Ever wondered what it’s like to take a motorcycle onto a ferry? How do you get on, how is it secured? How do you get off at the end?
In July 2024, exactly 80 years from the day he was killed in action, Bonnie visits a very, very special Great Uncle in Normandy and then catches the Brittany Ferry from Caen, France to Portsmouth, England.
A how to video with a few hints and tips, particularly on how not to upset the local Gendarmerie.
Dedicated to Pte Thomas Davison KOSB, we never met but I will never forget you❤️
10 Comments
Hi Bonnie. Useful advice for anyone who hasn't taken their bike on a ferry before. Just one thing though, I wouldn't recommend putting the bike on the centre-stand as it means you effectively only have two points of contact with the floor, rather than three if you use the side stand. It also prevents the rear suspension from being compressed by the strap. I saw how bad an idea it was to use the centre-stand on a crossing from Santander to Portsmouth a few years back. One guy put his Ducati Multistrada on the centre-stand. It was a particularly rough crossing and when we went down to the vehicle deck the next evening, to disembark, his was the only bike to have fallen over! Nice tribute to your great-uncle at the end there… 😊👍
You produce a very eclectic mix of videos . . . from a hot, sunny Western Australian beach to a Channel Crossing.
Cool. There are some dodgy ferries around the world where you are expected to have your own straps and can't get on without them.
I have used cross channel and North Sea ferries a lot with my bikes and I would never advise putting your bike on its main stand always put it on the side stand for two reasons one its more stable as the triangle between the wheels and side stand is bigger and second when you cinch it down do it with someone sat on it the suspension will be compressed slightly and make the strap tighter – you only need one strap across the seat and use a jacket or cushion to protect the seat and leave the bike in gear
Lovely moment visiting the cemetery. Some bikers like to have a ride on right sticker in view. Good vid.
Side stand is more stable Bonnie.
A nice video Bonnie. Wish I could have been with you. Your choice of music for your video was lovely may I say.
Great video Bonnie and very informative 👍 you've convinced me I need to get the ferry in the new year 😂 ride safe 😀🏍⛽️
Beware of operatives strapping your bike down, they can really can be tightened to the point that they can damage your seat cover. Have something to stop this. I use a sheep skin when on tour, nothing fancy or expensive. It stops issues with straps causing seat damage and it's much cheaper than using a pair of expensive gloves.
Done this route last year, but it was soaked as it was raining, still easier than getting on at Portsmouth.