Hand going numb?

[Checkswrecks]

Ahhh Grasshopper needs to learn about Master Yoda's Riding position. Seriously, Dick Franz originally posted this on a BMW site and it went viral about 8-10 years ago. I'm posting the FJRForum version because it both has a link to Dick's writing AND somebody made it easier to read.
http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php/topic/13136-master-yoda-riding-position/?hl=yoda


On a follow-up noted, see Fred's post here:
http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php/topic/158342-hand-gets-numb/?hl=yoda

 

[TheHelios]

My hands went numb for the first time this weekend. I was on a fully loaded bike, riding 2 up, and had a brand new Shinko 805 on the back. Combine that stop-and-go traffic, I had a lot of braking and weight on my hands. When I did my first rest break, my hands were just tingly and I could feel vibrations in my fingertips whenever I touched something.

Other than that, I've only ever felt numb when supporting my body weight on the handlebars which is something you shouldn't be doing.

 

[Rasher]

Just used V-Strom for commute today - when I got home I noticed the slight tingling that precedes a numb right hand, so I stole the throttle lock thingy of the Mrs Bike ::013::

 

[VPS1]

When I first started riding my 2012 my right hand would go numb after maybe 2 hours, I assumed it was just normal???? Then with all the comments and posts about the Clutch basket I swapped in the 14 and NO more numb hand! Still feel some vibration there but not the kind that puts my hand to sleep. Worth every penny to do! For me that was a huge upgrade.

 

[Scott Williams]

To varying extents, all bikes vibrate. Loosen your grip every few minutes. Stretch your fingers backwards by pressing with palm facing downward on the fuel tank. Stretch 'em. This helps a lot. Pressing your knees together against the tank....hey, I am going to try it. But for me, the easiest solution is to use the cruise control. When circumstances do not allow CC, the other advice should be a help.

2014 ST here

 

[Vanderwho]

I think perhaps it's time, now that a large number of well-meaning responses have been posted, to point out that the subject of this thread deserves nomination for some kind of award. Not sure exactly what kind of award, but... it deserves some type of recognition.

::015::

 

[motoguy]

Not sure what you do for a living or how old you are but carpel tunnel is a beast. I'm a mechanic and had to have the surgery on both arms and hands, it can even be in your shoulders. So like others have said ergonomics is a huge part. I couldn't ride my KLR 5 miles before my surgery. I put the ROX risers on my S10 and it made a big difference as I felt I was reaching forward too much. Vista cruise(throttle lock) works well for me. Able too drop your right hand and shake it off.

 

[derwood]

Motoguy, how is your numbness after the surgery?

 

[motoguy]

Motoguy, how is your numbness after the surgery?

Numbness is gone. The Dr. Did a new version on my elbows, which basically moves the nerve to the bottom of the arm. Worked wonders, no more dead arm or tingly fingers. If you are considering the surg. my dr said that if you ignore it the nerve damage can become permanent. They have a simple test for carpal tunnel and you get the results right away.

 

[SilverBullet]

Does anyone know if our handlebars are hollow? If so filling them up with BB's or gun shot has always given some vibration reduction on my dirt bikes. Next time I have my handguards off I'll try and stick a coat hanger into the threaded hole to see how far it goes.

_

 

[RangerBrad]

I feel it must be ergonomics. If it was as vibration my left hand would suffer also. I'm 5'8" and have put the bike in the center stand. When sitting straight up the bars are way forward for me and while standing they're way low. I'm if a mind to believe I'm leaning my weight on them. The gripping with my knees seems to help but I must sit far forward on the saddle. I wish I had someplace close by that new hiw and had the ability to fit these bikes to the rider.

 

[Dogdaze]

I feel it must be ergonomics. If it was as vibration my left hand would suffer also. I'm 5'8" and have put the bike in the center stand. When sitting straight up the bars are way forward for me and while standing they're way low. I'm if a mind to believe I'm leaning my weight on them. The gripping with my knees seems to help but I must sit far forward on the saddle. I wish I had someplace close by that new hiw and had the ability to fit these bikes to the rider.

