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redsavina · 04-15-2008, 11:42 AM

I took the MSF riding course last month, and passed the written test to acquire my motorcycle license. I then purchased a 2006 Suzuki Boulevard M50 with 3600 miles on it from the original owner. The bike is all stock, and in perfect condition.

I first started riding it in pretty cold weather, it was like 48 degrees. Anything over 40mph was fairly cold. I am using Joe Rocket Sonic gloves. Just riding around town, my hands would get a little numb after about 20 minutes, so I garaged it till warmer weather.

It was 70 degrees the other day, so I took it out for a spin. After about 20 minutes, my hands were going numb, but it was plenty warm, and I was only riding about 45mph. I was really surprised, and wondered why I was losing feeling in my fingers. They were not cold at all, and if I pulled over for like 30 seconds, they were fine, then they would get numb about 5 minutes later.

I am sure my front shock is adjusted to stock, however, I did slightly adjust the rear shock. The guy I bought it from was like 5’5”, 160lbs, and I am 6’2”, 290lbs, so I tightened the rear shock from lvl 3 to lvl 5. The ride is firmer, but the rear end felt like a marshmallow set at 3. I feel more bumps, but the suspension still compresses in turns, with acceleration, and with bumps.

Is this hand numbing something that a new rider needs to get used to? Is there something wrong with my bike? Could it be my gloves? Wondering if anyone has some insight into this matter, because I could see it getting dangerous if my hands are getting numb when I ride.

Thanks!

Kenneth_Moore · 04-15-2008, 11:47 AM

How old are you, and what do you do for a living? A lot of people get carpal tunnel syndrom symptoms for the 1st time riding a bike; it stresses the tendons and wrists in new and painful ways.

longride · 04-15-2008, 12:07 PM

"How old are you, and what do you do for a living?"

Looking for a date Ken??

redsavina · 04-15-2008, 12:10 PM

I am 34 years old, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist.

I can do just about any other activity without hand pain or numbness.

I have typed for years, but no problems there.

I can even shoot my Thompson Encore pistol in 460 S&W Mag without any problems as well. Check that out here, im the first one shooting it:

YouTube - Thompson Center Encore 460 S&W Magnum

Kenneth_Moore · 04-15-2008, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longride

"How old are you, and what do you do for a living?"

Looking for a date Ken??

Not since I found out you're married. Tease.

Kenneth_Moore · 04-15-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redsavina

I am 34 years old, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist.

I can do just about any other activity without hand pain or numbness.

I have typed for years, but no problems there.

I can even shoot my Thompson Encore pistol in 460 S&W Mag without any problems as well. Check that out here, im the first one shooting it:

YouTube - Thompson Center Encore 460 S&W Magnum

It's not "normal" in any way to get numbness like that from riding. Even my old Shovelhead with solid mounts and hard grips didn't hurt until after many hours of riding. Maybe your bike has an unusally bad vibration, but I'd be more inclined to think it's you.

redsavina · 04-15-2008, 12:32 PM

Thanks for all the responses so far.

Any recommendations then to resolve this issue?

seruzawa · 04-15-2008, 12:35 PM

It could just be vibration transmitting to the handlebars. You can try some bar end weights which are available at any bike shop or accessory dealer. Maybe put on some vibration cushioning grips. Different length handlebars sometimes help too.

mscuddy · 04-15-2008, 12:47 PM

Death grip? Loosen up some, and the hand numbness will
go away.

Cheesebeast · 04-15-2008, 12:51 PM

Are the cuffs on the gloves too tight on your wrists? Try loosening the cuffs (velcro closure?) completely. Constriction around the wrist or forearm can cause a case of Carpal to flare.

You may have a case of Carpal. Your physician will do some simple tests (push on your median nerve until you blurt out the location of the rebel base, make you flex your wrists for 60 seconds, etc.)

Any history of back (neck) injury or pain?

Don't be surprised if your physician asks if you smoke. Smoking can be linked to Carpal. I don't remember why, though- decreased blood flow to the extremities, perhaps?

