Help! - Trottle Hand Getting Sore/Numb

[CowtownNub]

Hey Guys, I hope that some of you might have some insight for me. I'm a new rider who just got his go-fast-pass about a month ago. I'd never ridden bikes when I was younger so I'm green as can be. I did opt to take a riding course from our local Safety Council before getting my lic. and that helped immensely with making me comfortable with the ride. However, since I've gotten out on my own for a few hundred km's (miles/2 for our yanks), about an even split between highway and in-city, I've noticed that the large pad of my thumb on my right hand tends to get sore about 15/20 minutes into a ride and on longer rides (45+ mins), a large part of my right hand can get numb. A friend who rides suggested that the symptoms might simply be due to a newer rider with a death-grip on the throttle. In the past week or so, I've made a real considered effort of easing up my grip on the control but it hasn't made a real significant difference. The bike is almost a perfect fit for me as I'm 5'10" with a normal arm length and the bars are stock with no risers. I find it most comfortable to ride fairly close to the tank so that most of my weight is over the foot pegs so that I'm not leaning forward too much and relying on the bars to hold me up. Lastly, I've found no difference between 3 different pairs of gloves (light motocross, heavy weather leather, and mechanics gloves). Now comes the "Your Opinion" part:

1. Do you think that my buddy is right and I'm just inexperienced and gripping too hard...

2. Is it possible that the angle of the bars could/should be adjusted slightly inward toward the tank...

3. Would bar risers help to transfer my weight back even farther...

4. Should I attempt to find a local witch doctor to have the demon excised from my right handlebar/hand/both...

Any help would be appreciated as I'm planning on taking my first big 3-4 hour ride in a month or so and am not looking forward to suffering through the whole thing.

[mrich12000]

sell the bike

[CowtownNub]

Thanks man, knew I could count on help....

[34468 Randy]

I would suspect you have the death grip still. Or it could be that you just need a bit of time to accustom your hands to the grip. My 06 was my first experience at riding and it is bone stock. And my riding position seems to be similar to yours as well as my size. My belly may be bigger though. Personally I never ran into that problem, even during my trip to Atascadero California this past spring. Another consideration is that you may need better bar ends that dampen any vibration that the bike may send your way. Keep riding. See what happens before you put out a bunch of money.

[mrich12000]

So I guess that recieve your attention. Now what is needed as I was having that problem for ever I went and bought a fuel miser it is a ittle device that is put on the throtle lookit up (Google) most bike shops carry it. A Sargent seat is the next fix for your Bum. Make sure your handle bar grip angle is correct. If it is the hands(sic) going to sleep, go to your doctor and have the bloodflow to your hand Doplered as this could be an early heart problem (note this is a danger to your Health)I did and found I was Diabetic!!
Cheers ps. don`t sell the bike lol..

[jasonsmith]

It makes a huge difference when you just relax and loosen up. Remember, the bike will stay upright on it's own (when moving), you can ride and steer with no hands if you wanted to. What that means is that your just along for the ride for the most part so no sense on hangin on to her like she's gonna buck you off. You feel better all over.

[mrich12000]

I agree with that as well

[FrankoQ]

Relax the hands when riding.
Perhaps change the grips?

[RedRover5683]

I too would first suspect the 'death grip' habit. Unlike motorcycles with carbureted engines, fuel injected engines often tend to have throttles which are rather twitchy and unforgiving until you get used to this by first learning to just keep your right wrist relaxed. Also, if your seat if canted too far forward, in which you find your pelvis sliding forward and downward onto the tank, this may cause your arms and wrists to become fatigued and sore rather quickly.

I would keep riding, learn to relax more, and if the problem persists I would suggest a Sargent seat in which you tell them to add extra padding to the horn of the saddle (I did so with excellent results) before you change anything else. Also, try taking 250-375 mg. of Naprosyn (an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory) before you ride, as well as perhaps a daily dose of glucosamine, which is available through General Nutrition Center.

Let us know how you fare.

