Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => General Monster Forum => Topic started by: Clickjack on July 01, 2010, 01:17:45 PM



Title: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: Clickjack on July 01, 2010, 01:17:45 PM
I love my bike, but I'm frustrated.    My bikes been out of commission for about a year, just got it back and all I wanted to do was ride again.  I spent about 500 bucks adding risers and making the clutch easier to pull...  Let's say I had 4 problems all in my hands, all due to ergonomics.  I got rid of 3 of them, but the worst one is still there.  My throttle hand goes to sleep if I'm touching the throttle.  My gloves are loose, I'm holding it as lightly as possible, sometimes with just my palm, or thumb and index finger.  I'm holding myself up with my core.  I road 160 miles yesterday and my hand is asleep to one degree or another the whole way.  It's the same if I just ride to the corner and back.

What do I do?   I love riding, but I don't want another bike, this is the bike I love.  but it's about put me off the whole thing.  And I could really use the cash/don't have the cash to be throwing at this problem and not getting results.

What am I missing?


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: scduc on July 01, 2010, 01:41:30 PM
Your problem is very common. I also get numbness in my right index and thumb. There can be several reasons for this, mostley due to wrist angle. Lower you elbow, touch your index and thumb, lean back slighly, continue to change hand position. There are also exercises to help combat this problem.


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: The Don on July 01, 2010, 01:43:24 PM
I use to have the same problem, I changed to Tommaselli clipons http://www.guzzino.com/toadcl.html (http://www.guzzino.com/toadcl.html) they are adjustable, up and down, back and fore. I don't know if this will work for you, its worth a try.
Don


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: Clickjack on July 01, 2010, 01:53:18 PM
I started getting numbness alot for a while.  But I stretched wrists out, relaxed my grip at work/and while playing guitar (the two things I saw it the most on outside of the cycle), and it got way better but it's still affecting my riding. 

A retired chiropractor told me a good chiropractor could adjust the bones in my elbow and wrist and possibly help the problem.  She recommended one but I haven't been yet.


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: fastwin on July 01, 2010, 01:56:46 PM
I have a similar problem but it's the three fingers of my right hand. Middle, ring finger and "pinky". They don't go as fast as yours but on a long ride it will hit about half way through. I change my hand placement often, try to keep it relaxed and I always have used my index and thumb to hold the grip. Kind of like you are making the OK sign with your hand. I rest my other fingers on the brake lever. I know my problem stems from nerve damage due to a broken neck and the surgeries. Never had it before that. Even went from medium to large gaunlet gloves. Didn't help. I just live with it and consider I am lucky to still be able to ride and not be dead or paralyzed. I know none of this helps you but I know it's a pain in the ass.

Have you tried one of those "cramp buster" things that slips over the throttle grip. I know folks who use those and swear by them. They're only $10. Might be worth a try. [moto] Good luck with it. You'll miss riding if you quit and will probably turn real fussy! [laugh]


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: Clickjack on July 01, 2010, 02:13:59 PM
I'm thinking I'll try the cramp buster and maybe the grip puppies(?).

I've been doing the Ok sign, and it helps a little.  been changing my grip alot, doesn't seem to help much at all.   It just sucks all the fun out of riding.  And takes my attention away from everything but my hand. 

What really worries me, is my PT doctor (had PT for a knee injury a year ago) told me to stop riding that the grip and vibration could make it worse.

I don't want to quit and I don't want to go back to cruisers.  I just want to enjoy what I'm doing.  Sorry if I'm whining. 


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: bdub on July 01, 2010, 02:15:12 PM
I hold the throttle with my thumb,pinkie and ring finger. Other two fingers covering the brakes. I used to use thumb and forfinger but I went numb also + the middle finger and the one to the left does a better job of braking.


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: Goat_Herder on July 01, 2010, 02:21:21 PM
I don't know if you believe in this kind of thing...  But have you considered acupuncture?  Maybe the eastern philosophy/medicine has the asnwer that western technology/science isn't able to answer?  

It seems that you've tried every possible remedies known to men.  Just thinking outside of the box here.


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: MotoCreations on July 01, 2010, 02:33:25 PM
For a bunch of my customers over the years, we find a set of large OD (Harley aftermarket) handgrips.  Then cut the throttle mechanism off the HD grip, take aluminum tubing to create an insert for the diameter difference between Ducati OD and HD OD and bond together.  Probably @30 minutes to do as it is easy.  Let dry before riding!

The larger OD grips allow your hands/wrist to relax more.  Try this: tighten your fist and then bend your wrist.  Repeat: Loosen your fingers as if holding a larger OD grip and then bend your wrist. 





Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: stopintime on July 01, 2010, 02:52:23 PM
I love my Grip Puppies  [thumbsup] they really help.

