Hey there,

I seem to be getting into motorcycles, and might purchase my own (ninja 500 or the like for a good beginner's bike).

However, since this will be my only means of transportation, I was wondering both the legal and logistical implications with toting firearms around on them (specifically longguns).

Does anyone know the rules pertaining to this in either NC or VA? I.e. could I ride down the street with an ar-15 on my back [:D], or more practical, in a gun case on the side of the bike? Any other restrictions, anyone done similar things, etc?

Thanks!

Robby

I think it'd be pretty tough to safely secure a long gun on a motorcycle.  Shadowblade has done it but I can't think of anyplace on my bike that would be secure AND out of my way.  True, I have a sportbike but I'm still not sure about the securing part.  Suppose it comes loose and goes under the bike or something?  Then you're in a world of hurt, and I don't mean just the gun.  Also, Ninja 500s aren't tiny, but I don't know where you'd tie a gun case to.

You might want to think about buying a real cheap "beater" car for this stuff.  Or consider a street/cruiser 400-600 that will have some saddlebag provisions.  I'd recommend the cheap car first though.  I'm not trying to discourage the bike purchase as I love riding my sport bike (600), but for a solo mode of transportation and carting stuff around, a bike is not a good choice Robby.

yea,loud pipes and a open carry .44 will get you all the room you need...

I got the best of both worlds V-Twin and sports bike.....Honda VTR.  I can't think of  a safe place to put a rifle on my bike other than on my back. It's probably legal but I bet you would get stopped.

Could you break the weapon into smaller chunks to fit them in a backpack (i.e. remove the upper)? Get a folding stock? I guess it depends on the type of long gun.

Just don't try mounting a 120mm smooth bore on the handle bars.  I tried that once on a Honda CBX and it kept tipping over.  Plus, it was hell to park.  [rolleyes]

the cheif of police lives right next to me, and were shooting buddies and we live in a small town. he's followed me and my dad to the range a few times on our bikes. as long as you don't have a mag in nobody cares. people really give you lots of room when two guy on bikes in all black leather with black helments,  black bikes and black rifles go by followed by a police car [:D]. you'd have to see the looks I get to beleive 'em.  sling and ammo bags all you need here (police escort don't hurt either).


edited cause I never gradeated the therd gread and I kan't spelll.

strap that sucker to the forks! Do it all the time.

I can't believe you people are even discussing this.  Nothing like causing panic!  If you want to transport your long guns, use a car.  If you can't afford a car, leave the guns at home until you can.  

We need to have some consideration for the image and reactions our actions cause.  Even attemping this type of transport is irresponsible, regardless of legality. Some people might react with panic, cause an accident, and that will just fuel the fire from the a-hole liberals.  

Accurate pistol in an armpit holster on a dirtbike here. ( YZ400) I prefer the Bronco.

I will also say that you cannot transport a rifle on an ATV without scratching it. I have a Honda 250 and its a gun wrecker.

[img]http://www.ram-mount.com/motorcycleindmag/ramgun.jpg[/img]

[i]Oh - yeah, you said long guns...[/i]

Horse-shit to all those who say you gotta have a car! No good in rain or cold (no snow down here) maybe to a wussy!

I ride a scoot and I haven't owned a truck in over 3 years now, I haul my ARs or any of my weapons anytime and any where. Get your self a Pelican17 case, split upper from lower and you can get 2 complete ARs or 1 lower & 2 uppers (24" LRng & 20" Serv.up.) including 10-20round mags in it. I also have old surplus British army carry hande type duffle bag which will hold the shorter 16", 14.5"w/AK & 11.5"w/5.5 uppers and lowers and boo-coo mags and ammo.

True I get some strange looks driving up to HP matches at 30-40 degree temps and lots of questions about how I tote all that stuff, but scoots are the only way to travel IMHO. Economical, enviromentally friendly and great in traffic jams they will depending on your abilities get ya any where a 4 wheel vehicle will and lots of places they can't.

Here's what my current ride looks like, 3 yrs. old, 30,000+ miles, nothing but tires, oil/filters and gas. Best scoot I ever owned (my 8th, yes I had 2 HDs & won't waste my money any more on them), have run 105+ from Houston to Dallas and it will run 80-105 all day long.

[img]www.ar15.com/members/albums/mr%5Fwilson%2FNomad1500%2Ejpg[/img]

Mike

In Texas, long guns are legal to carry openly. Just use the stap and throw it on your back. I have not seen this done though... Personally, I would at least put it in a soft-case.





Mike,
Do you participate in any local (Houston or Dallas) motorcycle events or clubs?

Energizer - Have made a few of the Pediactric Brain Tumor Foundation rides (notice they have one pretty soon), but for the most part on weekends I shoot at HP or other matches, go to the farm and shoot w/ Dad and uncle or teach NRA pistol/personal protection classes.

I ride as an independent and am not a member of any local MC clubs. My dad raced flat-track when I was a kid and I caught the 2 wheel bug early. My cuz lives in Dallas and my boys (live w/ ex) played football so I travel to see him and watch the boys play when their around DFW.  

Mike

Actually, if you are peacefully carrying a gun and minding your own business, perhaps that will help demonstrate to the ignorant what kind of people we really are.

Well there are a couple possible ways.

1.) Get two scabbard type cases, the type you see on the sides of ATVs that the gun goes into and lock. This would preclude the carrying of passengers though and would have to be addapted to work.

2.) The ATV type handle bar mounts that hold the rifle sideways on the bars in a scabbard. May not work well with sport bike bars and would have to be adapted to fit reguardless.

Note: If carrying firearms on a bike make the range your ONLY stop. If you do stop somewhere make damn sure the bike is in EASY eyeshot at all times. Guns on a bike is like putting a huge neon "STEAL ME" sign on them.

BrenLover

FWIW, PowerSports has a few solutions for carrying long guns on motorcycles & ATVs...

[url]www.powersportsnetwork.com/enthusiasts/catalog_items.asp?catalog=503&levelcode=1359[/url]