i've only done a few hundred miles on my gtr - 200 today. longest stint 70 miles A and B roads Whitby Pickering area
I found that during my first short ride I got pins and needles in my right hand.
I cover my brake automatically without thinking about it when i'm in traffic filtering (I always called it overtaking before today :embarrassed:) or in the wet or whenever I think that a split second is worth being on my side.
specially round overcooked corners :shocked:
after the first trip I rotated the levers on the bars so my hands weren't bent back upwards but nice and relaxed but still found that I am getting pins and needles.
I used to have bad blood pressure as a side effect of some meds and got exactly the same pins and needles.
the doc thought it was carpal tunnel so gave me a steroid jab but we later traced it to bp.
anyway does anyone else suffer from pins and needles?
its funny cos the riding position on my zx6r which ive owned for 5 yrs only gave me pins and needles during my high bp.
maybe cos on the gtr my arms are virtually outstretched and above or level with my heart, the blood is harder to pump as opposed to when the arms are below the heart in the sportbike jockey position.
maybe I need a new heart? any good recommendations?
I've never had this issue, however have grip puppies fitted on my grips, as many on this forum do.
They are a foam sleeve that fits over the grips.
It makes the circumfrence of the grips larger, which I find more comfortable, and i would also imagine, reduces any vibration.
They may help.
Can't help you there matey - Apparently I don't have one....
Hi
I suffer the same on the trike, find I tend to grip to tightly, especially when travelling rapidly, or in heavy traffic.
Think it has something to do with gripping and twisting the throttle at the same time, the angle your wrist ends up at does not help, dunno if there is a different throttle cam available that requires less twist?
Trike is fitted with 2" risers, dunno if this helps or not?
Don't hover over the brake lever, being a trike I use the back brake mostly
Richard
I've suffered with this occasionally and I believe it's a simple matter of unknowingly gripping the right bar too tightly.
thanks chaps, I will try to relax my grip and look into those grip puppies
it does seem to coincide with when i'm hovering over the brake lever which is a habit I just cant stop
Quote from: aljaxon on June 14, 2013, 11:11:08 PM
i've only done a few hundred miles on my gtr - 200 today. longest stint 70 miles A and B roads Whitby Pickering area
I found that during my first short ride I got pins and needles in my right hand.
I cover my brake automatically without thinking about it when i'm in traffic filtering (I always called it overtaking before today :embarrassed:) or in the wet or whenever I think that a split second is worth being on my side.
specially round overcooked corners :shocked:
after the first trip I rotated the levers on the bars so my hands weren't bent back upwards but nice and relaxed but still found that I am getting pins and needles.
I used to have bad blood pressure as a side effect of some meds and got exactly the same pins and needles.
the doc thought it was carpal tunnel so gave me a steroid jab but we later traced it to bp.
anyway does anyone else suffer from pins and needles?
its funny cos the riding position on my zx6r which ive owned for 5 yrs only gave me pins and needles during my high bp.
maybe cos on the gtr my arms are virtually outstretched and above or level with my heart, the blood is harder to pump as opposed to when the arms are below the heart in the sportbike jockey position.
maybe I need a new heart? any good recommendations?
Mines a good un, ya can av it after I croak :mfr_lol: :whistling:
The 'pins and needles' thing (also known as the GTR 'buzz') has been a topic of conversation over the years
I fitted Grip Puppies too and yes, they increase the diameter of the grip which suits me nicely, and very probably reduces the vibes, also I agree with others about gripping too tightly, relax your grip a little
I do also recall that another method of reducing this issue is to remove the bar end weight and re-attach it with a substantial spring washer behind it :yes: this method did slightly improve things on my 2008 GTR
Maybe heavier bar end weights might help, but I wouldn't know about that :no:
I used to have this problem with my previous bike, a Honda Varadero, but that was the V-twin vibes causing it.
Since I went to the GTR no more problems, maybe you should check the vacuum balances etc to make sure the engine is running as smooth as should be.
