handlebar help

[ChuckS]

I'm a newbie, bought a 2000 GS500 in July.  I've put about 1000 miles on so far.  Love it.  
After riding for 30 minutes or so, my right hand complains.  Cramping, pain, numbness.  I have abit of arthritis in it.  Seems to me like the bars need to be at a greater angle to the bike--  the ends brought back a bit.  I'd like to avoid putting more weight on my hands.  What are my options?
I do try to move my hands around when I ride.  It helps, but my hand still hurts.

[pprider]

i found what makes a HUGE difference for me is to grip the with my knees rather then holding on the bike with your hands. if you grip the tank with  your knees it should take off like 90% of the pressure on your hands

[cernunos]

Look under SEARCH at the top of the forum page for "Srinath Bars"...I'm sure he'll be glad you did. Just love that small Suzuki 500, the forum and the M60.

C.......

[robo]

Do some abdominal workouts. You'll be able to relieve some pressure off your hands by holding your body up with your torso. I also try to ease my grip off the handlebars and it helps in the long run. You'll get used to in eventually.

[Roadstergal]

You have better control of the bike if your weight is not on your arms; I found that squeezing the tank with my thighs keeps me well-planted.

[mjm]

I'm a newbie, bought a 2000 GS500 in July.  I've put about 1000 miles on so far.  Love it.  
After riding for 30 minutes or so, my right hand complains.  Cramping, pain, numbness.  I have abit of arthritis in it.  Seems to me like the bars need to be at a greater angle to the bike--  the ends brought back a bit.  I'd like to avoid putting more weight on my hands.  What are my options?
I do try to move my hands around when I ride.  It helps, but my hand still hurts.

Lots of people put different bars on - Bars are pretty cheap.  The limit on rise/pullback seems to be about two inches additional rise and two inches additional pullback unless you start changing the clutch cable routing and brake hose -  The Srinath bars are lower - not higher - they will result in more weight on your hands and wrists.

You could also try Gen-Mar bar risers - I have them, they re-position the bars about 1 1/2 inches higher and 1 1/2 inches further back.  They can help if you have joint problems.  You will end up sitting a bit straighter and with less pressure on the hands.  You will also want to try to keep your grip loose and perhaps put on a throttle rocker or throttle lock so you can flex the fingers of the throttle hand occasionally.

[ChuckS]

Cool, rider ignorance should be cheap & easy to fix!!  Squeeze with the knees it is.  Thanks!  Before posting I searched &  Srinath Bars look great, but it sounds like they will put more presure on my hands.  
My abs are in pretty good shape.  I'm an avid kayaker & also do 100 sit ups a few times a week.  Just need to learn how to use those muscles while on my bike

ChuckS

[John Bates]

........ my right hand complains.  Cramping, pain, numbness.  .........

Have you tried adjusting the handlebars?  

I have the same problem.  My handlebars were pretty low, forcing my upper body weight onto my wrists. Rotating the handlebars up a little bit has helped me.