R1200RT Tie-Down Hints?

[Greenwald]

Planning a ride across Lake Michigan on the SS Badger ferry in about two weeks.

What do I and my son need to get (he rides a Honda ST1300 - Traitor!) to properly tie down the bikes onboard ship?

Full fuel?

Also, WHERE do you suggest the tie downs be secured to the bikes (handlebars do not look like a good idea)?

Thanks!

[dpspeer]

When I crossing on the Lake Express, I used a bar strap to pull down and then straps just above the center stand to keep the bike from moving forward. It was a very rough crossing and the bike did fine.

[Motorwerk]

Review this - http://cdn-5.psndealer.com/e2/dealersite/images/bmw-ok/BMWTiedownproceduregeneral.pdf

Don't use the handlebars or the centerstand. You risk breaking the heating elements in the grips and the centerstand is not made for transport.
The bike should be upright on its suspension. Tie down the front then the rear.

[hlothery]

When I have trailered, I have used the crossmember just above the front wheel, supporting the forks, and soft straps to stabilize the front. For the rear, have just used soft straps and any available frame member. I agree with not using the center stand. Hope this helps.

[AKBeemer]

Learned the hard way... be careful when running a tie-down not to have it against one of the pieces of luggage. I did so on a ferry and it tweaked the lid so that it is now difficult to close.

[dpspeer]

Actually, you should probably get what info you can from the Badger people or someone who has used it. I was told by another biker that the Badger requires you to provide your own straps and that the bike be on its side stand.

On the Lake Express, they provided straps but there were only two cleats and a stop and you only had about 10 minutes to secure it before they cleared the deck.

I've got to believe somebody else here has used the Badger and can provide you a little more detail on what to expect when you get there and, accordingly, what you need to take with you.

[139679]

I would not recommend the handle bars as well!! What i have done is use the soft ties doubled up over the fork brace then standard tie downs won't rub the front cowl and theres not give. Pull the front down first then add rear straps using soft ties again around the aluminum brace for the forward saddle mount. Made for a very stable arrangement.

[dpspeer]

Here you go, the info was on this site all along:

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=17998

[Greenwald]

Here you go, the info was on this site all along:

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=17998

Thanks Much to all. Got a pretty good handle on tie-downs and how the SS Badger does business.

Hope to set sail next Friday.

Bon Voyage.

[TourNut]

The Badger has a metal grate that you drive on and then tie down to. The grate is about a 1/2 inch by 2 or 3 inch pattern. So you have to stick your tie down hook thru the grate and rotate so you hook under it. I tied my Goldwing to the triple clamps up under fairing ( Goldwing handlebars also have wires and cables & hoses you don't want crushed. ) I also tied rear end down, to frame. They kind of cram bikes together close so it's hard to get a wide stance on the tie down straps. I had carried extra tie downs and the neighboring Harley,which was leaning my way, used my extra to make sure It didn't come up against mine. The good part of the Badger is that being such an Enormous Ship , it didn't rock and roll - pretty stable ! It is 4224 tons , 410 X 59 feet, 7000 HP, 18 mph. Hope this helps.

[Greenwald]

The Badger has a metal grate that you drive on and then tie down to. The grate is about a 1/2 inch by 2 or 3 inch pattern. So you have to stick your tie down hook thru the grate and rotate so you hook under it. I tied my Goldwing to the triple clamps up under fairing ( Goldwing handlebars also have wires and cables & hoses you don't want crushed. ) I also tied rear end down, to frame. They kind of cram bikes together close so it's hard to get a wide stance on the tie down straps. I had carried extra tie downs and the neighboring Harley,which was leaning my way, used my extra to make sure It didn't come up against mine. The good part of the Badger is that being such an Enormous Ship , it didn't rock and roll - pretty stable ! It is 4224 tons , 410 X 59 feet, 7000 HP, 18 mph. Hope this helps.

It helps greatly, but alas, the 'boy' wants to circumnavigate Lake Michigan, so we'll be on dry land (except for the Mackinac Bridge!) the whole trip.

About a 1,000 miles total, including wonderful Chicago traffic.

Leave Friday - two days of riding.

Adios.