My wrist problems went away when I installed clip ons - mostly because of the sweep, which is enabling a natural angle of my wrists. If you want to keep your risers, there's the Suburban Machinery bars - at 24 degree sweep they are often all that's needed. (stock 18, SM 24, clip ons 30+)

This and/or the above advice is all you need. It's NOT time to pack it in!


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: stopintime on July 01, 2010, 03:08:48 PM
A couple more advices in this thread.....

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=37208.0;topicseen (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=37208.0;topicseen)


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: Mr Earl on July 01, 2010, 03:22:49 PM
I'm 53 years old.  Three years ago my left hand middle two fingers went numb as a function of riding the Monster (I think.)  Despite my opinion of chiropractors as modern-day witch doctors, on my wife's insistence and out of desperation, I went to one.  It took 10-12 consecutive sessions, but I have NEVER experienced this problem since.

Now, because there is no control, and the sample size is about as small as it can be, this result cannot withstand statistical scrutiny.  But...

For about $40 a session, maybe give it a try.  FYI, they also do great stuff with lower back pain, SI joint pain, sciatica...  Yeah, I'm a convert.


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: pitbull on July 01, 2010, 03:25:32 PM
I started getting numbness alot for a while.  But I stretched wrists out, relaxed my grip at work/and while playing guitar (the two things I saw it the most on outside of the cycle), and it got way better but it's still affecting my riding. 

A retired chiropractor told me a good chiropractor could adjust the bones in my elbow and wrist and possibly help the problem.  She recommended one but I haven't been yet.

find a good chiropractor or PT who has does active release. It's not the adjustment of bones you need, but soft tissue. A good ART practitioner can clear up adhesions, trigger points and neuro-muscluar issues that are likely causing the problem. Often one treatment will restore proper movement and a significant improvement.

You could try more traditional PT treatments, but you will likely have to get weeks of treatment and will be lucky to see much improvement.


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: psycledelic on July 02, 2010, 11:42:31 AM
I started having serious issues with numbness in both hands as soon as I started riding my 999.  It carried over to my Monster (a problem that I haven't had trouble with before).  I started trying to support some more weight with my torsuo, which allowed me to drop my elbows, and payed more attention to the angles I had my wrist in and it corrected the problem.  I guess the new position, and my lazy posture, was causing the issue.


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: greenohawk69 on July 02, 2010, 12:06:55 PM
For a bunch of my customers over the years, we find a set of large OD (Harley aftermarket) handgrips.  Then cut the throttle mechanism off the HD grip, take aluminum tubing to create an insert for the diameter difference between Ducati OD and HD OD and bond together.  Probably @30 minutes to do as it is easy.  Let dry before riding!

The larger OD grips allow your hands/wrist to relax more.  Try this: tighten your fist and then bend your wrist.  Repeat: Loosen your fingers as if holding a larger OD grip and then bend your wrist. 


+2 on this...


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: Clickjack on July 02, 2010, 02:33:02 PM
I appreciate all the help.  

Does anyone know where to get Grip Puppies and what size to buy?

Cramp Busters?


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: fastwin on July 02, 2010, 05:50:14 PM
http://www.crampbuster.com/ (http://www.crampbuster.com/)

There you go... [thumbsup] Most mail order houses carry them: Dennis Kirk, Competition Accessories, Chaparral Motorsports, etc.


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: stopintime on July 02, 2010, 09:51:51 PM
I appreciate all the help.  

Does anyone know where to get Grip Puppies and what size to buy?


Size small. Buy a few pairs, they only last about 10 - 15 k miles. Slide on using hair spray.
http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CST&Product_Code=GPSMALL&Category_Code=GRIPPUP (http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CST&Product_Code=GPSMALL&Category_Code=GRIPPUP)


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: Clickjack on July 03, 2010, 10:29:35 AM
Bought a pair of Grip Puppies and Cramp Buster.  Guess will go from there. 


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: caboteria on July 03, 2010, 10:43:20 AM
I bought a pair of dirt-bike bars from someone on TOB.  They're higher and more flat than the stock bars so you sit up straighter and your wrists are flatter.  They're much more comfortable for long rides on the street.  Worth a try - you can get all sorts of different styles with different bends and they're easy to swap.


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: muskrat on July 03, 2010, 12:05:09 PM
a cheap and quick alternative is to buy those foam dirt bike grips and put them over the stock ones.  that's my setup on my Duc and I'm very happy. 


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: hadesducati848 on July 03, 2010, 12:42:51 PM
i just push the throttle warm up lever all the way up let go of both grips, sit up straight, and let my arms and hand relax and let the blood flow. of corse thats only when going straight and not much traffic or stop lights. its like cruise control


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: He Man on July 03, 2010, 01:25:12 PM
get a slipper clutch, they  reduce clutch effort more dramatically then a slave would.

