My first "long" trip on my Sportster
#11
08-15-2018, 08:14 PM
thanks man, I really like the pictures I’ve seen of your bike too.
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firehawk6 (08-15-2018)
#12
08-15-2018, 08:17 PM
I just started riding and have done a couple of 2 hour trips from Chicago to Wisconsin on a sportster 48. First time was a breeze, just a bit stiff in the back/neck but this recent trip left me feeling like I have carpal tunnel in my right hand. My middle and ring fingers are hard to straighten out and I've got very little finger strength (didn't even notice until I went to pull the key out the ignition and struggled). Hoping it will pass soon and my body will adjust for more trips in the near future.
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futzy (08-15-2018)
#13
08-15-2018, 08:22 PM
hey futzy, I hope your hand gets better too. Have you tried a different bar set up or grips? My original bars put me in a position that was really uncomfortable and made my hands numb. As soon as I tried bars with a higher rise/more back sweep it cured the issues. Also those stock grips are garbage!
#14
08-15-2018, 08:27 PM
yeah try some biltwell or lowbrow rubber grips. They’re cheap and easy to replace. I’ve got some lowbrow beck grips that are on the thinner side but comfy as hell! The biltwell Kung fu grips are awesome too, feel like a nicer version of the mushroom grips we had on bmx bikes back in the day. I guess that’s not a surprise since one of the owners, Magoo, came from bmx
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futzy (08-15-2018)
#15
08-15-2018, 09:12 PM
Road Warrior
I was missing the 'wind therapy' after years off the saddle and have been out cruising non-stop, taking the roads I have never travelled and enjoying my 120 mile round trip commute. I have put over 1200 miles on my new bike in less than a week - still feeling like I need more therapy. 
If you find yourself wanting to do more touring, I would also suggest getting different bars to prevent any numbness in your fingers - you need those fingers to respond how you need them, when you need them.
If you find yourself wanting to do more touring, I would also suggest getting different bars to prevent any numbness in your fingers - you need those fingers to respond how you need them, when you need them.
#16
08-16-2018, 12:06 AM
Advanced
Next time you take a ride on the bike pay attention to your grip. Most riders without realizing it will grip the handlebars really tight. Also try stretching your forearms before and after the ride. That might be all you need to do instead of changing parts.
Keep putting miles on that Sporty!! We need more of us with high miles on our Sportsters to prove they aren't just bar hoppers.
Have you ever thought about motorcycle camping? Definitely one of my favorite ways to travel!
Keep putting miles on that Sporty!! We need more of us with high miles on our Sportsters to prove they aren't just bar hoppers.
Have you ever thought about motorcycle camping? Definitely one of my favorite ways to travel!
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futzy (08-16-2018)
#18
08-16-2018, 08:17 AM
#19
08-16-2018, 09:22 AM
yeah, I’m totally hooked. This little trip solidified me as a rider, I’m in it until I can’t do it anymore. I’m thinking about doing an early fall trip to South Dakota or something. That’d be a good test for the new helmet.
