How to prevent numb hands & tingling on your motorcycle

Do you get numb hands or tingling in your hands while riding a motorcycle? In this video, we will talk about 3 different ways you can fix the problem of numb hands: your riding posture, your riding gear, and adjustments to your motorcycle.
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[@MCrider]

I just want to leave a note here regarding the Lee Park Gloves. www.MCrider.com/LeePark I get asked frequently what gloves I am wearing in my videos...for the last several years it has always been the Lee Park Design Gloves. They are expensive but they are made in 🇺🇸 America 🇺🇸 and they stand by their product. Several years ago after the first year of use, I had the seam split in one of my gloves. I contacted the company and they repaired the glove for me at no charge and sent it back to me. Any company that makes a good product and stands by the product is a winner in my book. I think you will like anything in the Lee Park lineup. I have two pair of the Sumo gloves, one pair of the winter gauntlet gloves, and I ordered a pair for my wife also. All paid for with my own money...no sponsored gloves here. ;) www.MCrider.com/LeePark

[@wingandhog]

I was searching around for a coupon code but cant seem to find one that works. Those gloves are really nice

[@MCrider]

They are great gloves, it is all I ride with these days.

[@wingandhog]

@@MCrider just ordered gloves and a new riding jacket. Good stuff!

[@WiscTJK]

I just purchased the outseam (DeerTours Outseam) after seeing a review of these gloves elsewhere. I have seen you wearing them too. Go by their fitting system too. Mine were perfect. I just got them and can tell they will be so much nicer than my chinese POS gloves, I inherited from my son....

[@semajksuh694]

and i formally apologize to my kick AS rear 80%trail20%street tread tire on my KLR

[@ClinttheGreat]

I have carpal tunnel and this is what works for me: Grip Puppies - foam sleeves that go over your regular grips; Bar End Weights; Cramp Buster - I can keep my hand flat, fingers extended with a light touch; Throttle Lock - I can take my hand off the bar, rest it and shake it to relax it. This take care of about 95% of my hand numbness.

[@s4060]

Thank you Sir!

[@keithhenson9788]

I've noticed when I'm dehydrated my hands go numb, so make sure you are hydrated before long rides, and stretch at fuel stops.

[@MagalaxeurDETER]

And it is also worth to mention to take regular breaks and stretch!

[@chrisheggie952]

Good advice for most riders but for those who experience Reynaud's phenomenon they will also need to ensure their body's core temperature remains normal in cold weather. Reynaud's sufferers experience a sympathetic nervous system over-reaction which abnormally restricts the arterioles to the hands and feet. In addition to keeping the whole upper extremity and neck relaxed they will benefit from either a heated jacket or seat. Numbness and paraesthesia can be caused by both cold and vibration (worse if it's both) so it helps to address the root causes, poor posture, tension and low body core temperature. I have experienced this for over forty years and not just when riding, but I have learnt to manage it effectively by understanding the mechanism before applying the guidance. Keep up the good work.

[@ChaserTiponi]

I love this video. I'm 3 years in and been bitching about this very topic! Hands going numb during riding. My son recently purchased some well fitting motorcycle gloves for me. 1st he ordered and I said they are to small so he sent them back and got me right size. Before that I was to cheap so wearing gloves from Parts Stores. When I got the gloves that fit me and are designed for riding the numb hand bullshit stopped then and there. I love my son for showing me this. I thought it was just part of riding at 51 to have numb hands. Now I can ride 8 hours and never have numbness in my hands! I will cherish those gloves but if anything happens. they wear out or are lost I learned my lesson. I will buy proper fitting designed for riding gloves! Thank you Jeffrey for those gloves! Love ya son!

[@mikesykes173]

🤣 "The nut that connects the handlebar to the seat". I guarantee that's 99% of my issues...

