Crossing the Hokianga harbour, or Cook Strait for that matter, is the sort of adventure you might get up to when out for a big group ride. Here’s how to look out for your bike, and yourself, when the next part of the trip is over water.
Proceed steadily over wet steel ramps and oily vehicle decks using the slow-speed technique of coordinating throttle, clutch and rear brake.
Never use the centre-stand because it can slide dangerously across the deck.
Use the side-stand (with first gear selected as a parking brake) instead, and have the steering turned to the left and locked. If possible, run the front wheel up to a wall or some other fixed stop. Have the suspension slightly compressed to ensure your tyres grip the deck and use tie-downs.