[mrich12000]

Originally Posted by RedRover5683

I too would first suspect the 'death grip' habit. Unlike motorcycles with carbureted engines, fuel injected engines often tend to have throttles which are rather twitchy and unforgiving until you get used to this by first learning to just keep your right wrist relaxed. Also, if your seat if canted too far forward, in which you find your pelvis sliding forward and downward onto the tank, this may cause your arms and wrists to become fatigued and sore rather quickly.

I would keep riding, learn to relax more, and if the problem persists I would suggest a Sargent seat in which you tell them to add extra padding to the horn of the saddle (I did so with excellent results) before you change anything else. Also, try taking 250-375 mg. of Naprosyn (an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory) before you ride, as well as perhaps a daily dose of glucosamine, which is available through General Nutrition Center.

Let us know how you fare.

Boy that is geat advice..

[great white]

I've got nerve damage in my throttle hand wrist and feel your pain.

I use a throttle lock so I can lest got of the grip now and then and shake the numbness out of my hand (completely dead after 15 mins).

If your grip is too tight, your hand will go numb. If your riding gloves are a bit too tight, same thing can happen.

Spend a lot of time on the computer? Carpal tunnel also produced this effect and is agrevated by riding.

Make sure you take advantage of any adjustability in your bikes bars to see if you can find a better position for you wrists.

That's about it off the top of my head...

[CowtownNub]

That's awesome boys, thanks. Y'know, I figure that it may be a combination. I'm sure that I'm still death-gripping it a bit but I also hadn't considered the blood-flow or nerve damage. It may be a wise idea to get it checked and as for my wrist, I'd actually broken both bones in that wrist clear apart when I was a kid and it's acted up probably once a year or two since then if I've really strained it on something. Either way, it gives me some things to look at and work on. Thanks all for the input, I appreciate it!

[supertex]

First off my answer is coming from a different direction being a golf pro and seeing strange things happen to peoples hands with incorrect positioning and pressure. You stated that you were losing sensation on your thumb pad? It sounds as if you are using your fingers a little too much coupled with your new rider death grip. The combination could cause this exact thing along with other hand problems falling in line at different time intervals. Do everything folks said before me but also make sure you are not placing the pad of your thumb on the grip directly. Instead place it lightly on top of the tip of your pointer finger. Hope you get it worked out.

[great white]

Originally Posted by CowtownNub

That's awesome boys, thanks. Y'know, I figure that it may be a combination. I'm sure that I'm still death-gripping it a bit but I also hadn't considered the blood-flow or nerve damage. It may be a wise idea to get it checked and as for my wrist, I'd actually broken both bones in that wrist clear apart when I was a kid and it's acted up probably once a year or two since then if I've really strained it on something. Either way, it gives me some things to look at and work on. Thanks all for the input, I appreciate it!

Funny, that's how I got a bit of nerve damage in my wrist:

Broken bones....

Doesn't bother me except when I'm riding or holding my hand in one position too long (holding the steering wheel on long highway drives does it too). 15-20 mins seems to be the time for me, then I have to "shake it out" for 15-30 secs.

I've got a throttle lock to let me relax my wrist from time to time, there also used to be a thottle "helper" that allowed you to relax your grip completely and hold the throttle on with just the weight of your arm/hand

Vita cruise throttle lock:





NEP throttle lock (most affordable and what I use):







Throttlerocker:



http://www.throttlerocker.com/

It's quick and easy to install, but I've never been a fan because it just seems to easy too accidentally roll on the throttle if you hit a bump or something...very bad...


Or if you want a cleaner look and have a couple bucks burning a hole in your pocket...

Throttle meister:



http://www.throttlemeister.com/

In addition to being a throttle lock, they also act as bar end weights. This may help to quell a bit more vibration (well, change the freq actually) which often a cause of poor blood flow and numbness.

I do agree with the posts and the "beginner death grip" though. You only need a light touch for throttle control....