[@graycloud057]

Lol, hang in there Mike. At least you can admit it’s you. Be safe👍🏼

[@bootz0409]

Classic line! Lol 😂

[@mr.frisbysministry9268]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@wildcard1928]

Same here 😂

[@ronchase474]

I’m 70 years old and started riding 2 years ago for the first time. I have a Harley Heritage Classic I bought used but it had the OEM hard rubber grips. My hands would go numb about 45 minutes into a ride. I know I was gripping them too hard and worked on that with limited success. I finally bit the bullet and changed my grips to aftermarket ISO grips with a throttle boss and that cured 95% of my numb hand issues. Huge difference, now I know why most of those I ride with have them. I did the replacement myself and found it to be fairly easy if you follow the directions provided plus study a couple of good KZbin videos.

[@tomjiunta1580]

I have been watching your videos for several years now and have learned so much. Even as an experienced rider, you always have great tips. I have been plaqued with numbness in my throttle hand for the past years now and as a physician, I just chalked it up to carpal tunnel syndrome and would give myself a steroid injection every so often. I followed your suggestions for a nice 160 mile cruise through the PA mountains and farms yesterday and my hand never gave me a problem and it was so nice. I also note more control, holding the tank with my knees and barely grasping the grips like I used to. I am thrilled with this advice and had to thank you.

[@robconnect2]

I was having this issue. I finally figure out that because I had a back pack on with jacket on. I was cutting blood circulation to my arms. Caused by back pack straps when I lean forward.

[@natashahancock9896]

18" ape hangers fixed my issue with numb hands and back pain. Blasphemy, I know. But I'm still riding solo at 70 when it seemed unlikely at 50. Also added oversized grips. 2" rubber isolated risers. 1996 Harley Davidson.

[@lightsout176]

Oh and thanks for advice, ✌🏻

[@geraldanderson652]

Larger diameter grips did the trick for me !

[@denmikseb]

A great video covering some physiological aspects of riding. I am 74 and suffer from lower back and hip pain, especially if I walk a few dozen yards. I have a handicap placard because of this and often use a cane. Today I had a scheduled appointment with my doctor. A couple decades ago when I first started riding he discouraged me and told of one of his patients who had many broken bones from a crash. Today I mentioned that after a long ride I would be painless and able to walk normally for a few days. He said there have been studies of horse riders reporting the same and now there is a treatment called Hippotherapy. Apparently sitting upright and getting small jolts and movements to the spine strengthens the back and relieves pain. I had never heard of Hippotherapy before. I do sit upright (not leaning forward) on my Honda NC750X. Today he said I should ride as much as possible, but be careful!

[@rvandijk65]

Spot on Kevin. After more than 20 years of riding, last month I experienced this issue myself, for the first time. In 35degr C de-hydration and fatigue were indirect causes. But Main culprit was a very tricky mountain pass that required highest or better to much focus.... I wasn't relaxed anymore. Too many km's in one single day. A heavy cruiser simply is no allroad. We were too ambitious. 450 km mountain passes in 1 single day... 4000km in 9 days. Yes it was vun and yes it was too much.

[@vincenttarquini4235]

I had the same problem. Fear is the key word. Get past that and a lot falls into place. I also got a set of grip puppies, which helped a lot. The grips on my Victory Vision were just a little to small in circumference for the hand size. Most of all a relaxed posture. Find that balance and you can go for hours. Relax and enjoy your ride.

[@drummerdavemax]

I have a big problem with this when I ride, so thank you very much for making this video!

[@ChaserTiponi]

Hope you find a solution. For me was the gloves. Cutting off curcilation. Pardon spelling lol

[@drummerdavemax]

@@ChaserTiponi Thanks! MCrider's tip to loosen my grip on the bars helped a lot! ...it's only my right hand on the throttle that goes numb. I never have a problem with my left hand.