If it helps, I installed a set of Rox 'up & back' risers this week and went for a ride, felt so much better, in control more and more relaxed, imagine if I went to ape-hangers?? Anyway, they felt more comfortable, but the tingling was still there, a little. The vibration is from the brake lever, it buzz's between 2500 and 4000 rpm. There are probably other issue too but that was a good start for me.

 

[JRE]

Unless I missed it, no one mentioned a possible cause is the sweep of the bars. I had a similar issue with my mountain bike where the ends of the bars were swept back at a decent angle so all the pressure is focus in the palm between the thumb and forefinger. Once I changed the bars to something more straight, it essentially went away.

I get some mild numbness on the S10 and I notice the same pressure point on these bars as well but not overly so as the sweep is relatively mild.

 

[Dogdaze]

Unless I missed it, no one mentioned a possible cause is the sweep of the bars. I had a similar issue with my mountain bike where the ends of the bars were swept back at a decent angle so all the pressure is focus in the palm between the thumb and forefinger. Once I changed the bars to something more straight, it essentially went away.

I get some mild numbness on the S10 and I notice the same pressure point on these bars as well but not overly so as the sweep is relatively mild.

A few members have opted for the Pro-Taper Counter Raptor Bend with great success. May want to try that, it has less sweep and a higher rise.

 

[Tyke]

For me the S10 is a revelation as it doesn't have the vibes that I have experienced on a number of IL4 bikes that I've owned.

I've used Grip Puppies for years and they suit me just fine, I also have larger than average hands so they help in that respect also.

A riders position whilst on a bike will directly influence the way the bars are being gripped which in turn can lead to holding the bars too tight and resulting vibe problems, resolving the issue is normally achieved by making a number of small adjustments.

 

[oldbear]

Numbness is usually caused by bad circulation. One cause of this could be that you're gripping the bars too tightly. As for the right hand, you can relieve the grip on the trottle by using a cramp buster (I think that's what they call it). A plastic bit that wraps round the trottle on the bar and lets you position it in such a way that you rest your wrist on it and this keps the trottle twisted. I would never go on a long trip without it. And it only costs a couple of bucks.

Given the new rider status, my $$ would bet you're gripping the bars way to tightly, Relax a little, and the problem will diminish a bunch. Hold the bars lightly but firmly and you'll be fine. They're not going anywhere you don't want 'em to go.

 

[Roge]

::026::

Look into a set of grip puppies

It is likely the vibration in the bars causing it, and there are a number of things you can do, but grip puppies are the cheapest first step.


Different handlebars, thicker grips, heavier end weights etc etc.

 

[rider33]

the S10 is not a particularly vibey bike (try a thumper sometime) but everyone's set point is different. There are a number of things you can try, most of which have been mentioned. The one I would recommend is a neoprene sleeve over the grip. It increases the diameter and adds more cushioning making it a lot more comfortable. I typically add that to all of my bikes. Most often I've used Grip Puppies tho tho they seem to be getting harder to find for some reason. Since the S10 has hand guards which would have to be removed for the install tho I tried a new type, Grip Buddies which wrap around the grip. 6K into it including a cross-country trip I'd say they work quite well & would be much easier to install on the S10. Given the cost & ease of installation, I'd recommend you give them a try:

http://www.originalbeemerbuddies.com/Home_Page.php

 

[WRW9751]

People on here have some good solutions.
My right hand did exactly the same it was numb!!!!!! I wasn't holding on to tight, I don't have bad circulation!

I did a number of modifications! I was just about to find a different bike! I have several motorcycles and they didn't do it.
I could list everything I had done to remedy the problem but was one that changed it ALL, the new clutch hub!
I replaced several hubs on inmates bikes all improved the vibration. However comparing my 2012 hub to their hubs, mine was looser than theirs.


With the New 2014 rubber backed hub it took away all that was allying the right hand handle bar.
Yours may be one of the looser ones.