Lucas Silveira, passionate motorcyclist and chief instructor at ABA Intl
Motorcycles are synonymous with freedom for many people. For others, they are a professional tool that can even serve a tactical purpose. Depending on the region of the world, they are indispensable means of transportation. All of this leads us to think about the importance of knowing techniques and tactics for the use of firearms use on motorcycles.
Broadly speaking, the use of firearms on motorcycles can be divided into two main groups: Military/Police, carried out overtly and tactically organized with various elements, and Civil: carried out covertly, typically in individual actions.
Reports of motorcycles being used in tactical activities date back to 1910, during the Mexican Revolution. By World War I, motorcycles were already being used on a large scale, providing indispensable tactical advantages for strategists. It is estimated that the United States produced 80,000 motorcycles for use in that conflict.
But what about outside of military or police use? Is it possible to defend oneself from urban violence while armed and on a motorcycle?
Some believe that reacting from a motorcycle is very difficult, but that it would be possible from a car. These vehicles have peculiarities that can be considered tactical advantages or disadvantages for each.
The major tactical disadvantage of cars is the greatest advantage of motorcycles. Inside a car, people become easy targets, like fish in a barrel. Outside of it, as on a motorcycle, individuals have greater mobility, allowing them to fight more aggressively and seek better positions.
Additionally, disregarding large cruisers, motorcycles have better maneuverability and can overcome difficult terrains and obstacles that would challenge vehicles with 3 or more wheels.
Finally, with the intention of not exhausting the subject, it is common for civilian motorcyclists to ride alone, reducing or eliminating the need for team training, as would be the case, for example, with the other occupants of a car.
ABA Intl offers specialized courses for training in driving and combat using motorcycles, where you can learn that when you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each vehicle, you can use them intelligently and safely. If you enjoy and/or regularly use firearms and motorcycles, consider enhancing your training and always be prepared and capable of facing urban violence.
