I think in a garage or a level paved surface I will prefer the centerstand now that I have seen the correct way to use it. Plus it looks so much nicer ! Most driveways around here including mine are either stone, shell or dirt....and very uneven. I'm a happy camper now and will move on to the next issue....windshields.
Yes, great thread. Thanks!
Ha Ha, windshields--no debate there!
I think there are about 1000 threads and pics on them all ovr the board.
And, its getting time for a new oil thread!
(03-29-2015, 01:17 AM)Chapomis_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Pheew... Thanks Ferret. I was having nightmares about bringing the bike over on the ferry. It's already dicey taking a bike over when the seas are high, wasn't looking forward to standing on the freight deck for 2+ hours babysitting the bike on a centerstand.
I took my bike over Bass Strait on the Ferry. Bass Strait can be very rough and unpleasant and I was interested to see how they would secure the bike. I was asked to leave it on the side stand and in gear. They then strapped it very securely using webbing gloves that fitted over the grips to keep the strapping clear of the bike. There was no way it could move. Made me think about leaving it on the centre stand though. The left-hand side has a lever that you put your foot on to haul the bike up. The right hand side simply has a stand with a small foot. A boat that rolled the bike too far to the right could easily have it off the centre stand unless it it were well strapped down. There a photos all over this forum of chaps whose bikes prefer to travel on a trailer. They seem to use the centre stand, but tie the bike down well.
I'd be looking to try to strap the bike down when it's on the ferry, particularly if its rough.
(03-29-2015, 01:51 AM)Lord Popgun_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Ha Ha, windshields--no debate there!
I think there are about 1000 threads and pics on them all ovr the board. And, its getting time for a new oil thread!
You go first, popgun. Tell us about your coyote oil.
Good idea. Not sure they have any tie-downs specifically for that purpose, but I will check when I take my Softail over in a couple of weeks..
We have several open deck ferries here that do the crossings in a short time (15 minutes or less) so we just stay with the bikes.
On the larger enclosed car ferries the ships provide tie-downs for motorcycles and you're encouraged to use them.
You can also bring your own as the ship tie-dawns are a bit ratty, but in either case, you'd be a fool to not use them.
We've always used just the sidestand and four tie-downs. The bikes were as solid as a rock on our trip across the Gulf of St. Lawrence from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland and back.
Nova Scotia is on my list for a trip. Whats the best time to go in your opinion ? I always tell people to come to Nantucket in September or October. The weather is beautiful and most of the summer hoard are gone.
I've been to Cape Cod and area a couple of times by car and it's beautiful there.
September is often one of the best months for riding in the Maritimes.
Right after Labor Day is a great time as the tourists have all gone, but all the tourist facilities (motels, restaurants, etc.) are still open.
It's very motorcycle friendly up here.