I have been having pain in the upper left portion of my shoulder next to my neck. I put 1" up & Back, bar risers on. It's better but after about 30 miles or so it starts to bug me.

Anybody have any tricks or tips? I guess because I still have to lean over a little my body is saying no. I am just about using the tank as a seat I sit so far up on it. I was looking at a V-Strom but what a beast. I also noticed how much smoother a parrelll Twin is compared to a V twin. A lot of Clickity clack at the low rpm level on the V. The GS seems so much smoother and way more flickable! I just need a bit more comfort.

Anyway, any help appreciated!

Thanks

a teaspoon of cayenne pepper before you ride.  unfortunately it can be a little spicy (at both ends.)  Cayenne pepper releases endorphins and because of that it is a pain killer / anti inflammatory.  If you don't like spicy and don't mind reeking havoc on your liver 400-1000mg of ibuprofen (depending on your BMI) would be effective as well. 

Did you ever play sports?  I have a rotator cuff issue which is aggravated by motorcycling.     Body/bar position can make a  lot of difference...the stock bars worked best for me, but superbike bars are what I have now and they aren't too bad.   You might spend some time on a Ninja 650r....super comfortable.

I had a seperated shoulder last year. So, I know your pain actually just had a medi-port put into my right shoulder/pec area so the next week will be painful even moreso. Is it the vibes that are getting you? For me the Pro Grip Gel grips helped with that and I plan on putting BBs in there too. They say that helps too.

Mary

I work on gripping with my knees and letting my arms and shoulders relax.  Also, if you have a shoulder injury, a book called the Miracle Seven is great for rehabbing before or after surgery. It's worth a try. 

http://www.bronzebowpublishing.com/fitness/the-miracle-seven.html

What do you wear when you ride? I know when I ride in colder weather with my normal jacket, or even just moderate temperatures in my vented jacket my shoulders will get sore from all the air hitting them. If you're already got something going on with your shoulder, which I'll assume is why only one side works, the wind hitting it may be causing it to hurt sooner. Maybe try padding that shoulder or something on your next ride, and if blocking some wind off of it helps, you can find a more permanent solution like trying to sew some additional material to the inside of your jacket.

Well a zillion years ago I fractured my collar bone and my shoulder healed a bit funky, it looks slightly off from the other one. This is the only thing I can think of. No problem on my DR 350 dual sport so I guess I may have to suffer. I do agree that if I keep it relaxed it helps so I'll go with that and maybe a couple of Motrin.

Sure like the bike though!! Thanks for the tips.

I just put a set of techspec gripsters on my gas tank to give my legs a little more traction for when my arms get tired (or when I overdo it in the gym.)  That way when I brace myself while braking I have a positive grip against the tank with my legs and I can relax my shoulders more.

rger8:

Apart from taking something with Paracetamol in it - to help relax your muscles - there could be other reasons for your muscle growing sore/tight as you ride.

=> Vibrations through the seat
=> Slightly wrong forward posture - both of these Could have been issues on a previous bike of mine as I'd get an aching back after 20 mins of riding. An Airhawk seat cushion solved those. No such issues for Me on the GS.
=> Wrong head position. You might be trying to look through the center of the visor, which means your slightly leaning forward BUT putting your head back. Try keeping your head tilted slightly forward so you see the gauges fine and are looking more through the Top of the visor for straight ahead riding. This helps keep a more rigid frame, straight back and neck in line and fights/cut the wind better with less strain on the neck muscles.
=> Arms/elbows held too wide/high. Try slightly twisting your arm anti-clockwise which will bring the elbow closer in to the body (the point is not to twist your arm, but to get the elbow closer in, twisting achieves this, but do it however you need to to bring the elbows in a little more).
=> Too tight gear. If your gear is too tight or has a lot of padding, your muscles can be fighting it. Getting more and more tired/stressed.
=> Too tight grip on left grip. Relax the hand so it is only lightly touching the grip.

Other things to try...

=> Releasing the left grip and allowing your hand to dangle straight down for a minute or two while riding. Could also rest the hand on knee, thigh or hip. Even on tank.
=> Doing some stretches Before you get on your bike. Some shoulder, back and neck warming up.
=> Frequently glance around while riding so your neck muscles aren't fixed into one location. Keeps them loose this way. Loose and less fatigued.
=> Sit ever so slightly askew so your left side is a fraction closer to the handlebars than the right. This can be achieved with a small twist at the waist as well so your seat remains the same but shoulders are slightly forward on one side.

