Motorcycle Carry suggestions

[Shorts]

The length of the jacket depends on the style and brand. My Fox Creek Leather jacket has a slightly extended coat tail of sorts that allows for padded coverage of the spine. But it is also fitted, especially around the waistline (with side adjusters to expend a little bit).

On my sport standard naked, I'd be able to hide an IWB, but I don't know if I'd want to wear it (I'd feel like an Oompa Loompa with an IWB in my snug Draggins). I'd definitely not be able to hide an OWB with that jacket. The jacket would ride up over the holster and grip.

I'd rather not compromise my gear due to carry method; ATGATT. So far, as much as I can get my head around it, I'd carry in the tank bag. Sure, there are also hassles associated with carrying like that, as well as accessibility during a stop light that might be needed (assuming the scoot away move is take away). The next easiest way to carry would be shoulder rig. But, again, the risks associated with carrying that way is 1, falling on it in a get off (I've broken ribs before and I'm not looking forward to it again) and 2, unless you're in an OC state, the heavy leather jacket can't come off during a rest stop. Riding in TX, I think I'd want a jacket to come off for a breather. We certainly needed it here in the 40* latitude weather.

Anyhow, motorcycle carry is going to be a pretty mixed bag. Not only do you take the regular considerations to mind when choosing a carry holster in general, but you have to now consider gear, bike/riding position and style, and all the other hurts that go with it. What works for one will not work for another. I'd venture to say, motorcycle carry is going to be an extension of ride your ride.

[jiannichan]

I don't wear a cute fashion accessory that leaves my lower back and spine unprotected. When I ride I wear a full face helmet and a real riding jacket with soft armor that covers my assets. ATGATT.

I don't know if that's what you're assuming I wear, but if that is what you want to call my A* track leathers with the back and spine proctector... Since I am commuting to work on my bike, I don't feel a need to wear my leather pants and zip it to the suit. I can either do that, or wear my full 1 pc suit. What you're failing to realize, is that everyones body shape and size is different and because something works for one person, may not work for another. What fits you, and since I am a guy, probably won't work for me. I have a longer back, and short legs, so I have a hard time finding the right jacket/suit already unless I spend the money on a custom.

[jiannichan]

I'd rather not compromise my gear due to carry method; ATGATT. So far, as much as I can get my head around it, I'd carry in the tank bag. Sure, there are also hassles associated with carrying like that, as well as accessibility during a stop light that might be needed (assuming the scoot away move is take away). The next easiest way to carry would be shoulder rig. But, again, the risks associated with carrying that way is 1, falling on it in a get off (I've broken ribs before and I'm not looking forward to it again) and 2, unless you're in an OC state, the heavy leather jacket can't come off during a rest stop. Riding in TX, I think I'd want a jacket to come off for a breather. We certainly needed it here in the 40* latitude weather.

I couldn't agree more. On Saturday, I rode with a few friends to go out and eat. My buddy who was following behind me, told me the only time my shirt was lifting up over was when I tucked down like MotoGP racers. After getting to where we were going, I did notice that the jacket hides it fine if my posture was upright, like I was on a cruiser. I rode again on Sunday and kept it in a magnetic tank bag so it seems to work fine that way. I'll probably just stick to that method on the bike, that way I can wear my full suit if I wanted to.

[dmac]

I ride sport bikes/sport tourers. When I"m wearing leathers I carry in the tankbag. When I'm wearing my aerostich I usually carry in the big, full zip chest pocket on the right side of the chest. I do worry about it during a crash though. To be honest; most of the time it's in the tankbag. This can present problems though, as my wallet is usually in there as well. I got pulle dover once, the trooper asked if I was carrying, I said yes. He asked where it was, I said in the tank bag. He asked where my license was, I said Right on top on my gun. He shook his head and laughed, but not really a hah ha laugh, more of a sarcastic great laugh.

[Morgan]

I have a maxpedition fatboy that I really like for bike carry.

[gwilhite]

I bought a 5.11 tactical undershirt last year that has a pocket under each armpit. I teach and have to wear a dress shirt and tie. Also, at the moment, I can't carry into my building, so I have to leave my Bersa locked in my vehicle. With the 5.11, I can leave one or two buttons open on my shirt underneath my tie. No one can see that, and I can reach inside my shirt and access my pistol.

I've had two problems with it: 1) it's hotter than I want in the summer because it's a solid polyester (?) stretch material and 2) it irritates me some (fabric composition, I think) and almost causes a rash. I have not yet used baby powder under it, but have heard that helps. One other minor inconvenience that I fixed was that the muzzle of the gun rubbed my love handle on that side raw (yeah, laugh LOL). All I did was get some of those adhesive heel pads (moleskin?) and stick it where the muzzle was hitting. Wife may sew a quilted patch there eventually. BTW, it DOES have a padded, quilted back to the pocket, but it just wasn't thick enough for me.

NOW, I just ordered a Kramer undershirt because they are made of net instead of solid. I'm hoping it won't be as hot, so I can wear it all year long instead of just the winter. I'll post again once it comes in.

I ride a Honda Aro 750 with a sidecar. It's pretty easy to lift the trunk on the sidecar, bend down like I'm getting something out, and reach inside my shirt to drop the Bersa into the trunk before I lock it. Hopefully, I won't have to do that any more pretty soon.

I have tuckables, etc, and love them, but when I'm going somewhere that I will have to remove the holster or gun, then put it back on later, it's really hard to do without having to redo your shirt. THAT's the main reason I'm looking at the Kramer.

[Silverhawk]

Just a thought in case you are not aware of these vests. I don't know if after all the talk about riding attire this is helpful or not. The NRA store sells a boar hide leather vest that has compartments inside, on both sides for CC. They are closed with velcro. The vest front closes with snaps. The boar hide is not a smooth finish. One of the vendors at the TSRA show had smooth finished vests with the same idea, but used snaps for the compartments and front closing.

[SlowDave]

IMHO, if your protection jacket is short enough to allow your shirt to ride up your back, it's obviously not protecting your lower back.

I've got a couple of different carry methods, but I generally don't carry on my body on the bike. If I have to take a tumble, I don't want to have to fall on the rock I'm carrying. One of the good things about going to a sport-tourer (my choice for the street) is the saddlebags, which is where I keep mine. If I were going on a sportbike w/o bags, it'd be in a tankbag.

I have over 100,000 street miles in 25 years and have been roadracing for 8 years. Survived totaling of two streetbikes and breaking the frame on a racebike, so unfortunately, have some experience hitting the ground. AND, I've come through it all relatively unscathed.

Now, do whatever you want.

[RandyM]

When I'm on my bike, I'll wear a fanny pack. I carry a Glock 23, but its not as long as a 5" 1911. The only problem with a fanny pack, is that everyone knows your packin, and that can be a good thing, or a bad one. But since the belt is adjustable, you can use it year round. I also use a day planner I bought from Dillon, Blue Press, its black leather on the outside, zips up on 3 sides, has velcro on the inside with a moveable holster and a moveable mag holder inside.