[Boris92]

I ran into the same problem when I first got my '07. Being my first street bike I thought it was just the seating position putting too much weight on the hands. First thing I did was buy a good pair of sport bike gloves (c/w padded palms) and that took care of 80% of the problem. Since then I've added cruise control and helibars which have cured the problem completely.

Cheers

[xeipher]

Since this is your first bike and looks like you got a license a month back. You might want to reconsider the throttle lock approach. Do not think its wise for new riders to use throttle locks, can hinder during emergencies. Throttle locks really help on long rides where you primarily riding on highways and the coast is pretty much clear.

The good thing about VFRs is that they have center stand. Ask your buddies with more rider experience to check out your riding stance. Put the bike on the center stand, and take a seat. Position your body as you would be riding, and ask your buddy to help you to correct your stance.

Your arms should be bent and the weight should be held up by your back, stomach(resting on the tank) and gripping the tank with your legs a combination of all the three.

Be safe.

[Echo3Niner]

I too have that same issue, after about 45-60 minutes in the saddle. I have found that it is obviously a blood flow problem, so whenever I'm at a stop I drop my arm to my side and wiggle my fingers, and can feel the blood begin to circulate again. I have found it is mainly because as I get tired, I lock my elbows and use my locked arms to rest all my weight on. This same issue happens to military folks when at attention too long in formation, they lock their knees and the blood settles to their feet, and doesn't come back; even to Marines in really good shape. I'd recommend watching your arm position and ensuring you have your elbows bents and use your legs on the pegs to support you from time to time and take all the weight off your arms. That and dropping my arm to my side when I can helps me.

[Boris92]

I agree that changing up your position is important. The nice thing about the cruise control is that it lets me take either hand off the bars and straighten my back during long straight stretches of road.

[great white]

Originally Posted by xeipher

Since this is your first bike and looks like you got a license a month back. You might want to reconsider the throttle lock approach. Do not think its wise for new riders to use throttle locks, can hinder during emergencies. Throttle locks really help on long rides where you primarily riding on highways and the coast is pretty much clear.

The good thing about VFRs is that they have center stand. Ask your buddies with more rider experience to check out your riding stance. Put the bike on the center stand, and take a seat. Position your body as you would be riding, and ask your buddy to help you to correct your stance.

Your arms should be bent and the weight should be held up by your back, stomach(resting on the tank) and gripping the tank with your legs a combination of all the three.

Be safe.

Nah, the throttle locks I mentioned are easily overcome by simply rolling the throttle back. "Lock" is a bit of a misnomer, they just give the thottle enough friction to keep it from rolling back under return spring pressure. The problem comes in when people try to use them like "cruise control", which they are not.

I only use mine to hold the throttle long enough to flex my throttle hand, get the feeling back and then it's flicked off. Which is what I recommned the OP use a throttle lock for. Hand gets numb, flip the lock on, shake it out, grip, then pop the lock back off.

Good point of positioning, although I find most modern bikes put too much weight on the wrists these days.

Meh, I'm just too old I guess....

[34468 Randy]

Handle your throttle like it is a woman's breast...not a cow's teete.

[Craig in Alabama]

Also, make sure your clutch and brake levers are properly adjusted for your riding position. The levers should be rotated so that your arm, wrist and hand form a straight line when your fingers are on the levers. A lot of bikes come out of the dealer with the levers adjusted parrallel to the ground, which can make your wrist bend upwards and cause this type of symptom. It's one of the first things I do with a new bike.

Cheers!

Craig

[asfltdncr]

I did put risers on mine and found I still had some hand problems.I have since started gripping the tank with my knees when slowing or coming to a stop and I believe that it has helped me.

[bitterpil]

+ 1Jason Smith...

Loosen your grip.. Also try to use your index finger and your middle finger to operate the clutch and brake. This leaves your Ring and Pinky finger the to hold onto the grip. This will also act to rock your rand slightly reducing pressure.