Michael

Mister,

Those are great tips. I will try them this morning and see how it goes. I am thinking about getting rid of the bike but hate to do this if there is some kind of remedy. I have owned it about six months and keep thinking I'll get use to it. Will se how it goes.

Thanks

For relaxed riding I just ride with one hand... Promotes more of a relaxed posture. (though I'm pretty sure, Illegal.) Also from time to time, I'll rest my left elbow on the tank as I kinda slouch (sounds dangerous, and I'm willing to bet it probably is, so careful with this one) . Slouching itself kinda helps- Brings your upper body closer to the handlebars. Try sitting closer to the bars- feels silly with your boys right on the tank, but it saves your back/arms.

Icy hot= Awesomeness.
I'm sure you can find a set of bars that come even closer to your body- Dirt bike bars or even a set of bicycle bars somewhat like this?

I had the same problem.  Same arm, too.  Stomp Grip helped a lot. 
I have thighs like a Russian ballerina, now. 

For me, it's 2 things:
1) Vibration up through the bars
2) having my hand directly in front of my shoulder, at a certain angle.  About 10 degrees off horizontal, when I'm sitting vertically. 

My cartilage is thinner/weaker in a certain spot.  Basically worn from intense, repetitive exercise. 
I can even feel it just holding up a book or a newspaper. 


Tried all the stuff that Mister mentioned, which are REALLY good tips BTW. 
It taught me a lot, and I'm still learning. 

Nevermind me.  Just bored.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=585376

So is it vibes or positioning that is causing your probs? If it is positioning you shouldn't be putting very little pressure on the bars. You need to be using your core to hold your body up. Your hands/forearms should be at about a 90 degree angle. Not leaned over putting pressure on your arms which in turn travels up to your shoulders.

I also use a cramp buster which takes a lot of the pressure out of my shoulder because I'm not gripping the throttle all of the time. I just use the palm of my hand on it and rest my first two fingers on the brake for quick use.

Hope this helps !

Mary

stop leaning on the bars. 

Quote from: commuterdude on May 29, 2010, 03:11:19 PMYou might spend some time on a Ninja 650r....super comfortable.

What shoulder pain? 

Do a search for "twist of the wrist II pdf"

It will get you really relaxed and riding better. Best book on the technique of motorcycling I have ever read.

I have a hard tank bag, and basically lay down on it. Very comfortable, and no pressure on the shoulders or wrists.

I know this sounds old fashioned and is not an instant cure. Get in shape! I had lots of neck and right shoulder pain from pinched nerves and other old injuries. I had pain with my arms held out forward when riding and in certain other positions.
I went to an un-doctor (chiropractor) and only got minimal benefit.
I go to the gym almost daily. I work with a qualified trainer once a week.
One thing I do daily is a little swimming. The low impact exercise of swimming loosened up the shoulder joints and relieved pressure in the neck. Without realizing it, after a couple months I noticed the pain was going away. What a surprise!
Suggestion:
1. Don't look for a miracle cure. There isn't one.
2. Find a gym with a pool, hot tub and steam room
3. Commit to going at least 3 times a week. Start easy and work up to more intensity. Go slow and easy.
4. Swim, hot tub and steam along with exercises for your injured areas. Ask a qualified trainer what exercises will help. A good trainer will give you a schedule of things to start with then advance to as you improve.
5. Yes, do things as suggested by others to relieve pain when riding and remember that this is not really a cure, but good in that it helps. Don't forget items 1-4!

After a month at the gym, you'll see improvement. After a few months, you'll probably be just fine. It is a mater of getting your joints loosened up, muscles in shape and improving circulation.

I remember when I first got my GS500 in May. Riding caused pain and numbness in my right arm. I even had pain when moving my arm with the computer mouse. This was a prior problem going on for more than a year. Training and conditioning got my joints loosened up, muscles in shape and now I am totally pain free.

Yes, it takes work and commitment. It goes slow and may take 3 to 6 months. But the advantage? You're in better shape and you're not taking chemicals which just mask the problems. I must also add that good diet, multi-vitamin and joint supplements help. I don't know how much you drink, but if a lot then reduce alcohol because it harms the joints.

If you can afford it and have a good gym, nothing beats a qualified trainer. Mine works for the Seattle fire department and trains as an extra job. He is certified in CPR, EMP and has trained in physical therapy. And as a bonus, he rides a Suzuki GSXR1000! A little bike talk while training is nice. I'm in better shape than I have been in 30 years. He knows what to do to help an injury and prevent re-injuring a part of your body.

Proper body position - Pinch the tank with your knees and tighten up your stomach muscles to support your upper body weight.  If you can't flap your elbows like your doin' the funky chicken, your too tight.