Bird on a ferry

[joepig]

hi, it must be here somewhere but cant find it ,so any advice please on securing a bird with full givi lugagge on a 12 hour ferry crossing
cheers

[psyconet]

put the bike on the side stand and get a ratchet strap off a truck driver and secure it either side of the bike and with a pad on the seat ratchet it down till it don't rock any more
worked for me on several occasions but you do need room in the luggage for the ratchet strap

[Poacher]

hi, it must be here somewhere but cant find it ,so any advice please on securing a bird with full givi lugagge on a 12 hour ferry crossing
cheers

Depends which ferry!

Some ferries, like Stena Line, have purpose built ride in bike slots, one quick strap over seat and all done

Others.......

like psyconet says, sidestand and ratchet strap, all ferries carry these you just have to find them or ask the loaders as it is there responsibility to ensure ALL loads are secure so they should help you.

I have had no problems with any bikes on any ferries so there you go.

off you go and enjoy

[malatay]

Ive always ensured the bike is left in first gear as well as rachet strapped and have seen ones cable tie the front brake on as an extra safety.
Laurence

[Poacher]

Ive always ensured the bike is left in first gear as well as rachet strapped and have seen ones cable tie the front brake on as an extra safety.
Laurence

Yes forgot to say that, got home made velcro strp for front brake

[the pc doctor]

On the many times I used a ferry with the old Triumph Rocket this is what I did....

While waiting to board get all the straps etc ready - I carried them all in a spare plastic Carrier bag (Iceland freezer sack is great )tied onto the luggage rack with it's own bungee strap.

On the ferry park up on the side stand, leave it in 1st gear.

Use my disc lock reminder which was a cut down bit of bungee strap - this goes round the front brake handle so that the elastic holds on the front brake (this stops you riding off with the front disc lock still on).

I then used my own straps to tie down the bike (available from B & Q) - I connected one end to the right side of the bike over the seat and secured it to the ferry on the left - the other went from the bike left side to the ferry on the right side. These can be adjusted so that the bike is well secure and won't tipple over.

You normally get quite a bit of time to tie down but when the time comes to leave it's a made dash. It'sworks out great if all you have to do is stuff everything in a plastic bag and tie it to the bike. I don't even have to stop on the dock and re-adjust anything.

As I said this routine worked for me with the very heavy Rocket, never had a problem at all.

One tip though..... Have a practice in your garage before having to do it on the ferry. Sounds daft but it will help.

Doc

[red]

Done Stenna and DFDS they provided straps to secure the bike and left it in gear No prob,s at all

enjoy the on ya run bony lad Red

[joepig]

Thank you gentlemen great help

[HGR]

Anyone know if Brittany Ferries strap your bike down for you?
We're going from Portsmouth > Cherbourg soon and not sure wether to take straps or not.

[Poacher]

HGR, they should provide the straps but you will have to tie down yourself.

For piece of mind take one with you they dont take up much room.