[monk69]

Originally Posted by CowtownNub

That's awesome boys, thanks. Y'know, I figure that it may be a combination. I'm sure that I'm still death-gripping it a bit but I also hadn't considered the blood-flow or nerve damage. It may be a wise idea to get it checked and as for my wrist, I'd actually broken both bones in that wrist clear apart when I was a kid and it's acted up probably once a year or two since then if I've really strained it on something. Either way, it gives me some things to look at and work on. Thanks all for the input, I appreciate it!

If you haven't had problems with your hands before you started riding than you shouldn't be concerned with that part of it.
1- You do need to move the bars closer to the tank, enough that you should feel the grip more on the palm pad below your little finger across from the same area under your thumb(but you don't want to go to far in that direction either)play with it til it feels comfortable.
2- Get a "ThrottleBoss", it allows your palm the help hold the throttle open so as not to have to grip hard.(adjust the Boss so it will point up about 5º more than flat when throttle is closed)
3- Arch the small of your back so you aren't putting any weight "At all" on the bars, arms should always be loose. The only time you put pressure on the bars is when you are steering, if you're leaning on the bars you're giving unwanted steering imput.
4- If you can't stay off the bars, then you might want to get some risers.

[SuperDougio]

I had the same problem on getting back on a fuel injected bike after a 15yr absence from carb bikes. I got the following advice, which doesn't work immediately but takes a little practice. You don't need throttle rockers, new handlebars, seat, glucosamine, or whatever. The problem is caused by simply putting too much weight on your hands, which compresses the soft tissue and nerves in the palm (like when your leg goes to sleep). The answer is a combination of 1) gripping the tank with your knees and relaxing your shoulders and elbows so that your weight is held up by your lower back plus your belly resting on the back of the tank, 2) gripping the throttle with your FINGERS not the palm of your hand so that you roll the throttle instead of twisting it. It takes a bit of practice, and more important, conscious thought and focus initially to keep actively relaxing your arms and taking the weight off your hands. But it works. And the payoff is a more relaxed and poised riding position altogether, not just hands you can feel. Good luck!

[Bweiss]

Originally Posted by supertex

First off my answer is coming from a different direction being a golf pro and seeing strange things happen to peoples hands with incorrect positioning and pressure. You stated that you were losing sensation on your thumb pad? It sounds as if you are using your fingers a little too much coupled with your new rider death grip. The combination could cause this exact thing along with other hand problems falling in line at different time intervals. Do everything folks said before me but also make sure you are not placing the pad of your thumb on the grip directly. Instead place it lightly on top of the tip of your pointer finger. Hope you get it worked out.

I didn't know you played golf, mex...

We're gonna have to go play sometime!

[Packman]

I am utterly amazed that everyone thus far has only pointed out rider error. Could the problem perhaps run a bit deeper? The very first thing I would check is your Head bearings, as I have recently been having the same problem with my bike of my throttle hand going numb. Ive been riding for only 2 years and the vfr for 1 and have never had a problem with hand pain or discomfort then recently I noticed my throttle hand going numb on longer rides. At the advice of a friend I lifted the front end of the bike off the ground and rotated the steering, sure enough the head bearings are shot, there is a definite notch in the steering. The reason this affects to throttle hand greater than the clutch hand I assume is because the throttle slide is a loose sliding piece not solidly mounted to the bars thus any vibes from bad head bearings will be amplified thus. I could be wrong about your situation but I know once I replaced mine the problem was instantly better. CHECK YOUR HEAD BEARINGS!! Its a 50$ fix if you have the tools and know how.

[asfltdncr]

Use your stomach muscles and squeeze the gas tank with your knees when your slowing down or going down hills.

[Rollin_Again]

Get a throttle lock. Not only will it help prevent pain in your hand but will allow you to masterbate while riding.

Rollin

[jaimev34]

I've begun riding with my index and middle fingers hovering over the brake lever and have noticed that my hand goes numb after maybe 30 min., whereas before that would never happen. Covering the lever does result in me gripping the bar tighter with the other fingers so that may be the cause. How do any you brake-lever-hoverers avoid the numbness?

FYI: covering the brake lever full-time feels so much safer. I suggest it for those of you who don't do it.