If this happens when riding any bike it is a problem with your hands unfortunately. If it's only on one bike then check all engine mountings first, followed by all fork fastenings, then wheel balance.
Have you got handlebar damper weights fitted? If so check them, if not get some!

 

Yep, got the handlebar damper weights, wheels just balanced with new tires and fork fastenings are snug.

Are there extra cushioned grips available?

 

Are there extra cushioned grips available?

I'm with 1997907ie, the Pro Grip 714 Dual Sport Grips have worked best for me, best of luck....

 

I have nerve issues and my hand goes numb not far into rides.

I use a throttle rocker and shake out my hand often. I also changed out the bar end weights to some Driven brand units which were the heaviest I could find.

 

I also install gel grips made by pro-grip, these are actually sold as a motocross grip but they work very well to help dampen a bit of the vibration this along with the bar end weights & throttle rocker make everything right with the world. -these are the ones I like--

 

"... throttle rocker"

What is a throttle rocker?

 

I had problems with my fingers going numb from handlebar vibration before I used inexpensive foam grips from a bicycle shop.

The idea here is that you can lessen vibration by isolating yourself and/or the bars from the vibration source by positioning a cushion (low frequency spring) along the path of vibration (foam between your hands and the bars) and/or use something to isolate the bars (i.e. rubber mounts) or the engine (i.e. softer motor mounts) from the rest of the bike at high frequencies. You can also try new riding gloves with thicker leather or gel padding on the palms ... every bit will help. Use different gloves if your fingertips touch the ends of your glove fingers while riding causing any vibration to get transmitted directly to the nerves in your fingers.

 

I use those on all my bikes. They help.

 

You may also look up special stretching exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome on you tube. They only take a few minutes and can make a huge difference in comfort/numbness.
+1 on loosening your grip on the bars, I think at some point on every ride people get a death grip going on the bars, as stated above,
bend those elbows and have a light touch.

 

 

I wrapped my M900's original grips with tennis/racketball 'tape' (there's no adhesive) years ago. I installed Grip Puppies over my ST2's originals. I didn't do this in either case because of vibes but because of the grip diameters being too small relative to my hands. Decrease in vibration may help as well. I'd probably go with the Puppies over the wrap only for speed of installation. I like the effect of either.

 

Be aware at all times that your elbows are bent, grip the tank with your thighs using your back and stomach muscles as well. The idea is to support your body weight with the large muscle groups rather than your hands.

Handlebars should have bar end weights, seems a bit much to fill the hollow handlebars with lead tho -

Since OP mentioned only the throttle hand, it seems most likely he is fighting the throttle return spring by going straight arm on that side at least and probably holding the grip too tightly.

 

This will sound strange....

Wiggle your elbows.

It's one of the things I learned from reading Keith Codes books.

Assume your normal position on the bike. Change nothing. Same grip and seating and all that. Now wiggle your elbows. If you can't freely do that you're too tense on the upper body into your wrists and that makes vibrations and braking forces really hammer you.
I'm not saying others are wrong. But this made a night and day difference riding for me. I even had a little sticker on the dash that said Wiggle to remind me. Helped me relax, and let the bike do its thing.

Again not saying bikes don't have vibrations that can or cant be mitigated, but I believe this is one of the pieces that helps.

Best luck

 

I got a bit of vibration so opted for the larger Throttlemeister set, they made two sizes. Problem solved.

 

There are two sources of vibration to consider.

Vibration that is generated by the drive train that is transmitted by the rigid connections between the source and the handlebar ends. This is a range of frequencies usually dependent on engine rpm.

Vibration that is a result of the cantilevered handle bar being induced to move at its natural frequency. This is the bar end vibration that occurs if you strike a handle bar This vibration can be shifted to a lower frequency by the addition of bar end weights. The heavier the weight added, the lower the natural vibration frequency, but the vibration is not eliminated. Unfortunately, this frequency shift is not sufficient to avoid numb hands for all riders.

The proper solution is to prevent both sources of vibration from reaching the nerves in the rider’s hand.

A loose grip while riding is one often-suggested helpful solution. Throttlemeister and other throttle assist devices allow grip variation, especially while cruising — again helpful.

