Short ferry crossing - how to secure your bike?

[BeemerBenny]

Sorry guys for this newbie question. But I realized I have never had my bike on a ferry. Coming from landlocked Middle Europe there was never the need to think about it. And before you talk of straps and secure eye bolts and stuff, I mean a short car ferry ride. Those open things crossing a narrow piece of water. Takes about 20 - 30 minutes.

So what's the best way to do it? Centre stand? Side stand? Sitting on the bike? I am aware it also depends on the conditions but let's assume it is relatively quiet and calm. Any advice would be appreciated.

Ciao for now

Benny

[pete376403]

Side stand - gives a wide triangular contact patch. A couple of tie downs are good it you have them. What water are you crossing?

[BeemerBenny]

Thanks mate, just across the Hokianga.

Benny

[george formby]

Sorry guys for this newbie question. But I realized I have never had my bike on a ferry. Coming from landlocked Middle Europe there was never the need to think about it. And before you talk of straps and secure eye bolts and stuff, I mean a short car ferry ride. Those open things crossing a narrow piece of water. Takes about 20 - 30 minutes.

So what's the best way to do it? Centre stand? Side stand? Sitting on the bike? I am aware it also depends on the conditions but let's assume it is relatively quiet and calm. Any advice would be appreciated.

Ciao for now

Benny

Are you talking about wee ferries like we have up here, Russell, Rawini? Open deck, no restraining points.

If so..... Generally the bike is fine on the side stand in gear. I sit on the bike when leaving and arriving at the dock, the ferry normally bumps a bit, to keep things stable. On choppy days I just sit on the bike.
Beware of oil patches on the deck....

Ferry crews do not like it when you wheelie off the ramp as it goes down.

[BeemerBenny]

Are you talking about wee ferries like we have up here, Russell, Rawini? Open deck, no restraining points.

If so..... Generally the bike is fine on the side stand in gear. I sit on the bike when leaving and arriving at the dock, the ferry normally bumps a bit, to keep things stable. On choppy days I just sit on the bike.
Beware of oil patches on the deck....

Ferry crews do not like it when you wheelie off the ramp as it goes down.

Cool, thanks, great help. Yes going across Hokianga,Kohukohu to Rawene and back. I'll keep the wheelie part in mind, lol.

Cheers

Benny

[buggerit]

Ferry guys up north will often let the bikes off first so make sure you are ready when the ramp drops

[george formby]

Ferry guys up north will often let the bikes off first so make sure you are ready when the ramp drops

This is very true....... The flag drop is an added bonus. Two ladies who may or may not still work on the Russell ferry, ride. They were excellent at forming a starting grid.

OP, watch the access / exit ramps. They can be slick as an eel. Try and land past the tide line.

Have cash....

[BMWST?]

centre stand if you have one

[buggerit]

Dont forget to allow enough time to do the Mangamukas twicei prefer south to north but awesome either direction

[MarkW]

As a local, motorcycles go under the wheelhouse on the Rawene Kohukohu ferry which runs once an hour in each direction. Sidestand will be fine. Fare was $5 for the bike with rider last time I crossed this stretch of water. Cash is always best. Sometimes this ferry lets the motorcycles off first but not always. Doesn't really matter as there are enough overtaking opportunities for a motorcycle at either end.

Opua Russell ferry has two of them running a shuttle - again motorcycles park to one side and the side stand is fine. Fare is $5 plus some small change for the crossing each way. And again cash is best, plus this ferry pretty much always lets the bikes off first unless you are still putting on your helmet and gloves - in which case you will be last!

And yes, unpainted wet steel ramps can be more slick than you expect.

[BeemerBenny]

Dont forget to allow enough time to do the Mangamukas twicei prefer south to north but awesome either direction

He he he I live just north of the Maungamukas. So yes, I "have to" do them twice. It is a hard life but someone has to live it.


Bye

Benny

[BeemerBenny]

As a local, motorcycles go under the wheelhouse on the Rawene Kohukohu ferry which runs once an hour in each direction. Sidestand will be fine. Fare was $5 for the bike with rider last time I crossed this stretch of water. Cash is always best. Sometimes this ferry lets the motorcycles off first but not always. Doesn't really matter as there are enough overtaking opportunities for a motorcycle at either end.

Opua Russell ferry has two of them running a shuttle - again motorcycles park to one side and the side stand is fine. Fare is $5 plus some small change for the crossing each way. And again cash is best, plus this ferry pretty much always lets the bikes off first unless you are still putting on your helmet and gloves - in which case you will be last!

And yes, unpainted wet steel ramps can be more slick than you expect.

Great information MarkW, thanks for that. Yes I think it still is $5 one way. I will carry cash as per your suggestion, thanks. I am not in a hurry so getting first off the ferry or last doesn't really bother me.