Off to Spain on Friday. For the first time I'm using soft luggage, ie Kriega 30 and 20l bags strapped to the rack, plus a tank bag. In the past I have left all hard luggage safely locked to my bikes, which isn't feasible with this gear of course. I can't for the life of me recall what soft luggage riders do with their gear once in the vehicle hold? Do I leave it on or remove it? Any previous experience being shared would be appreciated very much! Curly
That's exactly how I feel about it! The wife will be there and sharing the kit is no problem so I guess that's the peace of mind solution. Thanks for that. Curly
Just back from a long weekend in France, went over with P&O ferries, first time with luggage, had a clip on tank bag and an Oxford tail pack strapped on I took the tank bag with documents etc, and left the tail pack in situ. Other bikes with soft luggage was left on bikes, if its only clothing etc I think its worth the small risk. The Oxford tail pack has a velco strap going under the seat too, so it would take a bit of doing to get it off.
I did the Plymouth - Santander crossing with Kriega bags last September, travelling alone. One bag with my stuff for the night in which i obviously took with me and left the others on the bike. No problems, and never felt any concern about it. If somebody wants to take it they will, but as i understand it the vehicle decks are locked once the boat is moving. And i know there's bad apples in every barrel, but I was amongst bikers and felt comfortable.
It would be easier toleave the luggage on your way home than @ the start of your brake when it would let down your holiday to loose your stuff from the off too.
Used the Brittany ferries from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander and the overnight P&O ferries to Rotterdam and Zeebruge numerous times and not had or heard of any problems with luggage. The only problem I've had was with Brittany ferries was from Santander to Portsmouth were the crew had over tightened the ratchet strap with goes over the seat and fooked up my Tiger 800's seat .They admitted responsibility there and then and I got a comfort seat out of them
Bearing mind that no members of the public have access during the crossing to where your bike is going to be 'parked' I would say the risks are minimal. If only the crew could get at your stuff, it'll be to obvious who the thief was, in the event of your stuff being messed with.
As others have said the hold is secured and there's no public access. When I used Kriega I had 1x20 + 2x10, I took one of the 10's with me and left the rest on.Makes it easier when you go back.Saves having to re load the bike.
Thanks for all replies and suggestions. Travelling light, the contents of the bags are cheap and cheerful and of no value, losing the bags would be a real blow! I'll let the manager decide, on reflection it sounds safe enough to leave them attached though. Curly
As all have said decks are secured once you sail. I've used soft luggage and never had any problems. I would leave them on the bike.. Wessa
I have never had issues with soft luggage nor have I heard of anyone having stuff nicked on the ferry off there bikes
Having slept on it, it's staying put. All we need for the 24 hour ferry trip will be in the tank bag, good job it's expandable! Thanks again to all responders. Curly
Hey Smilingjack had a great time touring in the Jaca area of Northern Spain a couple of years ago. Great roads and beer served in ice cooled glasses as well. Nothing better Wessa
I have just (last week) used Brittany ferries to travel to France and return and both my mate and I left soft luggage on our bikes, no issues at all. The guys are really helpful and they insist on securing the bikes, we left them to it and went to join the queue for coffee and cakes. Hope you have a great trip.
They'll be fine,been using all these crossings for years n never have a problem leaving soft luggage on bike,what I do though is wait n watch my bike be tied down ,just in case!!,be in potes n jaca myself in few weeks,great place to ride
Have to say since a mate had a helmet "disappear" on the Dover - Calais route, that he left on the mirror, I remove everything thievable and lug it with me or lock it onto the bike. PARANOID? really unhelpful crewman said that it would have been a truck driver... I make no comment on that.
I crossed from Hoylhead to Dublin on Sunday just gone and left my soft luggage on the bike, no problems. Wessa