The other approach is to insert a material between the handlebar and the hand that absorbs vibration. This can be riding gloves with thicker leather or gel padding on the palms, or it can be a handlebar grip incorporating a vibration absorbing material.

Aftermarket grips (marketed as anti-vibration) are usually made of rubber of varying degrees of hardness, and some are textured to provide a bit of separation between hand and handlebar. This may be sufficient for some riders, but there are better materials for reducing vibration transmission — soft foam (GripPuppy) for example.

Also, Sorbothane is a rubber that was developed to be the best (it is) shock and vibration isolator and is used in tape form to wrap the grips of tennis rackets to effectively reduce the impact shock to the user.

Once your hand is beginning to numb while riding, I found it helpful to tap my fingertips sharply on my thigh to recover feeling more quickly.

 

Thx for all the suggestions. FWIW on rids over the last couple of days I was much more aware of my grip. If I loosen my grip any more I will not maintain throttle. In other words I don't think I have a death grip on the throttle. I ordered the Grip Puppies and they arrive later today. I'll let ya know how well (or not) they work.

 

A throttle body sync might also do wonders.

 

What is a throttle body sync?

 

I got a pair of QWI gloves several years ago and they made a huge difference. Unfortunately they seem to no longer be in business, not finding them with internet searches. Look for shooters gloves or some other glove that isolates the nerves in your palm. Foam grips help also.

 

FWIW, installed the Grip Puppies today. Haven't ridden it yet but will take it for a spin later today.

 

I need to synchronize the throttle bodies at least once a season.I know when they're out when my fingers start going numb.Sorts it every time.

 

I never need to sync the throttle bodies, I haven't in 17 years so I'd have to research it if I ever do need to.

 

FWIW went on a long (for me) ride Saturday and had no numb fingers/thumb with the Grip Puppies installed. I would say the GP's resolved the issue.

 

I'm a little late to the party but I had this problem with an older bike and found a pair of gel gloves that sorted it out. Looks like if you google gel palm motorcycle gloves there are still a number of options out there.

 

(see below)

 

Thumb & index finger are neck & shoulder issue, the outer three fingers are related to elbow & wrist! Get an adjustment with a chiropractor if you can & I have always used grab-ons grips since I was a kid racing, they make a superbike version with cut aways on the grip which I find the best for comfort 👍🏻

 

There are many reasons for numbness.......

Check your wrists aren't bent too much and adjust your levers down a bit if they are. Check your gloves aren't cutting circulation, loosen the Velcro strap if it"s the issue. Look at your posture, do you lean hard on the bars, change posture or buy bar raisers to get a more neutral stance

Has your bike been tuned up/serviced and had the cyls balanced? Are the chain and sprockets dry or worn badly and vibrating? Is the suspension too harsh?

Are you getting older and fatter and less flexible (like me)?

If all the above, trade in on a Multistrada and be comfortable

 

For a Human Factors approach, either it's behavior, intrinsic (illness/injury) and/or an engineering issue.

Engineering - softer materials can help reduce vibrations, but can sometimes result in extra grip force. A slightly smaller diameter can be helpful if the current circumference is too large. In your case, I don't think you have petite hands. If the glove is too thick, then force grip is undesirably increased. Try a thinner glove or better material in the palm. My Racers are made of kangaroo leather and have a special thin grip material sewn over it.

Behavior - the grip should come from the pinky, ring and middle finger and less from the index. If you can't easily wiggle the middle joint of the fingers, the grip is too tight. In Kendo and aikido, this is essential for sword and grappling.

Intrinsic - look up Raynaud's disease which is a constriction issue from excessive grip/vibrations and constriction of blood vessels. If one feels the engineering and behavior issues are controlled or mitigated, then you should get an examination from your MD.

My personal experience has been that the softer grips help pad a hard spot since rubber and bar ends have a lot of vibration reduction. My grip force is much less than when I first started riding the ST. I would estimate half. With training and experience, other body parts have taken over like thighs, groin and stomach. I use tank grippers to aid that. I replaced the OEM grips with Superbike Progrip 699 brand because I like the tackier rubber and it was just a tad more cushion near the blade of my hand. Plus, it has 3 grooves for wire ties.