[@randymack1782]

flywheel out of true, causing excessive vibration, old bike mirrors did figure eights, & I broke several mirror stems a moth, broke coil mounts, volttage regulator brackets, headlight mounts, also I had solid mounted handlebars, solid engine, no rubber isolation, I also had aluminum grips with tiny rubber strips, gel inserts was my thing, & this bike did many cross county rides. also for turning most people use legs to foot pegs, not me, I use bars & upper body strength to muscle bars to got through twisties

[@GenXFarmer77]

Good tips, im a new driver and i believe you are correct about me gripping it too tight and not being relaxed , im gonna try to change that thank you.

[@fightthewind2755]

After over 20yrs of turning wrenches as a plumber, over 24 yrs combined military active reserve and guard, hands arms everything is fucked up and numb. I hate wearing gloves and unless it’s cold out. Anyway the bottom line is getting old sucks, long rides start to hurt and that’s just the way it is

[@saint438]

Growing old is better than the alternative…That’s what I tell myself. Lol

[@davesmith2155]

You don't quit riding because you get old, you get old because you quit riding. Approaching 54 years of riding.

[@michiganborn8303]

This is an excellent topic. I recently changed out the stock 10" x 1" bars on my 2017 Road King with 14" x 1.25" along with new heated grips. Ever since this change my right thumb, index and middle finger get numb. Never had this problem when it was stock.

[@michaelvanarsdale8634]

Another issue I encountered was actually the fit of a jacket. Wore one once that pressed against the front of my armpits when my arms were extended. That caused a slight loss in circulation. Having gear that fits properly is really important.

[@franklatorraca1678]

First long trip years ago realized I had a “deathgrip”. Spent the entire ride working on staying loose. Became second nature. No problem since.

[@dotarsojat7725]

Good advice, but for me, the solution was to add cruise control to my bike.

[@Den5177]

I have that and It's a great feature

[@johndennison9476]

Great, great point. Same here

[@billiondollardan]

I felt like I was the only one who had this happen! I don't ride with anyone else so I never had the opportunity to speak to another rider about it. Thanks for the video!!!

[@omnivore2220]

Blood circulation in my right hand was my main issue. I frequently have to let go of the throttle grip and lower my arm for a few seconds to get more circulation. It’s a chronic problem in my right shoulder and arm. Having to grip the throttle with more pressure in order to counteract the throttle return spring and maintain throttle opening makes it worse. I tried a Throttle Rocker device and that helped, but it wasn’t enough. Neither of my bikes have cruise control, which would be the best solution, but installing a throttle lock that’s easy to initiate and allows regular throttle position adjustments while engaged was a huge improvement. I use the Kuryakyn bar-end throttle lock.

[@oleran4569]

Same here. Mine get so bad, I can't feel the front brake. Now I only buy bikes with cruse control.

[@treadhead]

MAYBE THE MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORY NAMED , " THROTTLE ROCKER " , LOOK IT UP , NOT THAT EXPENSIVE, IT MIGHT HELP FOR SOME .

[@dougrobinson8602]

Another thing to consider is how much of your upper body weight is on your wrists. Many bikes I've owned (mostly sport touring) had me leaned too far over the tank. Bar risers helped immensely with this.

[@timsretirementjourney8323]

In my experience most bikes have that sweet spot in the rev range where there is almost no vibration. My 33 year old Katana 1100 at 5,000 RPM in high gear is as smooth as glass as far as vibration. Mind you that puts a person slightly over the speed limit on major highways, but just about right for keeping up with normal traffic.

[@ClinttheGreat]

@Tim’s Retirement Journey The KLR’s sweet spot is idle, everywhere else in the rev range it vibrates.

[@swampmarshy]

Another great video. I love my grip puppies. a point that might need some serious consideration. I have been riding more years that I care to try and count, yet about ten years ago started getting the hand tingles. Tried many different methods to try and fix the problem, most of which you mention here. The body was also developing a few other issues. In utter frustration, went for a visit with the doctor. Many tests later, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Tingling in the hands just happens to be a classic symptom. Sometimes the problem just might be a little deeper than first anticipated. Keep up with these vids, I'm loving them, and I'm still riding.

