Numb Right Thumb and fingers

glespaul12

New member
Greetings all,
OK, got the MSF course taken, have put a few miles on my 2005 C90, loving it. Anyway, I noticed that my right thumb, pointer, and birdie finger (all are on same nerve, I know) are going numb. Is this common, is the solution different grips, handlebars, repositioning, or what? I appreciate any ideas, I know others have to have run across this.
doug
:-?
 
Mostly, it takes conditioning. You don't begin any physical exercise and expect to not feel a bit sore. Practice loosening your grip, two fingers at a time. Figure out which muscles you're clenching and consciously relax them. If it doesn't improve over time, look to changing parts. The first step is getting in shape, though.
 
Yeah, I found myself, when riding, I am biting down a little harder than usual, and gripping the left a bit more. I have had so many people pull out in front of me the past month, I lost count. I even had to bounce myself off a minivan that DID NOT yield. Rather than lose a saddlebag, I thrust my body out to the left and pushed off with my elbow, not fun... People just do not look, you're gripping hard because you're nervous... Well, people today just do not know how to drive anymore, too many cell phones and make up kits.
 
I appreciate your responses. Another quick question... I see the MSF Basic logo on some of your 'signature' areas. I've taken the class now, and if its not against protocol, how could I add this to mine - to show I support this step of proper riding?
thanks again.
 
I also finished my training recently and am an absolute beginner. I was having an aching left hand and also soar right hand after each practice. Yesterday I passed the 400 km [250 miles] mark on my C50 and I no longer have problems in my hands. Instructors, at the riding school, emphasized the importance of relaxation when riding. I think I was very stiff on the bike and quite scared when practising emergency braking and countersteering. [we were riding towards instructor and he would give sudden directions to go right/left or stop] I was scared of hitting him until I discovered I was only making 30-40 kph. Now I laugh at that but I was quite tense then.

My 2 cents: Find a comfortable position for your hands and relax. You may have to adjust the levers. By time you will work those muscles out.

How is your clutch control? How is your handling of C90? [do you find it too powerful or heavy, of course depending on your previous riding experience, if any]

Welcome to the forums and safe rides.
 
Also be aware of tightness in your neck and shoulders. This could be where your problem is coming from. Make an effort to roll your shoulders down and forward at times to relieve the tension. Roll your head around at stop lights for a little neck exercize.

jon
 
If your throttle hand continues to bother you, especially on longer rides, you may want to get a Crampbuster, or Throttle Rocker. They allow you to hold the throttle open with the palm of your hand and not close your hand around the grip. I use one of those and it is a life saver on long trips. I have also heard good things about Kuryakyn ISO grips, but I have not personally used them.
 
On my C50, I feel a vibration in my hands too that leads to numbness sometimes (usually after 100mi + riding). But I would say think twice about changing certain parts... until you have exhausted all the other good recommendations here :)

Some of my vibration, I attribute to my pullback risers. I put them on 2000 mi or so ago to get a better body posture. As I did it, I noticed that the original risers had a rubber isolating cushion as they bolt down to thru the triple T (or whatever that thing is called)...never solidly mating to the T. But the new ones bolted down solidly to the T. Now I get a minor constant vibration...it affects my hands and the sharpness of my mirror rear views as well.
 
I would get that same thing on my C50T on my right hand. For me it is kind of inconsistent and hard to track down to one thing. The only common thread I noticed was it happened more (but not always) when I wear my full fingered light summer weight gloves. When I wear my fingerless gloves it does not happen. Could be the fit of the gloves.
 
Hey SoCalCru, that is a cool idea, thanks (I am taking EVERYONE's opinions seriously!) I hadn't even thought of the gloves. Maybe I'll try a new pair this weekend. Does this mean I get to run to the Bike Shop???
 
i have the same problem. I do have neck and shoulder problems that i've seen a chiropractor for numerous times. For longer rides, i've installed a Vista Cruise control. Complete life saver, but it takes alot to get used to because it basically "locks" your throttle open and can be very dangerous. Hope this all helps. Have fun and stay safe.
 
I saw some sort of throttle lock that a friend was using, this weekend. He said he could still adjust the throttle, but it would stay where it was left. Is this the Vista Cruise Control? I could see it working out for long cruises, definitely.
Thanks!
 
I never said anything about this because I figured I would be called a sissy! I am going to try the fingerless gloves too. Bike shop, here I come!!!!!!!!:D
 
i got a Vista Cruise control 32$ off ebay and work awsome we you set it you can still move it i got mine losenuf to wear if i hit something or go over a good size bump it lets go it will take bit to get it just right but try it whats 30$
 
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