Clock Position

Whatever you do, avoid carrying a firearm directly over your spine at the 6 o'clock position. In a crash, landing on a hard piece of steel right on your vertebrae can lead to permanent spinal damage. 

We always recommend keeping the small of your back clear and relying on a good back protector to protect your spine.

Bohn gear comes packed with SAS-TEC CE-Level 2 back protectors, which are 12.5 x 16.75 inches of high-quality viscoelastic foam designed to disperse impact forces. More on those later.

Top Gear for the Carrying Rider

When you are looking for the right gear, you need pieces that don't scream "tactical" but provide the technical features necessary for a safe ride. 

Here are my top recommendations for integrating protection into your daily riding wardrobe. Both come with integrated concealed-carry pockets. 

The Bohn Kevlar® Riding Jacket

This is my go-to for spring and fall riding because it feels like a high-quality "everyday" soft-shell jacket while hiding serious technical specs. It is fully lined with DuPont™ Kevlar® for abrasion protection and includes CE-Level 2 armor from SAS-TEC in the back, shoulders, and elbows. 

Most importantly for this guide, it features dual-sided concealed carry pockets that include holsters, making it easy for both left- and right-handed riders to carry securely without adding a bulky belt holster. The soft-shell fabric is wind and water-resistant, which is a lifesaver if you get caught in a 20-minute rain shower.

Get the Bohn Kevlar Riding Jacket

The Bohn Kevlar® Armored Sweatshirt

For riders who want a more casual look, this heavyweight cotton sweatshirt is a favorite. Like the jacket, it is completely lined with Kevlar® and has the same internal armor pockets for full impact protection. 

It includes two deep internal pockets that work perfectly for concealed carry or for stashing your phone and keys. It is a heavier product, making it ideal for those crisp fall mornings or evening rides when a t-shirt just won't cut it.

Get the Bohn Kevlar Armored Sweatshirt

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to carry a gun on a motorcycle? 

Generally, yes, provided you have the proper permits for the state you are in and are following all local, state, and federal laws. Laws vary wildly between states, so always check a reciprocity map before you ride.

What is the best way to carry while riding? 

There is no single "best" way, as it depends on your bike and posture. However, high-riding appendix carry or an integrated carry jacket like our Bohn Kevlar® Jacket are popular choices for their balance of comfort and access.

How do I avoid landing on my gun in a motorcycle crash?

While you can’t plan out how you’re going to fall in a crash, there are a few spots to avoid carrying a gun. Carrying a hard object over a bone or your spine increases the risk of a "point load" injury in a fall. 

This is why we recommend carry positions that keep the firearm away from your spine and joints, and why we emphasize the use of high-quality back and hip armor.

Can I carry my gun in a tank bag or saddlebag? 

You can, but "off-body" carry comes with risks. If you are separated from your bike in a crash, you are separated from your protection. Additionally, leaving a firearm in a bag on an unattended bike is a major security risk.

How do I handle a police stop while carrying? 

The safest approach is to keep your hands visible (usually on the handlebars) and immediately, but calmly, inform the officer that you are a permit holder and are currently carrying. Follow their instructions exactly and don't make any sudden movements toward the weapon.

Does Bohn armor include a holster? 

Our Bohn Kevlar® Jacket and Sweatshirt both feature internal pockets specifically designed for concealed carry. Our armored shirts and pants do not have built-in holsters, but they are designed to be thin enough to wear comfortably under clothes that do. 

How do I know what size Bohn gear to buy? 

Our size chart is very accurate, provided you wear our garments with the included armor in. Because we offer such a wide range of sizes (3XS-5XL) and fits (Short/Tall/Big), we recommend checking our specific product pages for the most detailed measurements.