Bikes on the S.S. Badger

[akbeemer]

I always replace the hooks on my tie downs with snap links. If a strap with a hooks gets loose the hook can release from its attachment point. A snap link will more likely remain attached and offer at least some restraint.

I've never ridden on the Badger, but rode ferries to, from and around Alaska. Sometimes they provided straps and sometimes they did not. When they did provide them they were filthy and in poor condition.

[jgoertz]

From the FAQ page on the SS Badger page:

Miscellaneous

Q: Do you provide motorcycle tie-downs? Do I have to tie down my own motorcycle?
A: Passengers are required to provide two tie-downs per motorcycle. Tie-downs should be adjustable, heavy-duty nylon with a metal S-hook on one end.

[Mirider]

It’s been a few years since I rode the Badger and at that time they did not provide tie-downs but the attendant there told a guy that didn’t have them that they sold them in the office. I didn’t actually see if the guy ever got some so I can’t confirm that. I brought my own with soft ties.

[bigjohnsd]

It’s been a few years since I rode the Badger and at that time they did not provide tie-downs but the attendant there told a guy that didn’t have them that they sold them in the office. I didn’t actually see if the guy ever got some so I can’t confirm that. I brought my own with soft ties.

From experience - the tie downs sold in the office are expensive and cheap. Bring your own, ratchet straps work best, soft ties for the bike end, S-hooks work best on the Badger attachment points.

[hexst]

I rode the Badger in July 2019 the faq said bring your own which I did but never used them because there were plenty on the ship that were industrial strength so I just used those with my soft ties.

[PGlaves]

My advice: bring your own. Use them if you need to. Use their's if available and if they work. For absolute sure bring soft ties. Or some good old fashioned rope. Learn some good old boyscout or navy knots too.

[Lee]

My advice: bring your own. Use them if you need to. Use their's if available and if they work. For absolute sure bring soft ties.

I agree. I like to travel fairly light and it was not a big deal that one trip to carry straps in case we took the ferry.
I always carry soft ties.

A lot of ferries you don't need to tie the bike down but there's no way I would not tie down when crossing one of the Great Lakes.

[PGlaves]

A lot of ferries you don't need to tie the bike down but there's no way I would not tie down when crossing one of the Great Lakes.

Ah yes, remember the Edmund Fitzgerald.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Edmund_Fitzgerald

[mlytle]

I always replace the hooks on my tie downs with snap links. If a strap with a hooks gets loose the hook can release from its attachment point. A snap link will more likely remain attached and offer at least some restraint.

so true. s hooks bad idea for tiedowns. as are those cam buckles. they can and do slip. only use ratchet straps.

i have had great experience with Rhino brand stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/USA-Ratchet-S...M2ECS0GAW7424X

[skibum69]

you can see how my bike is tied down on the side stand side with the cinch straps, works for me on all the ferries I tie down on
IMG_0058-L.jpg
crappy photo but you can see she used 3 straps on hers
IMG_0549-L.jpg
one of the rare times I put it on the centre stand and I don't remember why I did, might have been the location of tie down points in the floor
IMG_0550-L.jpg

[mplisa]

Hi Michiganders and Wisconsinites. I am thinking about taking the Badger across the Lake on my cross-country trip this year. Has anyone done this before? What kind of tie-downs would you recommend and from where (to purchase)? Thanks - Mark

Thanks to everyone who answered my query. I am open to suggestions for a circle tour on the UP. Our plan is to cross from Ludington, Overnight in WI, cross back to Ludinton next day and clockwise around the Lake. I will say goodbye to my buddy and then head to Duluth and on to Baudette, the. Home to CA via the high line out to Spokane, then South.

Thanks all!

[Lee]

Hanks to everyone who answered my query. I am open to suggestions for a circle tour on the UP. Our plan is to cross from Ludington, Overnight in WI, cross back to Ludinton next day and clockwise around the Lake. I will say goodbye to my buddy and then head to Duluth and on to Baudette, the. Home to CA via the high line out to Spokane, then South.

Thanks all!

POIs
Soo Locks
Mackinac Bridge
Point Iroquois Light
Great Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point
Tahquamenon Falls (Upper and Lower)
Boat tour of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Marquettee (Harbor area)
Copper Harbor
Ludington Park Escanaba
Seul Choix Point lighthouse near Gulliver

[Lee]

POIs
Soo Locks
Mackinac Bridge
Point Iroquois Light
Great Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point
Tahquamenon Falls (Upper and Lower)
Boat tour of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Marquettee (Harbor area)
Copper Harbor
Ludington Park Escanaba

near Gulliver

P1020480.JPG

Mackinac Island Trip 2019 (29).JPG

Point Iroquois Light UP (1).JPG


Shipwreck Museum
Whitefish Point Light UP (2).JPG

Mackinac Island Trip 2019 (67).JPG

Mackinac Island Trip 2019 (71).JPG

Lower Falls, UP (2).JPG

Copper Harbor
Light (1).jpg
You need to take a small boat to get to the Lighthouse.
Light (2).jpg


Seul Choix Point Lighthouse
20170923_103126.jpg

[littlebriar]

The ride up to Copper Harbor is special. Nice tree covered road with nice winding curves. Copper Harbor is the Northern most city in Michigan I think. Plenty of cheap hotels and great water views.

[ExGMan]

Up in that area you should try a ride in “The Tunnel of Trees”
and take a walk in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore.”