Ducati Monster Forum

So this is a problem that I have had for the last few years (that I can remember).  After rides as short as (but not exclusive to) my morning commute, 12 miles, mostly highway, I will arrive, pull my gloves off, and my right middle finger (ONLY that finger) will be white from the middle knuckle out, and numb.  That is the only finger ever affected, the others are a little cold but not uncomfortably so.  Feeling and color return within 15 minutes and all is well, and it's not the burning sensation you get when putting icecold hands in hot water to warm up either.  I havent figured out if its related to gear (jacket/backpack combination putting pressure on a nerve or affecting blood flow, or gloves doing the same), or if its ergonomics.  The bike has no-rise clipons mounted on TOP of the top triple...so the bars are definitely low and tight, but i seem to remember this issue with the stock bars to a degree.  Lastly because it is just that finger, I considered something related to holding the throttle...maybe I need to pick up another crampbuster.  I had one a few years ago, but it disappeared durring the transit from NH to San Diego..

Anyone ever experienced anything like this?

Maybe it's your gloves? Try the same distance with no gloves or just soft fabric ones.

I'd get numbness and tingling in both hands when riding my (stock) Monster longer than 30 minutes. It was due to the ergos, as I don't have that issue on my ST2, which is more upright with better angled bars.  

Discoloration to me indicates a circulation issue, though (I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV).  I'd be curious to try another pair of gloves or a crampbuster as the cheapest first experiment.

Try some bars that are angled back a little more, to take some pressure off your wrist.

Not my middle finger but the left side of my right hand from wrist to tip of my thumb went numb for a couple of months earlier this year and no idea why. Didn't ride a whole lot during that time to try and help the mystery numbness go away! Thought it might have been carpal tunnel but others thought maybe just a pinched nerve.

I don't do doctors so no professional wisdom I'm afraid but it did go away.

I used to get that in both hands when I was riding as a motorcycle courier. The Bike had clipons. I don't get it as much with the Monster handle bars.

My usual gloves are Rev'it Curb ES:

(http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/product_images/rev-it_glove_curb_black.jpg)

I also have a pair of Dainese Scout Evo gloves for colder wetter weather.

(http://www.dainese.com/media/catalog/product/cache/209/front_image/520x600/8a02aedcaf38ad3a98187ab0a1dede95/1/8/1815644_631_F.png)

Neither see to make much difference, I get the same numbness either way.  As for the bars, I had them swept wider at first, but the angle it put on my wrists was unbearable.  Now they have a good sweep and are much more comfortable, but the bars hit the tank well before the steering stops.  Makes parking lots (and my driveway) a real PITA. 

I think the cramp buster might be the next thing I try.  Since I can take my left hand off the bars and rest it, I think thats why it doesn't have the same problem.  The right hand is kind of stuck holding the throttle.  (I tried holding the throttle with my left hand once in my early days of riding....:o just once.)

Adjust the steering stops so you don't damage the tank.

Might be caused by the vibration. See if it happens after sitting on it (parked, engine off) for 20 mins in your riding postion.