Let be said though that I too use foam grips (not grip puppies), as I prefer them on my bikes for comfort reasons, but even with the standard rubber grips I didn't have a problem on this bike.
what makes it worse for me is my hands are tiny (plus side it makes my john Thomas look bigger) and its a stretch to reach the lever as it is without making the grip wider.
might look into short reach levers combined with grip puppies.
at least im not alone with the gtr buzz thing.
- the famous buzz.
- takes a while to condition the body + wrists + hands to adapt.
- if you're not into into conditioning (ie , the americans) , then maybe start with things like risers , grip foam covers , etc. And eventually , you may end up with Helibars , etc.
- as for the vacuum TB balancing , etc , retorquing the engine mounts , you can try them out , but no guarantees at all.
.
I too always have the front brake covered. Force of habit, but i use my first two fingers, whilst I see a lot of people with just the middle finger...............
Anyway, i never had pins and needles, but did have sore wrists. This was improved by having the brake lever adjusted to it's closest position to the grip, and also rotating the levers as far down as possible.
Now, i always try to adjust my grip on the throttle as often as I can remember and relax my hand as much as is possible. Obviously if doing the twisties, this is still exhausting because you need to have more control over the throttle position etc. i am pretty tall, and haven't gone for the bar risers (yet) and I know that some riders complain of harsher vibrations on their GTRs more than others.
I don't think that there is an easy answer, but I do think that you need to try different positions for the lever and adjusting your grip more. The bike pretty much rides itself anyway and rarely needs to be forced to do something so, you can ride very relaxed.
Sorry, just re-read what I wrote and decided that it was a fairly useless post... I hope you can find a solution though!
:clap:
Ros
Relax your grip and all will be fine ... no smutty comments please ! :laugh: :laugh:
Only done 200 miles on my new gtr and am also suffering the pins and needles effect. Higher the revs more it buzzes. Not had it beyond 4000 revs yet as still only 200 miles on the clock, so not looking good for higher revs when the time comes :cry: Can really feel the vibes through the tank at those revs to, which could be quite pleasant in different circumstances :banana: Read on a USA forum about these vibes which clearly exist but which Kawasaki are refusing to admit there is a problem with. I shall go with bar risers, different hand grips etc, as I don't want this to spoil what I've found already to be a fantastic bike.
But won't bar risers extrapolate the vibrations? Do you need different bar ends?
today doing 50 motorway miles after a couple of hours on twistys I tried virtually no grip at all and no hovering. still got the pins and needles!!!
I noticed the vibration in the tank which was quite a buzz on my thighs.
I also noticed if I crouched down even up to 140 there was no wind but its too uncomfortable especially with the bars in the position they are. maybe a big tank bag to lean on?
its also quite weird the no wind factor and as you are cruising aroundf the ton and trying to close the throttle as much as poss you cant tell when you are on the verge of slowing down cos the screen sucks you towards it giving a false sense of motion.
if this bike had adjustable handle bars it would be possible to get out of the wind comfortably and reduce the pins and needles which in my case aren't all down to vibration but wrist position too. I have tipped my levers quite a bit.
Ros
I believe using a sort of rubber gasket with the risers seems to help! After hearing so much about the creamy smooth engine on the GTR I'm surprised at the amount of vibration. That said, I love the bike and will do all I can do to minimise the effect on my hands.
Yes I also got terrible pins and needles, I got myself some grip puppies but I also got one of these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Grip-Throttle-Rocker-Cramp-Buster-Assist-Wrist-Rest-Cruise-Control-B-/130909082915?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item1e7aca1523
They are great, you clip it on and adjust it to where you want it and relax your grip. I wouldn't be without it now.
Don't get uncomfortable at all now.
Trousersnake01
throttle rocker duly ordered from ebay :banana:
me ordered one too!!
delivery not for 2 weeks tho . .
Right! Next meetup everyone has to swap bikes (insurance permitting) so we can sort out if the bikes have different levels of vibration or if some of you are just softies
:whistling:
Mine is smoother than a greased up piece of Teflon on sheet ice.
