Throttle hand getting numb

[metroplex]

After accidentally grabbing too much throttle about a week ago, I've been more observant of my throttle hand. I noticed that after a few minutes of riding, my hand gets very numb and I lose a lot of fine control/sensation which could lead to grabbing too much throttle. I've heard of compartmental syndrome / forearm pump but I can't seem to figure out how to beat a numb throttle hand. I tend to give it the death grip because the 696 seems to be very sensitive in the numerically lower gears. I put a lot of pressure on the footpegs and the fuel tank, and I notice my fuel tank is getting looser, it seems like my knees can crush the fairing. I can flap my arms while riding. Any tips besides practicing on a less powerful bike?

[kid8five8]

maybe try a throttle tamer thing with the innerchangeble cams. i want one for the 1100 but havnt got around to it. everyone that i have seen on here that has one has said they loved it.

[PAMonster1969]

I have the same problem Metro. I usually make sure I'm ahead of the person thats behind me by plenty...and I let go of the throttle for a second(Yes I know the machine lurches a lot)...but it's the only thing I know to do as of yet. To top it off...it's happened on pretty much every bike I've ever owned, not just the 696. Ive gotten advice that ranges from surgery.... to better grips. I was told that anything that vibrates like the Ducs handlebars or a grinder...or even a jackhammer...this is what happens.

[kmdani]

Once you get good throttle control, the tamer really isn't needed. I'm not saying it's not a good investment, just that it isn't necessary... if that makes sense.

Most likely your hands are now going numb because you're squeezing the throttle too hard. (Either consciously or unconsciously because of your incident...) As you get more experienced, you'll be able to hold it open with just the friction of your hand and no pressure. Turning the throttle can be done with just slight pressure from your thumb and index finger.

My hands still go numb, but only if I'm in heavy traffic (have to grip the throttle more), or I'm just on a long trip.

-Ken

[nextfriday]

Do some ab work. I'm not kidding. Strengthening your abdominals will take some pressure off your hands and wrists.

[philb]

I also recommend a CrampBuster, especially if your ride often or far. It has helped me a lot, especially when I'm doing 500-mile+ days, as you can control the throttle with your palm and don't have to grip at all. Just about the best $12 I've ever spent.

PhilB

[metroplex]

I do quite a bit of ab work. I am crushing the fuel tank and am putting a lot of pressure on the footpegs but I find that I still have to lean over to put my hands on the bars for support/grip. I can understand if I have forearm pump, but it is just my throttle hand that is going numb from trying to precisely get the throttle right or else it surges.

[kmdani]

Originally Posted by philb

I also recommend a CrampBuster, especially if your ride often or far.

Phil -- I have a crampbuster for my S4R -- the problem I have is my hand takes up the entire grip. Does your 900 have wider grips, or do you have a trick for riding with it? The crampbuster seemed to be more of an inconvenience for me (especially in traffic), but I'm open to suggestions -- I'd be nice to take it off the shelf.

-Ken

[philb]

Originally Posted by kmdani

Phil -- I have a crampbuster for my S4R -- the problem I have is my hand takes up the entire grip. Does your 900 have wider grips, or do you have a trick for riding with it? The crampbuster seemed to be more of an inconvenience for me (especially in traffic), but I'm open to suggestions -- I'd be nice to take it off the shelf.

-Ken

My hand takes up most of the grip also. The trick is to get used to setting it. It rotates upward easily, and grips downward so you can maintain throttle. Any time you are in traffic or otherwise in a place where it isn't helpful, just push it up and around so it's pointing down or whatever position gets it out of your way.

PhilB

[paisano]

dangle your index fingers