Axeman,
I've had quite a bit of travel on ferries in Europe (living in London you get used to it), everything from a couple hours to a 36-hour overnighter to Spain. Sounds like you'll be in open water, so it'll definitely need to be tied down.
First thought: If the crew ties it down, let them. If you do it, I don't think they would be liable for any damage should that occur. Whether or not you would be liable if they tie it down is another question. You should find this out.
I've done both center stand and side stand. Mostly was due to whatever the crew told me to do. However, I have some opinions on this.
Center stand: Generally not good. Only if you secure it from both sides pulling both forward and back would it make sense (so four places on the ground). This way it:
a ) doesn't roll forward...depending on the bike, you may or may not have a lot of contact of either the rear or front to stop it.
b ) doesn't twist/rotate on the center stand. If your bike is pretty centered on it (the FJR isn't), that could be an issue.
Here is an example of how
not to do it (this is my ride going to Ireland....it made it, but I didn't like it...they told me to do it this way....)
I can't believe I don't have any other pictures of the ferry fun.
Side stand: the way to do it. because:
a ) You can leave it in gear, so that secures the back.
b ) you can velcro or otherwise tie up the front brake to secure the front.
c ) You can effectively tie it up on one side if that is all they are offering you. And with one rope. So basically get it pulled over to the stand side.
I've only secured it like that coming from over the right side, across the seat (usually with gloves or something to prevent it from digging all the way in the seat).
Other thoughts:
- There may be some spare rope around after the crew sort it out. Feel free to use that too....
- it may be hard to avoid pulling on the fairing...it'll make it. i've done it a few times.
- you can also secure it to something in front. I've had to roll up to a floor barrier and then basically use two ropes to 'pull' the bike forward (from sitting on the bike, two ropes, one goes NW the other NE and get secured down).
- Secure it as high as you can on the bike. e.g. the grab rail from the givi mount is better than down by the passenger foot rest.
- You will probably find wet surfaces on the ferry. They are REALLY REALLY slippery. Metal and the slick paint. Very very dangerous...be careful on those.
- when roping down, you'll compress the springs a bit. i'm not sure how much of that is good or bad. seems to have been OK for me to do it somewhat....
- Make sure you can undo the knots you put in. Go find your boy scout book if you forgot....
- you'll probably board first or last. if the latter, bring a book.
hope this was useful.... lemme know if you have any other questions about my misadventures on this.... (nothing fell, but the FJR broke as I got off the ferry in Spain and I got fuct so had to go right back on the damn boat for another 36 hours.....)
Have a good trip dude, I am jealous..... !
-colin