Always has been.
I have Grip Puppies fitted because of the size of my shovels (hands!), not to reduce vibes (WHAT VIBES???).
That said I was used to the GTR1000 before that which was a little vibey.
If you want to compare vibes, ride an early 80s parallel twin.
After that even a Hardley feels smooth.
I don't blame my pins and needles on the vibes, but more on my extended arm position and I noticed today the my wrists droop or sink a bit
probably causing the squashing of veins or arteries leading to poor circulation and pins and needles.
I tried tonight to keep my wrists from drooping but its hard.
nowt to do with vibes or gripping too hard.
all I need is some splints or maybe reinforced gloves and my particular problem will be solved.
Quote from: aljaxon on June 17, 2013, 07:27:36 PM
I tried tonight to keep my wrists from drooping but its hard.
nowt to do with vibes or gripping too hard.
all I need is some splints or maybe reinforced gloves and my particular problem will be solved.
Hey steady on Al, this is a family site ya know :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Have you rotated the levers as far round as they go? This should stop the need to have a droopy wrist... Also the taller you are, the more you may have to rotate them...
Also do you find that you are leaning heavily on the bars? Do you ride 'slumped' or with a straight back?
Quote from: Ros on June 18, 2013, 09:48:17 AM
Do you ride 'slumped' or with a straight back?
- though you didn't ask me , I prefer the missionary position.
:ninja:
.
Quote from: pistole on June 18, 2013, 10:43:48 AM
- though you didn't ask me , I prefer the missionary position.
:ninja:
.
So how does your bike perform with the wheels in the air then? :mfr_lol:
:mfr_lol:
its definitely sagging wrists . I tried to avoid this and hey presto no pins and needles
if you put your arms straight out in front of you and then let your wrist droop you will see what I mean.
Common problem with changing between sportsbikes and tourers.
On a sportsbike you can let your wrists sag as the wind pressure on your chest will lift your weight off your wrists.
On an ST the fairing and screen takes most of the wind off you so if you adopt the sportsbike riding position you will be in agony quite quickly.
On an ST you should bend at the elbow only, do not bend the wrists
O
__/ \
__\
\
_\
:mfr_lol: nice diagram, Boomer
I like the diagram too!! it is an elbow and wrist droop that's causing the cutting off my circulation at the wrist.
all it would take is some kind of forearm rests attached to the bars and that would make cruising even more or a relaxed affair.
even though it looks as if I have attended the pigeon-shit school of welding I have just learnt to tig weld and might mock up something
(http://www.healthandcare.co.uk/user/products/large/ProcoolWristSupport.jpg)
.
- before I got used to the GTR , I tried a wrist support (as above).
- it was just plain inconvenient , with all that strapping under the riding gloves.
- after many thousands of miles , the body just conditioned itself.
- so , imho , just go out and ride more. Proper posture is great too.
.
update, ive just realised that my bike is fitted with risers and pretty big looking ones at that, im guessing at least 60mm.
gonna whip them off and hopefully that will help the pins and needles and also put my head just out of the wind.
I was pointed out this by another gtr owner who also said I had nice crash bars and a good rad cover.(I was gonna buy one o them :shocked:)
Any suggestions on where to get some heavier bar ends other than the us?
OK I'm a late to this party but....................here goes.....................
"If you want to compare vibes, ride an early 80s parallel twin.
After that even a Harley feels smooth." Copyright Boomer on: June 17, 2013, 01:00:53 PM
May I with respect suggest trying BSA A10 / Norton Commando / Suzuki GT500 for examples of why balancer shafts were invented.
Unlike Winston's straight six motor which has perfect primary and secondary balance our good old GTR's straight 4 motor will suffer from secondary balance vibration which manifests itself as a high frequency buzzing to the rider felt or not through all or some of the body contact areas with the bike.
On my resent 1st longish trip just shy of 400 miles to Limerick I found my throttle hand suffering the same as comments made over the years on the site. This despite me being unawares of any vibration through the grip.
