Vibration in grips?

Wyolaw53 said:

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?

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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.

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.