[@jerrydaydc2804]

Love your topic today Kevin. I agree 100% that the first things to consider are your posture (including the ergonomics of your seat/handlebars), grip and gloves. If correcting some issues above doesn't solve the problem, then I recommend an evaluation with a chiropractor. In my 25 years in practice, I have seen where the main cause is nerve irritation in the cervical/upper thoracic spine regions. If the nerves that exit from those areas (called the brachial plexus... they travel through your shoulders and into your upper extremities) are impinged upon due to less than ideal biomechanics (improper alignment and decreased motion of the vertebrae), the end results can be nerve impingement and hypersenstivity, which can lead to numbing, tingling, pain and burning sensations (paresthesia) in your wrist, hands and fingers. Improving biomechanics and correcting the problem always makes more sense that covering up the symptoms with medication. In some cases, surgery may be your next option, but highly effective, conservative measures should always be evaluated first.

[@RevJay_Rides]

This is an excellent video. Thank you, Kevin. The guys and gals I ride with could have used this about 6 weeks ago when we rode to NC from TN. One guy especially had lots of trouble with this and others mentioned some problems with this. Thanks again!

[@petebrandstrom1038]

Fabulous Friday to you Kevin. I too had the “numb” fingers on only my right hand. I added ISO grips that are somewhat padded/isolating vibration. I then found the death grip and not riding with a flat wrist as my final answer. My arms are somewhat straight, but posture helps too. So for me it was a combination of things. I’ve had carpal tunnel in my right wrist before, but adjusting my wrist angle alleviated that. So it was more than one thing. Keep the rubber on the road.

[@petebrandstrom1038]

@@gohjohan Thank you. Older Harleys handlebars tend to shake a bit. Weights may help. Keep the rubber on the road.

[@keltecdan]

I’m currently suffering right now with my right wrist as well since I ride a lot. I didn’t even realize the grip I had on the handle bars. I’m definitely paying for it now.

[@infini1970]

Man this is so true and thank you for clarifying for me! I get this a lot and when I loosen my grip a bit it goes away. It's all in my mindset when I'm riding. I'm too worried while I ride at times and in fear about everything if I'm not mindful about this. "For me" the armor has never made a difference really as no matter what I wear I can get this. However, I'd say taking off any tight bracelets or rings while riding really helps as well. Although being on a big twin Harley there is a lot of vibration lol.

[@RonHoague]

This video was particularly appropriate for me as a numb right hand is my only consistent issue on the bike. I have a pair of gel gloves, grip puppies, and I still have to concentrate on keeping a loose grip. It’s 95% me as Kevin said.

[@DanielDemers]

This caught my eye real quick. I have carpal tunnel and has been acting up since I am riding more.

[@johncoe6304]

Do have a little numbness . Thank you.

[@kevinanthony2724]

Right there with you brother.

[@ERidesOn2]

I had bilateral CTS. That's in both hands. Had the release surgery, and it's totally gone. Very minor sedation, and done in 20 minutes. Can't even see the scar. 7 years since surgery. Why suffer.

[@romanhrytskiv8845]

Amazing, thanks for the video, literally got off my bike minutes ago after a long trip and fingers were a bit numb -_-

[@markchristianson8178]

Thanks i had this problem yesterday my one hand was going numb . I am a new rider only 4 years i am going to try all theses statements you said thanks MC .

[@JP1970]

Oh, I have this happen to me too. I ride a 2018 Honda Gold Wing, and it is better on this bike, but it still happens. Great suggestions. Love your videos. Thanks McRider!👍👍

[@kylepayne9657]

Same. On my Goldwing & BMW both. Frustrating. Thank god for cruise control 😉

[@patrickwade3150]

Me as well…and I second the cruise control comment…lol

[@yoboo6167]

Thanks for the tips. I've been on a bike for 38 years and the last couple years this has been getting worse. So bad that yesterday's weekly ride, only 100 miles, we had to stop so I could rest my hands. I've got a trip coming up next summer from Oregon to Indiana so yeah, gotta get this problem figured out quick lol.

