Transporting Bike (Train or Boat)

benvanwell · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Karma :

What is the general procedure for taking the bike on a train or ferry to the continent? Is the bike strapped down - do I need to have straps? Will it just be left on its stand? Will I have to stay with it?
Thanks for any info,
Ben
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Currently Riding: Triumph Sprint ST 1050
Previous: GSF600s, GS500, BMW F45, CG125

PsychoHippy · Jammy Git Joined: 02 Jul 2002 Karma :

I can't comment on the train as I haven't done it.
However on a ferry it will be strapped down with straps that are supplied. The ferry crew will do the whole stapping down thing for you, with your assistance/guidance, they will often provide a protective pad to put over and paint work that may have a strap going over it, however I would take an old towl for this just in case.
Once it's strapped down, you bugger off up to the deck area just like all the car drivers.
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I spend all my money on bikes and beer, the rest I simply waste!

quik_d · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 18 Mar 2005 Karma :

what they did when i went dover to dunkirk was have a big rachet strap that went over the seat. They then cranked it down till the bike was secure. job done. I imagine all the ferries work in a similar way, and trains the same as it seens the most logical way to secure it. They had run out of cushions on the ferry so i just folded and laid my flourescent jacket on the seat.
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Nb · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 May 2005 Karma :

natv4 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 31 Dec 2004 Karma :

The train is fairly uncomfortable. I used it a few years ago and the basic idea is to drive in with all the cars (usually before they do). You put your bike diagonally in the carriage on its side stand. You then stand/sit with your bike. There are no seats, just the little curb at either side. You will spend about 40mins like this if you are first on (while others are loaded). You are not meant to leave your vehicle unattended.

Which is why I choose the ferry every time. Roll on (usually first) and park where instructed. Then a chap will bring some straps over and tie your bike down. Newer ferries have special bike spaces with a cup which holds your front tyre. Older ones will just have tie down eyes. Then you wonder upstairs, have a coffee, read a paper, use the bathroom. A much more civillised affair and most welcome whether beggining or ending a long journey. Ferries are generally cheaper, though competition is high at the moment.

If you use some other routes/operators between different places/countries to the Dover/Calais you will probably find it all very similar. Things to watch out for when away from UK/Western Europe routes are that you may need tie down straps (I am yet to find one where you do) or they may not tie down the bike at all - my Swedish ferry didn't.

If in any doubt about procedure, ask anyone offical looking.
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Travelling around the world...a bit at a time. Where am I now? / Visit my BLOG
Bike: Blue Honda VFR800fi (*NEW*) Mileage: 22k Countries visited: GB/F/D/CZ/PL/E/I/B/A/HR/H/Rus/E/MA
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benvanwell · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Karma :

Thanks for the info. I'm planning to go sometime towards the end of the summer - hopefully when it'll be quieter/cheaper/cooler. I think I'll start looking into ferry prices/crossings and see if I can get some good deals this far in advance.

Thanks again,
Ben
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Currently Riding: Triumph Sprint ST 1050
Previous: GSF600s, GS500, BMW F45, CG125