hand grips
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 136
From: chambersburg,pa
hand grips
what kind of grips do you recomend? i put a set of pro-grip gel grips on and my hands are sore and asleep after 25 miles. if i have my wife on its more like 15 miles. i was thinking of trying foam grips but i dont want to keep buying new grips all the time. thanks for any help.
Sexual Daredevil
SuperSport
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 597
From: Mother Earth- orbiting around Charlotte, NC. But now over the border in S.C.
Diameter plays a role as well as gripping too hard. Both can cause your hands to fall asleep. If a grip is too small you'll tend to grip tighter. If a grip is too big, again you'll grip too tight. Next time your around other bikers, ask to hold their hand grips. After they look at you funny, they will probably let you. It took a while for me to find the right set.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,547
From: Way Out West
I don't think the grips have a whole lot to do with it. When I first got my bike I had a problem with my throttle hand, especially at the base of my thumb, going numb and sore.
I tried two different sets of grips besides the stockers and it didn't make any difference.
I started riding with the ***** of my feet on the pegs, my thighs lightly gripping the tank, and very little weight on my hands. I can ride like that for hours without any pain or numbness in my hand.
I tried two different sets of grips besides the stockers and it didn't make any difference.
I started riding with the ***** of my feet on the pegs, my thighs lightly gripping the tank, and very little weight on my hands. I can ride like that for hours without any pain or numbness in my hand.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,315
From: Richmond, Virginia
I like the Progrips myself. Have had a couple sets. If you're a pretty experienced rider, then I suppose it could be the grips. If relatively inexperienced, like others said, it could be a matter of technique. When I first got back into riding a few years ago, I had a lot of problem with cramping... once I got "in riding shape", I got over it.I consciously try to keep a very light grip on the bars, even to the point of just lightly resting the palms on the grips. Might work for you; might not.Gloves can be a culprit too. I have a pair of stretchy mesh gloves that make my hands cramp up after 20-30 minutes. Too small a glove will do it too. YMMV
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From: chambersburg,pa
thanks for all the input. i've been riding for about 26 years, however my last bike was a goldwing. i've had this bike for a year. you guys are probably right about my riding position. i'll try to change it and see what happens. thanks again
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,547
From: Way Out West
rnb;
I've been riding since the '70s and the VTR is the first bike I had a "hand" problem with. I didn't think it could make much difference when I first heard about it, but when I started riding with the ***** of my feet on the pegs, knees against the tank I found I could keep almost all the weight off my hands and it made a real difference.
I've been riding since the '70s and the VTR is the first bike I had a "hand" problem with. I didn't think it could make much difference when I first heard about it, but when I started riding with the ***** of my feet on the pegs, knees against the tank I found I could keep almost all the weight off my hands and it made a real difference.
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From: Wekiva Springs (Orlando) FL
Like you, my last bike was a Goldwing (still have it actually) and this is also the first bike I've had problems with my hand going numb. Just finished installing Convertibars today, and really hope it helps, or that's another $300 down the drain. I'll post up when I've had a chance to do a thorough eval.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,547
From: Way Out West
I must say I find it encouraging that you guys sold your Gold Wings and are riding VTRs.
I always thought of Gold Wings as the last bikes guys ride before they go off to assisted living or the nursing home.
I learn something new every day.
I always thought of Gold Wings as the last bikes guys ride before they go off to assisted living or the nursing home.
I learn something new every day.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,547
From: Way Out West
bluvtr;
yeah, kidding aside, the Wing is a great bike. I've got a good friend with a garage full of bikes who rides his more than any other bike. And as much as he likes it, even if he wanted to trade or sell it off, his wife wouldn't stand for it.
yeah, kidding aside, the Wing is a great bike. I've got a good friend with a garage full of bikes who rides his more than any other bike. And as much as he likes it, even if he wanted to trade or sell it off, his wife wouldn't stand for it.
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From: Wekiva Springs (Orlando) FL
A buddy of mine was at the house yesterday helping me with the bar swap. He rides a ZX-14 and had never tried the 'wing. I told him to take it for a spin, and before he was out of the driveway, he was yelling back "I feel older already"...but by the time he got back I think he was at least somewhat surprised. I threw off the demographics when I bought mine at 34, but I think it's aging better than me.
Moderate-whore
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 9,052
From: Leander TX!!
Oury http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/114...tain-Grips.htm
Never look back..LOL
I went with the black ones..
Never look back..LOL
I went with the black ones..
Thread Starter
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From: chambersburg,pa
i tried changing my position while riding and it did seem to help. just like you guys suggested i grip the tank and put the ***** of my feet on the pegs. also tried not holding the grips tight. it works .thanks again
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Squid
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 48
I've seen people customize their sportbikes bikes with bigger diameter kuryakyn ISO cruiser grips (chrome and rubber accents) it was really interesting to see and feel. The larger diameter grip is very comfortable however it doesn't allow for bar ends.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 499
From: Kansas City
what do the stock grips even look like, I'm not sure as I got mine used.....
I've found that too much weight on the hands/wrists and ill-fitting gloves are the biggest problem. I even had more of a problem when I was breaking in a new set of gloves.
I've found that too much weight on the hands/wrists and ill-fitting gloves are the biggest problem. I even had more of a problem when I was breaking in a new set of gloves.
ReNoob
Squid
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 94
From: Sonoma County California
FWIW
The PO of my bike had some fat gel ProGrips installed. Instead of making it easier on my hands, I found them hard to grip and thus my hands got sore. Got some slimmer, kraton Driven grips that came free with my Pazzo levers. Smaller diameter, still have some cush with the Kraton material, grippy diamonds.
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From: Massachusetts
Unless she's sharing the drivers seat it'll be a bit of a stretch to get a hand on the tank from the pillon seat. Don't want somone doing their version of the side car monkey switching sides of the bike every time you corner to the opposite side. LOL. Actually, that might be fun to watch.
AZ RIDER
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 294
From: Arizona
working on your core strength helps keep your mid section strong to hold up your upper body, versus leaning on your hands.. You must keep your elbows bent too..I have cross referenced this from my road bicycling..i have numb pointer finger and thumb all the time..
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,138
From: Austin, Tx
Oury http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/114...tain-Grips.htm
Never look back..LOL
I went with the black ones..
Never look back..LOL
I went with the black ones..
hardened stihl
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 166
From: VT
my gf is a small 5'3" and she supports her own weight via tank. when we're into the tight stuff she'll pull one hand away to let me hang off. she also claims to be comfortable and doesn't complain until the 200 mile mark
i've been thinking of getting a sidecar to throw her in so we could race isle of man tt next year.
i've been thinking of getting a sidecar to throw her in so we could race isle of man tt next year.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,269
From: moncton nb canada
oury grips are for bicycles, so don't they have the same id for both sides? motorcycle grips have the throttle tube and therefore need a larger id for the throttle side. so, what's the fix?
Duc Hawk
SuperSport
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 691
From: Malibu's canyons
I just put a set of firm Renthal street grips on my bike. They are much thinner than the pro grips that were on it. Even though I have XL size hands I like them much better. I also love the diamond pattern grip feel. It gives me much better micro control on the throttle since my hands stay glued to the grips.