I would get to the bottom of things and not accept the numbness as "normal".

Then again, you like the .460 S&W. Normal may be a stretch for ya...

Just kidding!

04-15-2008, 11:42 AM	#1
redsavina Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 25	Numb hands while riding? I took the MSF riding course last month, and passed the written test to acquire my motorcycle license. I then purchased a 2006 Suzuki Boulevard M50 with 3600 miles on it from the original owner. The bike is all stock, and in perfect condition. I first started riding it in pretty cold weather, it was like 48 degrees. Anything over 40mph was fairly cold. I am using Joe Rocket Sonic gloves. Just riding around town, my hands would get a little numb after about 20 minutes, so I garaged it till warmer weather. It was 70 degrees the other day, so I took it out for a spin. After about 20 minutes, my hands were going numb, but it was plenty warm, and I was only riding about 45mph. I was really surprised, and wondered why I was losing feeling in my fingers. They were not cold at all, and if I pulled over for like 30 seconds, they were fine, then they would get numb about 5 minutes later. I am sure my front shock is adjusted to stock, however, I did slightly adjust the rear shock. The guy I bought it from was like 5’5”, 160lbs, and I am 6’2”, 290lbs, so I tightened the rear shock from lvl 3 to lvl 5. The ride is firmer, but the rear end felt like a marshmallow set at 3. I feel more bumps, but the suspension still compresses in turns, with acceleration, and with bumps. Is this hand numbing something that a new rider needs to get used to? Is there something wrong with my bike? Could it be my gloves? Wondering if anyone has some insight into this matter, because I could see it getting dangerous if my hands are getting numb when I ride. Thanks!

04-15-2008, 11:47 AM	#2
Kenneth_Moore Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: VIsiting the GIft Shop in the Pit of DIspair Posts: 7,118	How old are you, and what do you do for a living? A lot of people get carpal tunnel syndrom symptoms for the 1st time riding a bike; it stresses the tendons and wrists in new and painful ways. __________________ www.kennethmoore.org

04-15-2008, 12:07 PM	#3
longride Super Duper Mod Man Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Anywhere they let me Posts: 10,484	"How old are you, and what do you do for a living?" Looking for a date Ken?? __________________ I'm a knucklehead

04-15-2008, 12:35 PM	#8
seruzawa Robby Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 16,803	It could just be vibration transmitting to the handlebars. You can try some bar end weights which are available at any bike shop or accessory dealer. Maybe put on some vibration cushioning grips. Different length handlebars sometimes help too. __________________ I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain.

04-15-2008, 12:47 PM	#9
mscuddy MODERATOR X Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Next to my still checkin the temp. Posts: 5,444	Death grip? Loosen up some, and the hand numbness will go away. __________________ A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that.

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04-15-2008, 12:10 PM	#4
redsavina Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 25	I am 34 years old, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist. I can do just about any other activity without hand pain or numbness. I have typed for years, but no problems there. I can even shoot my Thompson Encore pistol in 460 S&W Mag without any problems as well. Check that out here, im the first one shooting it: YouTube - Thompson Center Encore 460 S&W Magnum

04-15-2008, 12:32 PM	#7
redsavina Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 25	Thanks for all the responses so far. Any recommendations then to resolve this issue?

04-15-2008, 12:51 PM	#10
Cheesebeast Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: At the end of a quiet country lane Posts: 274	Are the cuffs on the gloves too tight on your wrists? Try loosening the cuffs (velcro closure?) completely. Constriction around the wrist or forearm can cause a case of Carpal to flare. You may have a case of Carpal. Your physician will do some simple tests (push on your median nerve until you blurt out the location of the rebel base, make you flex your wrists for 60 seconds, etc.) Any history of back (neck) injury or pain? Don't be surprised if your physician asks if you smoke. Smoking can be linked to Carpal. I don't remember why, though- decreased blood flow to the extremities, perhaps? I would get to the bottom of things and not accept the numbness as "normal". Then again, you like the .460 S&W. Normal may be a stretch for ya... Just kidding!