Channel Ferries

[martinc.d]

Hi All,
I am after your knowledge/advice on a trip across the channel.
I`m taking a solo trip on my 1150 Adv later this year to Holland
via Dover/Calais.I have flown and driven yearly to Europe so i am not a novice if you know what i mean?But am a little worried about some of the stories i`ve heard and read regards taking the bike onto the ferries, ie;wet and slippery entry/exit ramps,and bikes being lashed to the sides of the ship with rachet straps!
Like everything else i`ve seen bikes at the ports but never taken much notice what happens to them once on board.
Anything you have to offer,hints/tips,will be gratefully appreciated.
thanks,martin.

 

[markie_wales]

I've been to Frrance with my friend with : VFR750, T595, ZX-9, Blackbird & Fazer 1000, and never had a problem. Yes, if it's wet take care, and the rachet straps are good, but put your gloves under them to protect your saddle.

Really they do it all the time & there's no problem.

Cheers

Mark

 

[Invicta Moto]

Let the train take the strain instead. I hardly ever use the ferry now and this is a 180 degree turn from original stance believe me!

The Tunnel is quite comparable in cost with the ferries and is a much quicker experience. Door-to-door you are on the roads in France or back here on the return journey much quicker than with P&O/SeaFrog and Norfolk.

The journey itself is getting on for 50 minutes shorter in itself and loading and all that is about the same.

The bikes aren't tied down at all. There are some inconsistencies with loading though. A constant is that bikes are loaded after al the cars but...... on the way out I went to park at and angle blocking the front wheel into the kerb but was told to park straight. I did this purely as this was what I had to do two months ago on my last crossing with Eurotunnel!

On the way back, I went to park straight... and you guessed it..... I was told to park at and angle and the wheel blocked into the kerb! F&%> me!

Dpwnside to train? After a long ride back from distant Europe it's sometimes nice to relax before the last slog home.... and on the ferry you can do that... of course you have to share a lounge with some Chav granny that hoards bottles of whisky and can't read the "no smoking" signs along with her Chav mutant family....

 

[martinc.d]

Thanks both for the replys,the tunnel was an option i had forgotten about.I shall check out both for price/times and take it from there.

 

[AndyT]

All the ferry companies seem to take care with Bikes nowadays as more people are going abroad. I would however be extra careful if its been raining when you drive on the ferry as it can be a bit slippy as demonstrated last May when a Honda Deauville rider decided to play 10 pin bowls with his bike via to much front brake.

Have Fun

AndyT

 

[~Stef~]

it can be a bit slippy as demonstrated last May when a Honda Deauville rider decided to play 10 pin bowls with his bike via to much front brake.

Was witness to a similar incident brand new VFR800 on the crossing from Ireland, its amazing how far a mirror can skite on a wet deck

 

[~Stef~]

Dpwnside to train? After a long ride back from distant Europe it's sometimes nice to relax before the last slog home.... and on the ferry you can do that... of course you have to share a lounge with some Chav granny that hoards bottles of whisky and can't read the "no smoking" signs along with her Chav mutant family....

hahaha we know them as "Neds" in Glasgow

http://www.glasgowsurvival.co.uk/gallery/glaNedGal.html


I also forgot about the tunnel, planning a raid on France later this year will need to look into that

 

[Podger]

Re: Brittany Ferries/Plymouth Santander

wet and slippery entry/exit ramps,and bikes being lashed to the sides of the ship with rachet straps!

The above would be the case on the Brittany Plymouth /Santander route, but no ratchet straps, read rope......however I 've used this crossing numerours time , and you secure your bike , so only you are to blame ! and Re the slippery exit ramps... don't dawdle, don't stop , and use second gear if it's really bad.............Cross Channel Ferries will ratchet you bike , and they do it well , but the latter comment on ramps stands ........