Right Hand Going Numb

[Steve.In.Atlanta]

I was out on the bike for a couple of hours on the interstate riding and my right hand kept going numb. It's been a while since I've driven a motorcycle for distance on the highway and looking for some solutions.

When I got out of the navy in '92 I drove a motorcycle from Newport, RI to Chattanooga, TN without a lot of difficulty. I had a throttle lock on there that I would use to lock the throttle so I could shake my hand a bit to keep that from happening. I have no idea where I got that thing or what it was called.

Do you guys think that's a good item or is there another solution?

[DuctheMonster]

Sometimes I have the same issue, I find that if your wrist is making more of a 45 degree angle (bent) then you don't get as much blood flow... If you try and keep your wrist straight the pressure from your weight on the handle bars shouldn't be as bad keeping your blood flowing. Kind of works for me... give it a try.

[positivecarry]

Relax your grip...a trick I use is to make sure your grip is loose enough that you can touch your thumb tip to your index finger tip.  Basically, practice using as light a grip as possible.

[Duc796canada]

It sure sucks! I had it bad yesterday to were I could apply the front brake, lucky I was on the country roads. Sorry to hijack your post, but anyone know if you can use that palm rest thingy with bar-end mirrors on?

[Steve.In.Atlanta]

I was thinking about using a palm rest. I can't see why it would interfere with bar-end mirrors. The reason I'm looking around for a throttle lock is to be able to let go of the handle and shake my arm around.

[Speeddog]

It's mostly been due to wrist position for me, not 100% effective but works most of the time.

Your '01 M900ie has the fast idle setup, if adjusted to the maximum, you can use that for a 'cruise control'.

[ducatiz]

It's mostly been due to wrist position for me, not 100% effective but works most of the time.

Your '01 M900ie has the fast idle setup, if adjusted to the maximum, you can use that for a 'cruise control'.

i'm not the only one?

i adjusted the cable so it goes up to 5000 rpm at max.  for starting, i put hold it around the middle of the lever range.  feels good man

[akmnstr]

I find that these really work.

[Steve.In.Atlanta]

I toyed around with the fast idle start in town at lower speeds and it worked!!

It's not something I want to use as cruise control per say but just enough to readjust my hand without releasing the throttle. Thanks for the tip, I think this will solve my problem.

[hillbillypolack]

Yes, it happens, and it's more about your grip than anything (duh).

A technique I use is 1) grip the handlebar like you were holding a Twinkie.  You have it in your hand, but you aren't clenching it.  Also, for more precise throttle actuation, lay your index finger on the top of the brake pivot like you were pointing.  This allows a 'base' and your throttle control is easier in turns and at low revs where the bike is snatchy.

Last detail is if you have racing gloves, don't 'over-tighten' the velcro, especially the one at the wrist.  I've found that leaving more room helps me avoid numb hands when riding.

[bikepilot]

If you want a throttle lock these are nice http://throttlemeister.com/

I used one on the bandit when I rode it to San Diego.

[OT]

Agree - you have to lose the death-grip on the throttle.

I tried the Throttle Rocker but it didn't work for me...any weight on the bars (and, hence on the rocker) meant having to fine-tune the wrist position, which is the same PIA as w/o the TR.  Because of the way it works I found myself controlling the throttle by bending my wrist up and down instead of using my fingers to 'roll' the throttle....result was more, not less, wrist pain.

Throttle Meister better as it locks throttle in a set position; but don't expect it to work like cruise control....it won't hold a set speed on roads with varying grades, just a set throttle position.

Best fix is lots of ab/core exercises.....not that I do any  

[imaspecialparts]

I think the frequent combination of reasons for this are:
wrist is bent unnaturally, and lots of weight is being applied to wrists, so blood is limited to hand, and it goes numb.


There are solutions!

• Adjust brake lever so that hand is in straight line, instead of bent at wrist.
• Reduce weight on wrists by sitting more upright (perhaps add bar risers and enhance overall comfort), and squeeze tank with knees to support body.
• Stop smoking and do not get "excited" while riding (so blood flows better to hands!)   

Also, I have noticed I have never gotten numb hands while on the track, but I am not riding passively, unlike when stuck in traffic.

Best luck in finding comfort while riding!

[Le Pirate]

I still have some bad hand numbing problems (carpal tunnel), but bar end weights...can't remember the proper term...helped me some. They soak up some of the bar vibrations that were causing me problems. Something to think about

[Preisker]

I get it too.   I'm getting old, that's what it is.