Hey gang, I need some help here. I've got a 500F and have been trying to break it in (600miles). I went for a ride, about 100miles, and my hands kept getting numb...not just a thumb or palm, my whole hands...kinda freaked me out 'cause there were a few nice twisties and i didn't get the feedback from the bars 'cause my hands were numb! Anyone have this problem as well? What can I do to reduce/eliminate the vibrations? I've tried changing seating position, holding onto the tank with my legs so i'm not holding onto the bars too tight, but nothing has seemed to work. HELP!!!

I have the same problem. I thought it was because I was gripping the too tight or it was because I am getting old and my blood pressure was acting up.  

But if you search the forums you'll find its very common. I dont have it as bad now. Got good gloves and new softer grips. It still happens to me but not as bad

Pinch the tank with your knees so you have leverage to flex your back to take the weight of your body off of your hands.

I've got some Alpinestars SPS gloves and have tried "pinching" the tank with my legs to alleviate the pressure off my hands...i guess changing the stock grips would probably help. Any suggestions for new grips? How hard are they to remove/install?

All bikes get some vibration.  You might be gripping too hard.  Loosen up.
If that does not work, I'll trade you my 2002.  It's already broken in.

i went out and bought some after market "foam" grips shortly after getting my gs. I found them to be a temendous improvement. I also seem to have better throttle control with the diameter being a bit larger (i have larger hands)

i had the same problem...
what i did was added gel grips and heavier barends (0.75kg each)

now the bars doesn't vibrate at all...it's awesome for touring...

The foams grips are great for comfort. And the larger diameter is like using a larger pulley, it makes pulling the load easier. If you still want rubber type grips, though, I would suggest the Lockhart Superbike grips. You may have to trim off the end a little. I used diagonal cutters to cut along the groove.

Hey, ever try ridin' a Sportster 1 hunnerd miles at a stretch...SH** yer whole body gets numb, never mind yer hands :lol: ...try changing wrist position and such...if you haven't ridden a lot then you're starting to use muscles you never thought existed. I love Sportsters about as much as I love the GS500...almost as much as I love this forum.

Cernunos

OK a GS doesn't vibrate that much It more like buzzes but... I have had 4 cyl's vibrate/buzz more. 2 important things other than what the guys have told you... 1 carb synch... I can eyeball synch them to being buttery smooth, but mercury stix or dial types, and they should get them exact... that within specifications... Ok I have never done it with the dial or stix, but I suspect specifications are too far apart and they let the thing get buzzy. 2 The rubber bits under the top triple should all be intact and good.
Cool.
Srinath.

Hey guys, sorry! I forgot to mention this is a NEW 2004 F bike...so i'm assuming the carbs are synched up...How hard are grips to install? Where can I find the bar end weights? Thanks for your help (also in advance)..

Most hand numbness comes from gripping the bars too tightly.  Loosening your grip will alleviate 90% of the numbness.

Quote from: vegasda9Hey guys, sorry! I forgot to mention this is a NEW 2004 F bike...so i'm assuming the carbs are synched up...How hard are grips to install? Where can I find the bar end weights? Thanks for your help (also in advance)..

You would assume that, and you'd be wrong  :lol:
Cos most ill fitting, poorly adjusted, badly assembled, out of spec crap comes from the factory...
Cool.
Srinath.

Quote from: Frost on July 07, 2004, 09:28:29 AM
i had the same problem...
what i did was added gel grips and heavier barends (0.75kg each)

now the bars doesn't vibrate at all...it's awesome for touring...

Where did you get the heavier barends at? how $$ ?if you don't mind me asking... I already changed to a new grip, Geltype and they seem to help some but still have a problem.

Ditto Glenn and Srinath.

Make sure that you are not clinching the bars.  If you are, you don't just have hand soreness but also lower arm.  Clinching with your legs just shifts the issue, you should be able to sit comfortably on the bike without any real effort.  May need some repositioning.

If it is truly vibrating a lot, you may have a mechanical problem. 

I came from a DRZ400, my GS is a turbine by comparison.