Thumb going numb
Im having the same problem with the 2011 Limited heated grip. Im with SG Dave, changing my grip when the snow stops my riding for the year. My 02 Ultra, with Iso Grips and 87k never made my thumb go numb.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
"Numb thumb" can be a radial nerve compression at the wrist or forearm.
Carpal tunnel is the median nerve at the wrist but causes numbness in the thumb, index and half of the middle/long finger.
Cubital tunnel is the ulnar nerve at the elbow causing numbness in the ring and pinky fingers.
A "pinched" nerve in the neck at the C6 level can also cause numbness in the thumb and index finger.
A combination of one, two or three of the above is also possible.
To avoid permanent numbness, see a physician (now you know why they go to school for 24 years) to figure it out.
For all you smart asses out there, numbness of your Johnson while sitting on your bike is from pressure on your pudendal nerve between your nuts and anus.
For the original poster, are you holding onto the grips "too tight" and/or do you jut your chin forward when riding?
Carpal tunnel is the median nerve at the wrist but causes numbness in the thumb, index and half of the middle/long finger.
Cubital tunnel is the ulnar nerve at the elbow causing numbness in the ring and pinky fingers.
A "pinched" nerve in the neck at the C6 level can also cause numbness in the thumb and index finger.
A combination of one, two or three of the above is also possible.
To avoid permanent numbness, see a physician (now you know why they go to school for 24 years) to figure it out.
For all you smart asses out there, numbness of your Johnson while sitting on your bike is from pressure on your pudendal nerve between your nuts and anus.
For the original poster, are you holding onto the grips "too tight" and/or do you jut your chin forward when riding?
Last edited by XRider; Oct 16, 2011 at 09:24 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 24
From: here
my new bike handlebars vibrate badly I am going to hang ballast in both ends of the handlebars and see if this works.
2 rolls of pennies inside the bars on both ends.
lincoln continental convertibables have big lead bricks floating on a leaf spring on all four corners to reduce flex and vibration.
same principal let you know if it works
2 rolls of pennies inside the bars on both ends.
lincoln continental convertibables have big lead bricks floating on a leaf spring on all four corners to reduce flex and vibration.
same principal let you know if it works
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 90
From: Vermont
If its your throttle thumb I would try a throttle Boss or equivalent. There are a lot of different versions. It doesn't matter how old or young you are. Some folks just have circulation issues when gripping the throttle. Sometimes a different set of bars which reorients your hands helps. http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CF4Q8wIwAA# I bought one of the versions that slips on the grip. Real simple device and it solved my problem on long trips when I did not want to use the cruise. Mine doesn't vibrate the bars much so thats not my issue. It was the range of motion and grip issue.
Last edited by Rickr01; Oct 16, 2011 at 11:00 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: NE
Reynaud's Syndrome
Reynaud's is a condition whereby your fingers and/or your toes lose their circulation. It's exacerbated by cold and stress. There is no known cure and the only treatments are gloves and running your hands under warm water. Google "Reynaud's" to learn more about it.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
Most riders mistakenly put larger diameter grips on thinking the extra padding will help. I've found the the smaller dia. grips in combo with a throttle rocker/cramp buster cured my numbing thumb and first two fingers. Both/either will help you to relax your hands.
I also ride with one finger on the brake lever which also helps my throttle hand to relax. And I clean my grips (the rubber part) with lacquer thinner or the equivalent. It makes the grips tacky and easier to grip.
Many H-D grips come in a couple of different diameters. I use the smallest I can find H-D or not. I have Avons on one bike and I think Performance Machine makes a pretty thin grip. On some you can replace the rubber gripping surface whenever they wear out.
I also ride with one finger on the brake lever which also helps my throttle hand to relax. And I clean my grips (the rubber part) with lacquer thinner or the equivalent. It makes the grips tacky and easier to grip.
Many H-D grips come in a couple of different diameters. I use the smallest I can find H-D or not. I have Avons on one bike and I think Performance Machine makes a pretty thin grip. On some you can replace the rubber gripping surface whenever they wear out.