[@David-bf6pl]

Did you get it figured out? How was the trip to Indiana?

[@kevindblew6822]

After 20+ years of riding, I sold my bike two years ago. Instant regret! Bought my first Harley last month after seeing this video before my first longer ride. Throttle hand went numb. Remembered your advice to loosen grip. Helped somewhat. Thanks! Knew I needed to watch this again for the other tips. But now, I almost don’t want to learn too quickly because the “learning trips” are another great excuse to ride. “Gotta go practice my skills, Dear! Later!”

[@redheadedstepchild4130]

I've ridden bmx for almost 20 years no issue, just the standard tko's and face first crashes lol. Had massive blood clots in 2017 and placed on eliquis indefinitely. Ever since then, my right hand starts numbing out after about half an hour. I ease my grip but most the times it doesn't help any so I've gotta take a break which sucks but I ride alone 95% of the time so it doesn't bother me. Went down on Easter and back on the bike so numbing out isn't gonna stop me either. Forever Two Wheels!

[@Wooley689]

Subject of gloves, one thing I have found in 49 years of riding is be cautious of leather gloves in wet conditions because they become very slick when wet and can cause problems when using the clutch lever and brake levers. A small strip of grip tape on front of levers can help especially on a touring bike. Also try to stay away from those nylon winter weather gloves, those are extremely dangerous in wet weather.

[@wesleycardinal8869]

I have a 748 Ducati that is giving me this trouble. I blamed the extreme forward position, but I will pay some attention to my style and position and see if that helps. Thanks for the video.

[@joemamma9642]

when i learned this, it made longer trips enjoyable! it also builds confidence! great video!!

[@geraldwest3428]

I picked up a pair of Lee Parks Sumo R Gloves which are the same as the ones you showed except they are longer and all black except for the palms. Excellent top notch gloves, probably the best you can buy IMHO. Little pricey but not as pricey as skin grafts! Thanks for an excellent video as I have been working on determining what has been causing the numbness I've been experiencing. I do consciously keep my hand grip relaxed as much as practical. However I still experience numbness from time to time. No doubt I'll figure it out. Thanks!

[@bensatterwhite5694]

I’m 60 years old and for me having handle bars that the grips are above my shoulders makes my hands go to sleep. I’ve heard many older riders say having your hands above your heart for a long time can cause this. Seems to be true for me. The angle and bend of the bars can make a difference too. If they allow a relaxed angle of your wrists it can help with comfort and avoid the tingles.

[@Dan-nt2yb]

42 years riding and it seems I never know everything and this always stays fresh and informative. Thanks.👍🏾 Dan Victoria Canada

[@Shardrk23]

That attitude has helped keep my backside off the pavement for 45 years. Hang on to it, and keep the rubber side down. :)

[@Dan-nt2yb]

@@Shardrk23 🙂👊🏿

[@SuicideVan]

What's funny for me was that I remember having a problem with this when I was new, then it just gradually went away, I guess I just got more comfortable and forgot about the problem. I still notice it in an hour of traffic splitting lanes though once in a while. And that makes a lot of sense, I'm going to make an effort to be relaxed in stressful riding situations from now on.

[@daveharris7734]

Due to EXPERANCE 50YRS. "BUT" an oilfield injury. There is no hope for my hand pain. Informative video.

[@kodiak536kodiak536]

I'd say death grip and poor fitting gloves would be most likely culprit.

