Ferry Crossing Booked

[insomniac]

Hi
After all the "comments" from the last post I thought I'd start a new one just to remove myself from them.

I have now booked a ferry crossing over to Ireland.
So my next question is, how do they secure your bike during the trip over?
My bike doesn't have a centre stand, has lots of shiny bits that I really don't want to get scratched (also known as chrome).
I have heard that they secure your bike with just a cargo strap across your saddle, if that's the case would that put a lot of strain on the side stand especially if the ship moves a lot?

Sorry I know this might seem like a daft question, but I have been on a few ferries but always in a car. I have never seen a bike being secured or even getting on to a ferry for that matter.
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Most people seem to put in when they've past what so here goes.
CBT: 16/09/12; Theory: 20/02/13 MOD1:20/05/13 MOD2:29/05/13
Suzuki Marauder GZ125; Suzuki Intruder VL800

[Marmalade]

It is usually a strap ratcheted down over the seat, it's brutal.

DFDS loaders will let you strap down your own, P&O, not a chance.

I use centre stand and put a strap from front wheel to stand and one either side on the grab handles
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Nobby the Bastard: How yo tell the difference between the actual japanese and her just screaming because she's had live fish stuck up her arse? [url=https://www.nicks-shop.co.uk/bcf-goodies-15-c.aspGet BCF stickers and things here[/url] Reflective helmet stickers - Legal requirement in france - Clicky

[Enduro Numpty]

I always use the side stand, much less chance of it toppling over. Also leave in gear and tie bike down myself.

[ws4936]

[G]

[J biker]

Should be straps supplied. On some bikes you can pass them between the frame/swingarm to tension down. Take a piece of foam, bubble wrap or a cloth (that's what I use) if your concerned about damaging the seat.TBH never had any problems, with any bike on various crossings, some with side stand and some with centre stand. I tend to either leave the bike in 1st gear or lock the front brake on with a piece of inner tube cut in to a big 'elastic band' to go over the bar end and front lever.

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

Just left mine in gear for the ferry over to the IOM. They chucked a bit of foam over it, then tied it to the hand rail.
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My Flickr

[FrankGill]

Brittany Ferries its side stand, bike in gear, large pvc covered gym mat over the saddle, large ratchet strap over tightened down until it compresses rear shock, tie round front brake lever holding on front brake. Yes can look a bit brutal but I trust the loaders they do it everyday. The only thing I would suggest is to make sure they do'n't pull the bike down so tight they bend the side stand.

[Monkeypony]

On the ferry from Barcelona to Menorca last year, we were presented with some bits of old greasy rope and were told to sort it ourselves.

That was a fairly anxious 9 hour crossing!!
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Current bike - 2018 H2-SX, 2004 SV1000s, 2016 Aprilia RSV4 RF, 2017 Sherco SERF 300, 2003 Suzuki DRZ400 (stolen - AY53 JUU)

[insomniac]

ok so by the sounds of it, bring my own straps (which I do have from transporting the bike on a trailer) and bring foam or blanket to put over the seat.
If the guys on the ferry want to tie it down then let them but make sure there is the foam or something there to protect it.
Looks like I will have to get bigger panniers to bring all the stuff needed just for the bike, or I could wear the same clothes for the week (I would have said go naked but that’s not something that even I want to see)
Glad this isn't a long cross but the Irish Sea can be exceptionally rough even on a good day
____________________
Most people seem to put in when they've past what so here goes.
CBT: 16/09/12; Theory: 20/02/13 MOD1:20/05/13 MOD2:29/05/13
Suzuki Marauder GZ125; Suzuki Intruder VL800