Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: mikeb2411 on July 26, 2014, 08:26:28 PM

Title: Numb hands
Post by: mikeb2411 on July 26, 2014, 08:26:28 PM
Hey guys, I notice when riding that I get a numb throttle hand after a while of riding and someone told me that a larger grip would help to alleviate that issue. Any thoughts on that? I'm sure someone has tried a larger grip...does it help and if so, what grip do you recommend?
Title: Re: Numb hands
Post by: maxtog on July 26, 2014, 09:58:43 PM
Hey guys, I notice when riding that I get a numb throttle hand after a while of riding and someone told me that a larger grip would help to alleviate that issue. Any thoughts on that? I'm sure someone has tried a larger grip...does it help and if so, what grip do you recommend?

Plenty of threads on that in the forums, check the search function.  Try these:

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=17306 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=17306)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=649 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=649)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=9477 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=9477)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=216 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=216)

Title: Re: Numb hands
Post by: Conrad on July 27, 2014, 06:35:07 AM
I use Grip Puppies and they work great for me.
Title: Re: Numb hands
Post by: rocknrod on July 27, 2014, 07:16:45 AM
Also think about not holding the throttle grip so tight.
Title: Re: Numb hands
Post by: jwolffie on July 27, 2014, 11:32:56 AM
I used to use grip puppies but I ride every day so they wore out sort of fast, I know the new design is better and did last longer, but I finally found the cure for me. I got some soft motocross grips and cut both ends off and stretched them over the stock grips using soapy water, they work great and last a long time.
Title: Re: Numb hands
Post by: martin_14 on July 28, 2014, 06:02:10 AM
Also think about not holding the throttle grip so tight.

+1
for some reason I think it is a common thing that we hold the grip tighter than needed, even the right one. During long rides on the highway I got used to keep an eye on the strain that I subject my hands to, for no good reason. GoCruise was a leap forward, too.
Title: Re: Numb hands
Post by: Rhino on July 28, 2014, 07:24:30 AM
Maybe try heavier end weights. I have Throttlemiester's, I don't use them for throttle lock but they are outstanding end weights.
Title: Re: Numb hands
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 28, 2014, 07:50:53 AM
+1
Title: Re: Numb hands
Post by: rocknrod on July 28, 2014, 08:29:23 AM
+1
for some reason I think it is a common thing that we hold the grip tighter than needed, even the right one. During long rides on the highway I got used to keep an eye on the strain that I subject my hands to, for no good reason. GoCruise was a leap forward, too.
I just started using the GoCruise this past weekend. I like it so far.
Title: Re: Numb hands
Post by: PH14 on July 28, 2014, 09:38:37 AM
Maybe try heavier end weights. I have Throttlemiester's, I don't use them for throttle lock but they are outstanding end weights.

I have the Throttlemeister as well, I do use it as a throttle lock and it works very well. It is easy to set so you can make speed changes easily and hold the throttle position as well. It is great on a long trip.
Title: Re: Numb hands
Post by: Jaxter on July 28, 2014, 10:15:02 AM
it might be all in my mind but...when I switched to Lee Park gloves the hand numbness was reduced a lot (I estimate that I can go about 3 times farther before needing to relieve my hands)...or maybe I am not gripping as tight as I was when I was wearing the Held gloves...anyway I truly believe that the gloves make a difference00000000
Title: Re: Numb hands
Post by: JoeRau on July 28, 2014, 10:32:28 AM
I have both my hands go numb from time to time, usually not at the same time.  Has nothing to do with the bike.  Happens at my desk, in my truck, while I am cooking... 
Maybe it has a lot to do with really bad joints.  I was a bit hard on them in my earlier years, and paying the price now.
Title: Re: Numb hands
Post by: petepro on July 28, 2014, 05:09:14 PM
Also think about not holding the throttle grip so tight.

I would agree.   I used to hold on till I got Reactive arthritis.  Now I rest my hands and it not only lessens the vibration but I'm a better rider with a lighter grip.

Title: Re: Numb hands
Post by: basmntdweller on August 01, 2014, 08:37:21 AM
My hands, mostly throttle hand goes numb on my morning ride to work nearly every day. Never a problem on the ride home!

Matt
Title: Re: Numb hands
Post by: xsv on August 01, 2014, 09:07:39 AM
There is a lack of information to really work from in your question.  If your neck, back and wrists are in perfect "health" then try some grips, etc.  However, in my late 40's I know I have a couple tweaked discs in my neck.  Your riding position (seat height and risers or lack thereof) may contribute to your issues. 

I too experience numb hands.  Adding a cruise control allowed my throttle hand a break and alleviated some of the issue.  My Corbin seat really exacerbated my numb hands until I put on risers.   The Corbin made me "reach" for the bars, putting more pressure on my hands/ wrists.  Removing the butterflys and adding a pipe seemed to increase vibration in my bars and bothered my hands.  Some gel grips essentially eliminated that.

You will need to look at a combination of things combined with your particular issues, if any, to find your solution.
Title: Re: Numb hands
Post by: PeteTN_zgtr on August 01, 2014, 08:12:44 PM
The stock grips are hard and small. I use the Original grip buddies with gloves that have the gel padded palm. The gloves have helped on other bikes too. You can try changing to thicker gel grips too. My C14 is pretty smooth compared to all other bikes I've owned. Grips are junk though.