[@HarleyChapin]

I've been tryin for years to explain to ppl how i ride & you said it PERFECTLY - "float above the bike" - i don't force the bike, i will her - I've always ridden different than most riders, I "feel" the bike, no matter what bike big or small; like a horse, I use my waist, thighs n knees to "grip" & control with, hands are for levers & throttle - from stomach down should be bike- stomach up is rider

[@CrissaKentavr]

I had this problem. Two things: I was leaning into the bars. This is especially hard not to do in long, complicated downhills. But yeah, I have to put more weight into my back, and down into my legs. Second: My gloves were too small. They fit normally gripping, but on those long downhills, they were biting into my skin.

[@anindanahiyan8818]

here's the solution in 2 seconds: stop squeezing the handlebars

[@vincentvalerio915]

It’s not always the case.

[@breezierider449]

👍

[@pd0di]

Thats not even the problem

[@kenhaupt1865]

Love the video. Been riding for well over 30 years and switched to a adventure touring bike last year (Yamaha ST1200) and it took me till this year to figure out some of this. Felt kinda dumb after complaining about it for months :-)

[@martindavies8326]

I’ve got grip puppies on my Honda 400 F and there brilliant, they transformed the feel of the bike.👍

[@chrisb9960]

I had a problem with my visor that caused this same issue. Late at night on a back road without a shoulder. Another rider came up behind me with his high beam on with a car in front of me. Lots of bugs that night. This caused my dirty visor to get more of a glare which caused the nut between the handlebars and the seat to tighten up. Like the gloves. I think I’ll get a pair. Next on the list of things to get... a quality modular helmet.

[@stilldajoker]

have grip puppies on both of my street bikes and they are great. I would recommend 3 things if using them. One --- check out a youtube video about installing them with compressed air instead of something like dish soap. Two --- if you have to trim one end for length install your cut end inboard leaving the factory molded end towards the outside of your bars where it shows more. Three -- consider getting adjustable brake and clutch levers since your grip diameter will change slightly and being able to tune your lever rest positions is a good thing. Good luck to all.

[@Certago]

Very good video! For me nothing has so far worked as my numbness has only developed in the last few years, I grew up being able to ride my bicycle for any length of time but as I am approaching 40 I now struggle on the bicycle and the motorcycle.

[@jcb355]

I came up with a cool trick to quickly end numb hands - on the rare occasion where I've inadvertently and mistakenly been gripping too tight for whatever reason. First, loosen my grip of course, then I clinch my leg muscles and hold while, next, I crunch my abs. The blood gushes into my hands. My veins pop up and the numb goes away almost immediately. Whole thing only takes about 3 seconds.

[@harryhowell5644]

Grip puppies work great on a HD with heated grips. They are bigger but they enhance your comfort to me.

[@terrybauer4151]

I like grab on hand grips they are a thick dense black foam grip takes all the vibration out! Combined with you're suggestions fixes this issue!

[@joshrandal6982]

I would take long rides and it took a long ride to get numb but my butt would get sore. I bought gloves with no seams that protruded. Thurlow deer skin gloves were the best. A woman rider gave me a great tip, no underwear. It took a few hundred miles to get uncomfortable.

[@karlbishop7481]

No underwear works. I think it holds moisture which leads to monkey butt i.e. sore backside.

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

I bought a XL size over the L size I had and that solved most issues . I stand by Racer High Speed full gauntlet gloves . They and some other makers have sliders on the palm . That can be very beneficial as leather can "grab" so to speak and that means your hand stops momentarily and you keep moving . That can mean a broken wrist or worse or maybe not much at all as the variables are enormous . Great advice as always , look forward to more of your videos !

[@beepbop6697]

All good tips. The bar ends is a good one for sure. On a previous bike, had installed after market bar end mirrors (which required eliminating the weighted bar ends). Was a bad idea: mirrors removed and bar ends reinstalled due to extreme vibrations ;)

[@ericweber1969]

Good advice here! I can always tell when I’m holding the grips too tightly, my hands go numb in minutes without proper technique.

