Numb Hands

[eagle]

I have noticed from time to time that my throttle hand gets numb from time to time. I have since installed ISO grips and a throttle rocker, however I still get some numbness more so on the throttle (right) side.

Could there be some kind of engine problem associated with this? I am awaiting the arrival of a Fuel Processor. Might this alleviate the vibration causing the numbness?

[MAS Tequila]

Don't count on it. I have the same problem once in a while, but usually the left one for me.

If you come up with a fix please share it. I normally just drop my hand and shake it.

MT

[audiogooroo]

Mine wasn't mechanical, as in caused by the bike, but bio-mechanical...as in caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with a build up of scar tissue from previous untreated trauma. This was caused by... shall we say..."conflict resolution" from my younger days. ::)
It took two surgeries to clear mine up, and I still occasionally require ice packs and braces. :-/

[cactusjack]

Handlebars vibrate, hard to get around that. Maybe your handlebars are too high and it's a circulation problem? You might try lowering the ends of the bars a bit, but make sure they still clear the tank at full lock. Do you wear gloves when you ride? Oddly enough, I went on a 130 mile ride without gloves today (on purpose, to try to tan my hands to match the tan on my arms) and noticed my hands went numb. Normally I wear gloves with a gel palm, and that was the only thing different about riding today. Or, as Audio suggested, perhaps you have an underlying physical issue? Just a few thoughts...

One last thought - have you considered a throttle lock or cruise control to give the throttle hand a break now and then?

[Cajunrider]

I have the same problem with the numb fingers on both hands. I installed a Brake Away throttle lock which allows me to rest my throttle hand periodically. I also wear gel palm fingerless gloves in summer and the same with winter gloves. They do help. I still have the stock grips and I'm considering changing to ISO grips.

[eagle]

I wear fingerless gloves with a gel palm on the warmer days and gloves on the colder days. I have ISO grips.

I think that I hold on too tight to the grips at times.

Driving the wife's bike does not seem to cause any issues. (Honda Shadow 750)

[macmac]

Happens to me too. For some people the fix is to loosen their grip on the grips. If I let any looser my hands would need to be in my pockets.

Carpel tunnel sucks.

Living in Cow hampster a throttle lock is questionable at best, but in some places i can set it to rest.

I wear full mc vented riding gloves with short cuffs in day trime and long gaunlets at night. These i buy snug to support my hand and it helps.

I also place my right thumb much higher on the grip over the start switch, and i use a throttle rocker to press on with the heel of my hand.

Any time i get scared , IE: someone crosses the center line at me, I squeeze the devil out of the grips for a while till I feel my hands go dead. Then I back off. The same thing happens if i hold a cup of coffee and i have been known to drop beers for it too.

Sometimes i can't typo for this as well, but it comes from bustin wrenches all my life, something i still do, since I ain't dead yet.

When Fall comes this year i am gonna rob one of my wife's black bras, and make aluminum brackets to hold the cups ahead of my hands on the grips. I figure that will throw off the numbing cold air, and maybe if I fill em with some gel i can give em a squeeeze once in a while. That should help alot

[ndbigfish]

Didn't have this problem with the stock grips but I have it now with the Kury ISO grips. Throttle bosses didn't help. Gel gloves didn't change the situation, but I do use a deerskin palm glove. I just change grip and grip pressure more often. Also some times I will put my thumb on the top of the grip and only grip with my fingers.

[ringadingh]

I find that wearing gloves helps, I find that mine go numb also once in a while, mainly when I ride without the gloves.

[cbutteris]

I have been fortunate to not have any of the numbness or tired hand issues. Tend to ride with a loose grip I suppose. But here is what I can add...

Tried a Kury throttle boss though just thinking it might help me keep a steadier speed, but it made my arm tired - couldn't get used to it.

For my recent trip out to Colorado I added the the Kury throttle assist and that worked well on those stretches of flat road. Can ease the grip or drop the arm for a rest.

Have always worn gloves with my ISO grips.

[Top Cat]

Funny you guys should mention this now. Cindy and I just got back from a 376 mile ride.
She rode the Drifter which I just put Iso Grips on. Her throttle hand kept getting numb. Never bothered her with the stock grips.

[eagle]

Well it seems like many others are having this hand numbness issue as well. Sometimes I think that when I think of how numb my hand is, it gets worse. Then when I am not thinking of how numb my hand is, it seems to go away?

I think I just may be holding onto the throttle with too much force since many others are experiencing this type of situation. When I stop at a red light and take my hands off of the bars, the numbness goes away. I'm glad that the numbness does not stay for a long time.

Thanks to all for your views and help.

[billmac]

My 1st Nomad had Kury grips and 2 inch risers. Hands and arms would tingle and ache regularly.

My 2nd Nomad has stock grips and 3 inch risers. It is rare that I have any issues.

[eagle]

I find that interesting that 3" risers would make a difference. Thanks for the tip.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Eagle stop thinking about it. When you ride you ride to relax and you can't relax if you are thinking. Just kidding you a little there.

I too have the same problem and I think it is from maybe gripping tighter than I need to.