Low speed issues
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 17
From: Mid West
Low speed issues
OK so I am an old fart but I love to ride and I have a real issue:
As I am leaving the highway into tight narrow roads/parking lots is where it occurs. I have bad shoulders(bursitis), I have a arthritic left hand from injury sustained at 15 years old, I have carpal tunnel to a minimal(doc says too little issue to cut into) and as I get into slow speeds where I need to turn the fork much as riding a bicycle in tight right corners I lose it. Generally have to stop(really sucks in traffic), left hand gets iffy as to clutch apply, fingers get a little less than responsive as does the left arm as stretch it out. Feel the need to lean to get the turn and yet feels unbalanced. I do get out and practice on this after being off the bike a while but fatigue catches up on the longer rides.
Any suggestions beyond the doc hacking on me some more? Nothing to date seems to have helped.
As I am leaving the highway into tight narrow roads/parking lots is where it occurs. I have bad shoulders(bursitis), I have a arthritic left hand from injury sustained at 15 years old, I have carpal tunnel to a minimal(doc says too little issue to cut into) and as I get into slow speeds where I need to turn the fork much as riding a bicycle in tight right corners I lose it. Generally have to stop(really sucks in traffic), left hand gets iffy as to clutch apply, fingers get a little less than responsive as does the left arm as stretch it out. Feel the need to lean to get the turn and yet feels unbalanced. I do get out and practice on this after being off the bike a while but fatigue catches up on the longer rides.
Any suggestions beyond the doc hacking on me some more? Nothing to date seems to have helped.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,521
Likes: 15
From: Bremerton
Im 61 and have found the gym to be my best friend.Dr told me I needed surgery on both shoulders for pain.Working out at the gym has lessened the pain to the point im not even thinking about surgery.At the same time it has greatly increased my ability to control the bike.I would definately try that before getting cut on.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 13
From: Fort Worth
I told a story here a couple weeks back about a guy I met at a biker night. He's in his 60's, bought a trike becuase he couldn't ride anymore and then hired a personal trainer. He's now able to ride 2 wheels again and says he feels better than he has in the last, I think 20 years.
Just a thought for you.
Just a thought for you.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
when we sleep, our hands curl, which collapses the carpal tunnel- wearing a wrist brace- even a soft velcro wrap at night- will prevent or minimize this. It makes a huge diff for me. and has kept me from requiring surgery...that and a couple of changes how I work ( repetitive).
other things that help are exercise. bar position and grips- for what ever reason I do best with stock grips, oversize or foam grips do not help.
and vibrations in the bars can be tuned in or out with the riser bushings...vibrations really can be a hand-deadening problem
and I keep my hands low. an upright riding position with my arms and hands loose- the stock bars rotated back slightly works for me.
mike
other things that help are exercise. bar position and grips- for what ever reason I do best with stock grips, oversize or foam grips do not help.
and vibrations in the bars can be tuned in or out with the riser bushings...vibrations really can be a hand-deadening problem
and I keep my hands low. an upright riding position with my arms and hands loose- the stock bars rotated back slightly works for me.
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Nov 21, 2013 at 11:51 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 594
Likes: 10
From: Seminole County, FL
+1 on the wrist braces; I had carpal and befor surgery that was the only way to sleep.
If your hands bother you that much maybe see another doctor. Did you have the nerve conductor testing? That will tell you exactly what the deal is with carpal and other troubles.
Other than that adjust your bars so that your biceps are doing the work instead of your wrists and shoulders.
I feel your pain, my left foot and hip fail and cause me to drop when making tight slow left turns. Dropped twice cause of this, more embarrassing than anything.
If you haven't seen an orthopaedic doctor you might want to; carpal surgery only took 15 minutes and I was riding again in three weeks...
If your hands bother you that much maybe see another doctor. Did you have the nerve conductor testing? That will tell you exactly what the deal is with carpal and other troubles.
Other than that adjust your bars so that your biceps are doing the work instead of your wrists and shoulders.
I feel your pain, my left foot and hip fail and cause me to drop when making tight slow left turns. Dropped twice cause of this, more embarrassing than anything.
If you haven't seen an orthopaedic doctor you might want to; carpal surgery only took 15 minutes and I was riding again in three weeks...
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 134
Likes: 1
From: Oregon
Slow issues
I'm 66 and have bad shoulder, arthritic thumbs, bad right elbow, had carpal tunnel fixed, both wrists, so I identify with your problems. I changed bars, got a little higher and pulled back closer to me. I also practice Ride Like a Pro methods for slow maneuvering. Good luck.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 799
Likes: 8
From: central Il
I have had some fusions and had arthritic knees elbow shoulders, tried steroid shots and and radio frequency with little help we found a good holistic doctor that helped and pointed us to this Hightechhealth.com infrared sauna which has helped us, most of my arthritis has gone same as my wifes
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
Talk to your local Motorcycle Safety Foundation people about getting into one of the rider courses. Having someone there to watch you and coach you as you relearn the slow maneuvering is a great help.
Sound like you should play tennis or hand ball or wrist curls may help you need to move don't just sit there or you will lose the movement in your wrists & pain will persist.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!