I played around with the screen height allowing wind pressure to take body weight off my hands which made the trip back far more pleasant but will now be looking at Grip Puppies for enhanced pleasure :whistling:
Quote from: pistole on June 18, 2013, 10:43:48 AM
- though you didn't ask me , I prefer the missionary position.
:ninja:
.
Quote from: mecki on June 18, 2013, 01:01:09 PM
So how does your bike perform with the wheels in the air then? :mfr_lol:
:mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Thanks for the info ref Grip Puppies and that strange looking throttle thingy
Charlie :ninja:
Hi again
I bought a pair of Grip Puppies and fitted them last week - no long runs yet but I am sure they are helping.
Also bought one of those plastic throttle things, didn't get on with it at all, just got in the way
Richard
Quote from: Richard on July 30, 2013, 10:07:37 AM
Also bought one of those plastic throttle things, didn't get on with it at all, just got in the way
Richard
I had the same impression when I first put mine on but after a while I got used to it.
Especially on long trips they really help because you can operate the throttle by just using your thumb. :clap:
Quote from: mecki on July 30, 2013, 12:40:46 PM
I had the same impression when I first put mine on but after a while I got used to it.
Especially on long trips they really help because you can operate the throttle by just using your thumb. :clap:
OK thanks, I will rescue it from the rubbish heap and give it a second chance
Richard
I have to admit I threw my 'cruise control' gadget away also. Seemed a bit cheap and pointless.
Quote from: Lonewolf on July 30, 2013, 06:35:56 PM
I have to admit I threw my 'cruise control' gadget away also. Seemed a bit cheap and pointless.
As I said, like real cruise control it is only any good on long (motorway) hauls, really.
I usually don't have any problems with my right hand up to the second tank stop but after that the right hand starts to get stiff and numb.
But with the gadget I can go all day without that problem. :clap:
At first the blasted thing just seemed to be in the way of the thumb, but once I got used to it and changed my grip it didn't bother me anymore and now I just leave it on even if I don't go touring.
I have the ThrottleMeister throttle lock on mine.
They replace the bar end weight and hold the throttle wherever you set it.
You can still shut the throttle manually even with the lock on and can adjust it for up/down hills.
Not cheap but unobtrusive and functional.
I bought the heavy weight version as when fitted to my GTR1000 (same fittings) it helps damp the vibrations.
Today I went to the classic meet at Donington and, with an early start and empty roads, thought that I would try the "ECO" setting. I have not used this before in the 5,000 + miles that I have covered on the GTR. I could not feel any difference in throttle response or running, however after around 25 miles my right fingers went numb. This has not happened before with the GTR, even on days where I have covered close to 500 miles. I switched back to "Normal" and moved the hand around to take away the numbness and rode a further 110 miles with no problems.
On the way home, I tried "ECO" again, with the same result.
It is just a thought, but if you find problems with numb fingers, it may be worth trying the bike in "Normal" if you usually use "ECO" (and possibly the reverse if you don't).
I don't know why this happens, it may be just my bike/me, but worth a try perhaps if you have vibration problems?
I use one of theses if I'm on long run :yes: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Motorcycle-Throttle-Aid-Clamp-Over-Cruise-Control-Fits-7-8-And-1-Bars-/300934616896?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item461119d740 dose the trick for me, I also feather the front brake "force of habit" always done it :yes: and this clever but simple and cheap device dose the job :smiley:
Well I have had my bike just over a year, and for the first time yesterday, felt some pins and needles.
Right hand only, engine RPM about 4,500, cruising at about an indicated 90mph for quite a few miles on a fairly empty motorway.
Changed road/engine speed and it seemed to go away, so definately there, but being only on my throttle hand did make me wonder about the handlebar mounting being the cause.
It's always the throttle hand, as you don't release/ relax your grip which you do subconsciously with the left hand.
I use a throttle grip to give periodic relief when on long trips, it will slowly reduce speed but by then the pins and needles have been eradicated
Coman