2001 Road King Classic - all stock

When I ride my 2001 Road King, after about 5 miles my hands start to tingle and eventually start feeling numb. This does not happen on my 95 Sportster. Any suggestions on what is going on? Do I need to reposition my bars or try new grips? Also what is a "handlebar air reservoir"?

 

Just thinking out loud, since you didn't have the problem with your Sporty, it could be related to your riding position. If your arms are stretched out, you may be cutting the circulation off at your shoulders. Also, if you've changed riding gloves, the new ones may be too tight. I had that happen with a pair of fingerless gloves that were too small. Or, maybe the vibration from the old Sporty was keeping the circulation going in your hands, ha. Hope you figure it out.

 

In my opinion the stock Road King bars are killers. They pull you too far forward, put you out of position to ride, and usually cause pain right in the middle of the shoulder blades. I'm sure that they could also cause your hands to go numb, and your children to be born naked. If I were to buy a new Road King tommorrow, I would not even pick it up until the bars were changed.

An easy way to determine where your bars should be is to sit on the bike in the riding position, close your eyes for 30 seconds or so, and with your eyes still closed reach up for the bars. Where ever your hands naturally end up is your riding position. If you get bars that put you there, you will be comfortable.

A handle bar air resevoir was used on older(pre1995 I think) Electra Glides and FXRs with air shocks. The bar was sealed, and had an air filler valve(like on a tire) in the end of the left side of the handlebar. Down by were the bars attached to the fork was a nipple that had a hose attached to it that went to the air chamber of the front air shocks. To put air in the front shocks, just add it at the end of the handle bar.

Regards,

Bill

 

Youre not running 26" apes are ya?

Just kidding man. I would bet on handle bar position. Also I found if I grip too tightly for an extended period my fingers will get that tingly feeling.

 

I had the same problem. New Corbin seat moved me back 1", and I don't have the problem. It effectively moved the position of the bar to a more comfortable position for me.

I still have a set of Wild1 Chubbies coming in the mail...I think the stock bars stink, ergonomically speaking.

Mac

 

I agree with the wrong handlebars. I had the same problem with my last bike as you do. I installed a pair of phat risers and that did the trick. Much more comfortable and they looked good too. I dont have any problems with my glide.