Handle Bar Position
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 333
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From:
Handle Bar Position
I have carpel tunnel syndrom that wakes me in the middle of the night hurting like crazy. I have ISO KUY grips with throttle boss. I was wondering if I adjusted my handle bars it would help. Does anyone know the rule of thumb for bar placement? I may need a riser or may need to move the bars back. Anything besides surgery to get a little relief so I can keep riding.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,073
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From: NW Arkansaw
RE: Handle Bar Position
I know what you mean about PAIN in the night! Makes you want to bawl like a baby don't it? I got a brace from my Dr for $60 bucks, then the other wrist started hurting. Went to Walmart and got two in a pack for $20 bucks. I slept with them on for several months, then my arms quit hurting so I quit wearing them. When we moved here I built fence down the driveway and around the house, several corners, gates etc, that's what brought mine on. After I got the fence done it eased off, but now I need to build a new fence out along the road and I'm sure dreading it!!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,475
Likes: 3
From: Southeast Wisconsin
RE: Handle Bar Position
I'm guessing that lower is better but I'm not sure. If you have access to a physical therapist they should be able to give some advice...if not, I can ask the one at my gym and see what she says.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
RE: Handle Bar Position
Is the problem in both hands or one? Before having the surgery, I suggest getting a second or third opinion from a good neuro sergeon. I had surgery on both wrists based on advise from orthopedic guy. No improvement. Surgery on both elbows (Alner nerves) based on another orthopedic guy's opinion. No improvement. Went to Mayo Clinic and they found bulging disks at C4 and C5. Surgery on that fixed all the problems. As far as the bars go, you might get some relief with bars that place hands closer to you and lower than stock, especially if the problem is in the neck, but even with that, riding in traffic using the clutch freequently and just gripping the throttle for long periods will cause some problems based on my experience.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 8
RE: Handle Bar Position
I have carpal tunnel syndrome too. Riding a lot of miles would aggrevate the problem. I also had a problem with my upper back and shoulder after about 150 miles. I put risers on my bars last summer before my last big trip and adjusted my bar angle a little bit. It made big difference.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse, NY
RE: Handle Bar Position
I put on 4 1/2" risers (not shown in the picture yet) and it made a world of difference. The bars are not necessarily too much higher, but they are closer to the chest and that did it for me. Keep riding. The surgery will wait.
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
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From:
RE: Handle Bar Position
I think part of the solution alongside the bar position, is the position of the hand controls. I found that spinning them downward enabled me to have less of a concave bend at the wrist when being operated.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
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From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Handle Bar Position
Here is how I set the bars on my bikes up.
Have someone hold the bike upright so you can set on it with your feet on the pegs in the riding position. Put your hands in your lap and close your eyes for 30 seconds. With your eyes still closed reach up for the bars until you feel comfortable. Where ever your hands go with your eyes closed will be your natural riding position. If you move your bars to that position, or as close to it as possible, you should have your most comfortable setting.
Regards,
Bill
Have someone hold the bike upright so you can set on it with your feet on the pegs in the riding position. Put your hands in your lap and close your eyes for 30 seconds. With your eyes still closed reach up for the bars until you feel comfortable. Where ever your hands go with your eyes closed will be your natural riding position. If you move your bars to that position, or as close to it as possible, you should have your most comfortable setting.
Regards,
Bill