Ever driven your Spyder onto a ferry?

Been on the ferry from Norway to Denmark, no problem.
Then a smaller ferry in Germany that took us over the river "Elbe", no problem there either.
At the end of the trip, the ferry from Holland to Norway, also no problem.
And as stated earlier, going at an angle is safer if it looks too steep.

I've taken a Canadian lake ferry with no issues at all. It was fun, actually.

I live on Vancouver Island, BC Canada. To get to mainland North America, must take a ferry. Never an issue with the ramp. Two wheel bikes are supplied with a wedge to prevent bike from tipping; only need to apply park brake with my Spyder.

I've driven my bike onto a ferry many times in Washington State and British Columbia, two wheels and three.

Most of the ferry folks here in the West are quite good. They are familiar with bicycles, motorcycles and Spyders (a form of motorcycle!) Two wheels I've had to tie down on the Canadian ferries, not the Washington boats. No tie down on either with my Spyder.

When things get wet, I get nervous, but I have never had an issue.

Low tide isn't much of a problem at most docks. The docks extend far enough to not be bothered by tides. SOME of the smaller islands in the San Juans and Queen Charlotte Islands have steeper ramps at low tide, but, again, if you're careful, and you follow directions, even a steep ramp is not difficult at all.

I bought my first Spyder in the North Island (New Zealand) so had no option but take it on the ferry to get back home. Have used the ferries several times since with no problems.

Only issue I've had is when some diesel had been split on the metal deck which made my rear wheel keep losing grip as I rode off.

I always take my own tie downs, as it's hit or miss if there will be anything suitable for the Spyder and it can be choppy between the islands.

PistonBlown said:

I always take my own tie downs, as it's hit or miss if there will be anything suitable for the Spyder and it can be choppy between the islands.

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What benefit do the tie downs provide since a Spyder won't fall over or roll (the usual reasons, I think, for tying down two-wheelers)? Are we talking choppy enough to toss a Spyder into the air?

PDXRTL said:

What benefit do the tie downs provide since a Spyder won't fall over or roll (the usual reasons, I think, for tying down two-wheelers)? Are we talking choppy enough to toss a Spyder into the air?

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The Cook straight has a bit of a reputation...to give you an idea: