throttle hand getting numb

[tanitatt]

Does anyone else have this problem? Is it a question of posture or hand position? I typically keep my thumb wraped around the grip, with pointer and index finger covering the brake lever.

Thanks
Thomas

[Skel3tor1]

I'm not sure why your hand would be going numb in that position, mine doesn't and the only thing we do differently is finger positioning. Perhaps you are wearing items that may be restricting the amount of blood flow in/out of your hand? How long does it take before your hand goes numb? Is the elevation of your handlebar something to an extreme and does this happen on both hands or just one?

[Fathertork]

On a long trip (after 4 or 5000 KM) i get a sore wrist and lower right arm. I'm not sure if it is just from over use of certain muscles or an actual problem in the wrist.

As I say, only happens after days on the road.

[coolboarder]

Both of my hands get numb (on a standard bike) and require an occasional break or hanging one hand down when allowable. I am a very fit individual and am fairly certain it is pre-carpal tunnel. The symptoms of carpal tunnel usually begin at night time and that is only very occasionally for myself. For me this is due to work related stress on the hands, but the research I've seen tells one to check for arthritis and diabetes as well. This is only my non-medical opinion.

I took the MSF on a nighthawk and it was very bad. I worried because I had already bought a bike and wondered if I could even do this hobby. Since it does not happen as bad with my bike I think possibly vibrations may lead to some of this also.

[Sev]

There are a bunch of possible problems, and a solution to go with every one.

First, do you ride a sportbike? If so, it's possible that you're just putting too much weight on your wrists and robbing your hands of circulation, sort of like pins and needles. Grip the tank more with your knees and try not to put any weight on the bars.

Second, it may be vibration, vibration at certain frequencies over a duration will cause your hands to go numb. Heavier bar ends, a bar snake, or lead pellets in the handlebars may provide a quick fix.

Third, is temperature. Obviously if it's cold out they'll go numb, that coupled with either of the above two will make things a little more uncomfortable. Heavier gloves, heated grips, heated gloves, ride in warmer weather.

Fourth, is positioning. Depending on where the grips are, it may cause your hands to 'stick' into an unnatural position. Someone will be along shortly with the correct terms for the different types. Sometimes rotating the bars towards or away from you will solve the problem. In extreme cases you may need to replace completely your handlebars.

Start with the easier stuff.

[ofblong]

Mine go numb because I grip the handles to tight. I have poor circulation in my hands as it is and when I grab the grips I hold on for dear life lol. But usually I have to ride for about an hour before they start to go numb and at 80mph. Maybe your holding the grips too tight. btw the only time I have anything on the break is when im just taking off and in slow traffic where its stop n go or slow down n go traffic.

[MotoF150]

Mr Ofblong is right, ur gripping the throttle too tight, R-E-L-A-X,,, calm down, enjoy the ride, have fun, dream that Jessicia Simpson is riding on the back and she smells sooo nice and shes holding on to you sooo tight, and she yelling "GO FASTER" GO FASTER:!!!

[JCS]

You could try adjusting the bars for a better position. Also try adjusting the brake lever to give you a better angle with less strain.

You may have to try some different bars with a different bend. If it is vibration causing the problem, there are things to try. Sometimes a tune up and carb sync will help. Or weight inside the bars to dampen vibration.

Riding in one position all the time can also cause numbness. Try moving your hands around some to ease the tension.