Hey all, question for those who have done this recently. I did a search and found a result from 14 years ago - is it still the same? There was no photo and they did not specify whether the bike was upright or on the sidestand. Not keen on it being on the stand and also not super keen on it being in gear all that way either, not loaded with gear.

Bike in question is an older model Sportster (2004). Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers, Will

Only had one issue a couple of years ago when they used my handgrips as tie down points and  tightened up the throttle side so much that it ruined my heated handgrips (the outer sleeve of the handgrip would pull right off). Of course I did not realise this until about 5 minutes ride away from the ferry on a wet and cold Melbourne day.

After my trip I contacted TT Line and told them about the issue and asked for funds to replace the grips, the HD heated grips were not cheap (a bit over $800 before fitting at the time).

I was told that because I did not report the damage when still on the boat they would not pay me.

This pissed me off big time so I kept at em cause I knew they had busted the grips.

In the end they thankfully did pay me.

I guess $800 is not that much to them as at the time someone had had 16 polo horses die (allegedly in the back of a truck on the boat). Dont think the driver realised they were all dead till after departing the boat either.

does your alarm have a 'transport' mode? 

Thank you for that update PB.

I am still not keen on having the bike on the side stand as I have had a not so wonderful experience with a Triumph T140V tied down on a trailer (not a ferry) on the side stand (read: young, dumb, drug and alcohol affected). It bent the stand and slightly twisted the frame rail :(

Do you recall seeing any bikes tied upright, like you would (properly) on a trailer?

Cheers, Will

I agree with using the side stand being a bad idea .

My KTM has the sidestand bolted to the engine case, and a known issue causing the case to crack if abused .

But i see the logic, and I guess the ferry operators must know what works .

Looks like this mob uses one tie-down over the seat ?

*AI Overview*
Motorcycles and ferries | 
Ferries commonly tie motorcycles to the side stand (kickstand) because it creates a wider, more stable point of contact, especially during rough seas. This three-point contact (side stand and both wheels) helps prevent the motorcycle from sliding or tipping, especially when the ferry is rocking or shifting. Additionally, some ferries require motorcycles to be on the side stand for safety regulations

Hmmm, two minutes pivoting in the garage as opposed to ten hours on a moving ferry; it is probably my prejudice due to my earlier experience but I don't think the comparison is apt. However, I have been wrong before (and I'll probably be wrong again in the future).

A further question: is it normal for all your gear to remain secured to the bike during the crossing?

Reason for asking is that obviously this adds weight well above the centre of gravity.

Cheers, Will

When you have the bike on a sidestand, it becomes a tripod.

When the bike is loaded and tied down, the sidestand will have more load on it than it would otherwise.