Another possibility might be that your not setting your bike up correctly. The stock bars might not be ideal for you, so you should try something like clip ons with a decent amount of rise. For some going lower is more comfortable, others going higher. Speedymoto Tall boys or Cycle cat clip ons (cheaper, from oncycles.com) will help greatly. also, lowering your seat will make the bars seem higher. ( i shaved about 1.5" of foam off my seat and replaced it with a gel pad)



Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: Preisker on July 03, 2010, 02:20:18 PM
I would try different bar bends.  I've got Pro Taper Woods High bend on mine, I'm comfortable on it.  I've got fairly small hands,  so I find larger grips uncomfortable, I also use either Renthall grips, or the Pro Taper grips, both come in at about $10 (no $150 Rizoma anything on my bike), so I can change them out every month or two.  You might have to experiment with different bars, but I used to get numb fingers, and occasionally after a long ride, I still do, but not to the extent that I used to. 


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: mstevens on July 03, 2010, 04:54:50 PM
Consider seeing a physiatrist. These are physicians who specialize in rehabilitation. A good one will come up with a solution other than "quit riding." Another option would be an occupational therapist or physical therapist, especially one who specializes in ergonomics.

I'll point out that people in this thread seem to have described different nerve syndromes. That means that various posters probably have involvement of different nerves and associated anatomical structures. It makes a huge difference which fingers are numb, and what parts (front, back). Carpal tunnel syndrome (a wrist problem) affects specific parts of the hand and needs different treatment from ulnar nerve syndromes (which are typically elbow problems, perhaps from elbow armor or a too-tight jacket).

The first step is diagnosis, and "numbness" is nowhere near enough information.

For the Chinese medicine devotees, I'm going to go way out on a limb and say the various reports really sound like nerve problems and not issues of maldistribution of chi or hot/cold/wet/dry problems. Traditional Chinese medicine doesn't really recognize nerves, so traditional Chinese treatments don't address nerve problems as such.


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: OT on July 05, 2010, 03:42:58 PM
1) Learn to hold the grips gently - lose the death grip that puts tension in your fingers/hands/forearms, that'll cure the tingles/numbness (did for me...)

2) I've used these dual sport grips (the black ones) for years and am very happy with them.  They're contoured - thicker in the middle - and form a very ergonomic fit to the palm that should result in your not feeling the need to squeeze the grip while riding.  You may need to cut holes in the ends if you use bar-end weights.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/68/19546/ITEM/Pro-Grip-714-Dual-Sport-Grips.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/68/19546/ITEM/Pro-Grip-714-Dual-Sport-Grips.aspx)


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: hduc on July 19, 2010, 04:58:54 AM
I keep the crampbuster ( throttle rocker) on my Monster, I have a Triumph 675 also, but don't like using the throttle rocker on it.

Also I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrom in both hands 8 yrs ago..... I had surgery on both hands and they don't go to sleep anymore, so for me that was the main problem.

The Throttle Rocker works great for the Monster tho, gives that throttle hand a definte needed break!!

loose grip, wet noodle arms and good ab and back muscles work well also!!!

When I am in a lot of traffic, I tend to grip harder without even knowing it, then I realize what I'm doing and try to loosen up a little.


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: Monsterlover on July 19, 2010, 02:38:17 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibration_white_finger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibration_white_finger)


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: Grappa on July 20, 2010, 09:05:09 AM
I am currently going to PT for a shoulder issue, and was complaining about a day when my arm was aching all the way down to my hand.  She said many times wrist issues can start at the neck/shoulder area.  Perhaps you are holding too much tension in the shoulders?  Just a thought.


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: R0CKETMAN on July 20, 2010, 12:19:07 PM
My right hand goes numb to a certain degree on every ride. It is better now that I've raised the bars 1.5" or so and added some gel grips. However, I feel an oversized diameter grip would benefit me ever more. Still looking and don't like the pups.


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: Preisker on July 20, 2010, 04:40:28 PM
Or you can try the better living through chemistry approach. 


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: TJR178 on July 21, 2010, 01:55:39 AM
Sunline Grand Touring Grips is what you need.  I love mine.  I'm getting two pair for some guys in my club this week.

http://www.bustersdirtshop.com/product.php?productid=1718&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Froogle (http://www.bustersdirtshop.com/product.php?productid=1718&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Froogle)


Title: Re: Is it time to pack it in?
Post by: Clickjack on July 31, 2014, 12:10:34 PM
Long dead thread.  But incase anyone stumbled across this again.  It turned out, after 15 years of being a musician, and other hand strenuous jobs, I had developed a knot basically in my forearm.  Right below the elbow.  It took a while but working out the knot with a chiropractor did the trick.
 
Don't have a bike these days but I don't think it would be an issue.


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