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Vibration in grips?

1237 Views 13 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  Buster
Fellow Valk owners. I love this bike, picked up a 2014 with 4300 miles. One issue, anytime I ride for more than ten miles my hands are going numb, it could be for old wrist or tendon damage from a big 2014 wreck on my Vulcan, or it could be the bike and vibrations? Anyone else ever have this issue? Prettiest, and fastest bike Ive ever owned! Turns heads, smokes everyone? Thanks in advance? Or maybe the best glove recs for vibration absorption? Also previous owner had a HRC sticker on it, any info on that?

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I've never experienced this on mine. I've seen someone balance a nickel on its side on the cylinder head of the Valk while the engine was running and it didn't make a move. That's about as vibration-free as it gets! Can't do that on a V-Twin, for sure.

Richmonder
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I've owned two different Vaks, smoothest bikes I've ever owned and no hand numbness or vibrations anywhere. (these bikes use GoldWing engines, some of the smoothest engines ever)

Do your bars vibrate? if so, thats very unusual for this model.... something is not right if you do have bar vibes.
Could it be that you're gripping the grips too hard?

My longest stint in the saddle last year was 11hrs, and only part of me that was not happy was my butt (Corbin seat fixed that issue)

Tazmool
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Here's the nickel trick. Even when he starts it up, the nickel doesn't move:


Richmonder
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One issue, anytime I ride for more than ten miles my hands are going numb, it could be for old wrist or tendon damage from a big 2014 wreck on my Vulcan, or it could be the bike and vibrations?
Hi. In the '90s I co-founded a company in the Chicago 'burbs called RMTC, which stood for the Repetitive Motion Trauma Corporation. We fixed up people, with a simple stretching and exercise routine instead of surgery, who were afflicted with repetitive stress injuries e.g. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and/or Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis, which are commonly known as Tennis and Golfer's Elbow. My background is in biomechanics and exercise physiology and I was a swimming coach and martial arts instructor for decades. Arm nerve injuries (there are really only the big three: the median nerve, the radial nerve, and the ulnar nerve. (Think "funny bone.") I think I may know a couple things to suggest for you (at no cost, and I'm no longer affiliated with that corporation), and would love to help solve your problem. OSHA thought enough of my ideas that they published my article on them as their cover story on Carpal Tunnel. I won't take up space on our motorcycle forum here, but feel free to send me a private message and I'll give you a brief overview of the concepts. Word of warning, I was only able to help people who developed their problem due to over-repetitive motions, often aggravated with worksite conditions that introduced cold and vibration. (Think sawing up chicken parts in a cooler room. Tyson Foods was a big customer.) People who develop similar nerve damage due to a fall or accident, such as you mentioned, often have to take a different approach. Best of luck, whichever the cause, and feel free to reach out.
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2nd gen Valk is the smoothest bike I've ever ridden. Most bikes would be soulless and boring with such smoothness. Oddly, the Valk is anything but. I guess it's a combination of torque, relative lightness and the jet engine sound of the motor.
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Bike vibrations from Honda Valkyrie? This bike is recognized for just the opposite, as smooth and vibration free as a motorcycle can get. If you feel yours has vibrations, possibly something is wrong causing those vibrations? I installed foam rubber grip covers over my stock grips for my large hands. Thats nice and cushy if that may help you. I notice more discomfort the harder my grip and must remind myself to loosen up at times after "white knuckle" situations. KUGO'S offer sounds interesting/generous. I hope you get this resolved.
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HRC could stand for https://www.HondaRacingCorporation.com/

Has anything been done to the bike mechanically?
I dont know, dont think so.
Bike vibrations from Honda Valkyrie? This bike is recognized for just the opposite, as smooth and vibration free as a motorcycle can get. If you feel yours has vibrations, possibly something is wrong causing those vibrations? I installed foam rubber grip covers over my stock grips for my large hands. Thats nice and cushy if that may help you. I notice more discomfort the harder my grip and must remind myself to loosen up at times after "white knuckle" situations. KUGO'S offer sounds interesting/generous. I hope you get this resolved.
I know, I dont feel much vibration in the grips, either, so all I can figure is it is nerve damage from my last wreck, 8 yrs ago I will see if PT can resolve it
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There are steel weights inside the bar ends to help with vibration. I took mine out to add heaters. I didn’t notice any additional vibration. I also have to remind myself to ease up on the grips.
The nickel trick is pretty cool! Hadn’t seen that before. Of course, I had to see if it worked on my 2014. The first thing I did was drop it down into a crevice where I could no longer see the nickel. It’s down in there somewhere. Oops.
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I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome issues and yes, even this bike can trigger it if I grip too tight and long.. ie numbness and tingling in the fingers. Once that nerve is aggravated it takes very little vibration to trigger it. What’s working for me at present is VERY light grip on the ‘bars (and this has the side benefit of core strengthening as your gut and back are now taking the weight rather than your hands). To best achieve this, sit right up on the tank and sit up very straight with your lower back arched IN (ie don’t let it bulge OUT). This position takes a bit of persevering with if you’re not used to it but it’s way better for your back and allows you to be barely touching the handlebars. I also use a throttle lock a fair bit to further take the hand pressure out. And I’m also currently talking to KUGO who is kindly helping me with some exercises to further improve the situation. I know I can go and have the Carpal Tunnel release “snip” but want to explore non-surgical approach fully first. Oh and I wear night splints on my wrists/forearms which make a big difference for me. Good luck mate… hope this helps some.
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Have you tried riding gloves that have a gel pad? I have to change back and forth on long trips, and the thick, soft winter gloves are best for the tingling, but limited usefulness here in Texas.
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