oww my hands!!

[hutch699]

So, after riding my GS for about 30min...my hands start to fall asleep and ache. Anyone got any solutions? I got the gloves with the "gel" in them, but they are almost useless. I just want to ride longer 

[Onlypastrana199]

Are you using a death grip? RELAX! Thats one of the biggest problems people have..also hows your riding position? Try and keep your forearms parallel to the ground, and as Scratch would say...if you can't do the chicken dance while riding you're too tense! Don't lock your elbows.

[pbureau69]

I had that issue, found out the bar end on my ride was only cosmetic plastic ends, replaced them with weighted end (oem from suzuki) this "tingly" feeling went away.. just to let you  know.

[TragicImage]

Death Grip is WAY Common.  Hold it about as firm as you would hold a loaf of bread.  No one likes squished bread.



I dunno about the bar end, I ride with and without (depending on what state my bike is in when I leave the house), but could make a difference.

[FearedGS500]

dont put all your weight on your hands ( i did this when i was riding my cusins gsxr600) you need to use your core to support you . relax dont hold on as if you where falling off ,as said before

[gsJack]

So, after riding my GS for about 30min...my hands start to fall asleep and ache. Anyone got any solutions? I got the gloves with the "gel" in them, but they are almost useless. I just want to ride longer 

The first summer (99) I rode a GS500 my hands went numb from my weight leaning forward on my hands.  Took me about an hour for both hands to get completely numb.

I put over 200k miles on four Hondas before the GSs all of which had a very upright riding position and didn't have this problem.  So I put a set of GenMar risers on the 97 GS and the problem was all but eliminated.  Transferred them to the 02 GS when I got it.

I've ridden 400-500 mile days since adding the risers and have very little numbness in the hands now.  Gripping the bars too tight affect it and relaxing and also wearing gel gloves help the problem.

http://www.zianet.com/GenMar/

[hutch699]

Thanks guys. Rode in this morning a little more relaxed, and used a more relaxed prone type position on those long straights. When I got to work, I could actually use my hands to go to the bathroom, and feel what i was "feeling around" for 

Thanks for the riser link too. I was looking at one of those the other day. My only concern was the cable lengths. I dont want to be forced to make any changes to any of that....do I have the give for it?

[gsJack]

Thanks guys. Rode in this morning a little more relaxed, and used a more relaxed prone type position on those long straights. When I got to work, I could actually use my hands to go to the bathroom, and feel what i was "feeling around" for 

Thanks for the riser link too. I was looking at one of those the other day. My only concern was the cable lengths. I dont want to be forced to make any changes to any of that....do I have the give for it?

No need to change any control cables or wires for the GenMars on the GSs and the brake line is long enough too, but had to take it out of the clamp about half way down and slide the rubber gromet on it down a bit and put it back in bracket on both bikes.

Another brand of risers have become available since I got the GenMars that look a little more stylish but don't move the bars quite as much:

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2016/101/

[hutch699]

Just ordered those from twisted throttle actually 
Well, if they ever get the CC machines to working.

I got those and some new end weights to help a little more with the vibrations.
(also picked  up the stemnut clock, for convenience)

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

I've also found that when I'm just commuting on the interstate, it's more comfortable to rest my left hand on my thigh and sit up straight, with my right hand on the throttle.

Disclaimer: I have roughly 10K miles under my belt.. I don't know your riding experience. If you're not comfortable riding with one hand, don't do it. I accept no responsibility for any damage or injury caused to or by you or your property as a result of you riding with one hand.

[ambisinister]

Another option you might try is to remove one bar end and pour lead shot in bar until it is full. that will deaden vibration transmitted to your hands

[SmartDrug]

Another option you might try is to remove one bar end and pour lead shot in bar until it is full. that will deaden vibration transmitted to your hands

+1 on this, I did it, it helped.  Also, get a set of these:  http://www.stompdesign.com/stompgrip/street_univ.asp

You'd be surprised as to how much weight you carry with your hands that your legs could just as easily take.  They really help.

[PuddleJumper]

+1 on the Gen-Mars.

I have short arms, by putting the risers on I got the ergos to fit me better.

The brake line is all I had to mess with also.
BeSafe

[ohgood]

think i'll try the lead shot. i only have some hand tingles after 2-3 hours, and it's mild at worst. i stopped actually 'holding' the bars and now rest my index and bird fingers on the clutch/brake levers. the others just kinda hang over the grips.

oh, and I bought a palm saver http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=CRB and that _made_ me relax the go grip. it's just a piece of plastic, but i like it.

letting the GS's seat position you helps instead of trying to 'set' a position on the seat. kinda weird to describe, but if you don't fight it, and just sit how it wants you to, it's more comfortable.

you can always just say 'relax' repeatadly as an exercise too. 

[mach1]

I've also found that when I'm just commuting on the interstate, it's more comfortable to rest my left hand on my thigh and sit up straight, with my right hand on the throttle.

Disclaimer: I have roughly 10K miles under my belt.. I don't know your riding experience. If you're not comfortable riding with one hand, don't do it. I accept no responsibility for any damage or injury caused to or by you or your property as a result of you riding with one hand.

+1 I ride with one hand often it helps with my back and hands. I just dont use it on the freeway but i do sometimes put my feet on the pillion pegs.

[97dime]

had the same problem with my hands. not so bad now but the past couple of days i've been having problems with my right elbow getting stiff and sore after about 10 minutes of laying down on the bike.  haven't changed my riding position or anything that i'm aware of.  i also ride one handed most of the time esp. when layed down.  but my other hand across the tank.

[genEricStL]

that's what i do on the highway too . When i'm at lower speeds sometimes my back feels like it's gonna kink up , so i'll try the left hand on my left thigh first , and if it's not helping
(don't try this at home kids) I'll pop back on my pillion seat and reach forward occasionally to goose the throttle

[MikeNW]

Some solutions for the Concours, some might be applicable to GS:
fill bars with BB's or lead shot
Use a throttle lock
Put bike on centerstand, start engine, loosen all engine mounting bolts and then re-tighten
Make sure that a shim is used between engine and frame boss, if there is a gap
Adjust valves
Sync carbs
(Unique to Conk- mess with the balance shaft adjuster- only as a last resort)
Bar risers are useful too
Loosen the exhaust cross-over pipe clamp, tighten only finger tight or sligthly more. 

The throttle lock is the biggest help.  For the Concours, you can buy a $5 Caterpillar O-Ring (a certain part no.) that keeps the throttle set for you.  But it is loose enough to adjust the throttle.  It clamps between the bar end and the hand grip.  Easy to pop in and out with one hand.  I don't know if it would work on the GS.  It allows your right hand to relax.

Ride Safe