[@stefanomanzoni7157]

Thanks Kevin! Another tip from our friend, Fast Eddie over at MotoJitsu, you should be able to "play the piano" with your fingers while riding. According to Eddie, this will ensure that you have a relaxed grip on the bars. I practice this method and it helps me a lot! Safe riding everyone.

[@ftby59mikeD]

Ducati riders, especially us 2V guys, have been used to this for years. The numbness, blurred mirrors etc. are just the nature of ownership😂. But your recommendations are spot on, thx.

[@AmerSheikh]

Excellent tips and much needed.

[@paulsire]

Brilliantly simple and simply brilliant, thanks

[@jonganzer7478]

Hi Kevin, Thanks for the helpful video. Loosening your grip and relaxing your arms is very helpful in riding, but I kept waiting for you to talk about "...and as we relax our upper body, we can maintain a sense of connection to the motorcycle with a firm grip of the fuel tank with our legs...". Of course, we countersteer with our hands initially in a turn, causing the bike to "fall" into the turn, but light pressure with the outside knee will hold the bike in the turn and relax our upper body almost completely; and hard braking without gripping the tank with your knees puts much more pressure on the nerves in the heel of your hand. There's a reason they put those pads on the sides of the fuel tanks of the early British street bikes! The bottom line here is that we can transfer a lot of muscle tension from the upper body to the lower body and "share" the load if we learn to use our legs efficiently on a motorcycle. :o)

[@pattiboychannel311]

Thank you buddy, I have my bike test on Wednesday 24th, and today on my lesson the numbness was awful, I did notice today by holding the bars loosely I got better si I'm definitely gonna make a conscious effort on Wednesday. Thank for your advise

[@kepeter97]

deathgrip is real. If you are a beginner reading this, don't worry it will pass once you get comfortable on the bike. Just remember to keep your fingers and arms loose whenever possible.

[@sliglusamelius8578]

I’ve been riding for years. I ride “no hands” on the interstate with cruise control on. However, when I ride normally, I death grip it and that’s all I know how to do. Not gonna change either. I hate the feel of loose grip, can’t do it, won’t do it. I rest my tingling hands by putting on the cruise control and riding “hands free” for a time and then go back to death grip.😂

[@murraykriner9425]

Thanks Kevin. I do tense up a little when riding, but also noticed the elastic bands in my gloves were some of the issue as well. Have a great week my friend.

[@larrycrouse]

Excellent video I have been riding for almost 60 years and until I got my harley ultra with crusie control I always had numb hands my advice is relax your grip and use your crusie also if you have heated grips use it on low this also helps

[@TroyC68]

I was getting a buzzing in my hands after I changed out my grips and bar ends on my SV650.... My hands grip wasn't the issue, it was purely the grips and bar ends.... Bar ends lessen the vibrations, and a good set of RUBBER grips will keep this from happening... If you are buying Chrome or metal grips, you WILL get numb hands...

[@jaredkinser1337]

Thank you Kevin. I haven't been riding long and I noticed I have this issue on long runs to work when I am not messing with my throttle. Now that I think about the long runs just holding the throttle at one position that is where I have this issue. I do believe I am holding it tighter at these times. I will have to pay more attention next time I take it out and try to be more conscious about my grip.

[@jannepeltonen2036]

I kind of went through most of that riding a bicycle in varying conditions - the importance of posture, keeping your upper body loose (but under control, not just flopping around), etc. It's nice to see how many skills translate directly even if the method of propulsion and weight of the vehicle is completely different, as well as much of the geometry.

[@jannepeltonen2036]

One thing that also worked for me: wrists straight so you don't end up with carpal tunnel syndrome. Also I've gotten into the habit of using woolen wrist warmers, they help a lot with all kinds of hand issues.

[@Twin-Cam-John]

Some good suggestions here. Thanks for sharing.

[@r0dz74]

My first sport bike was Daytona 675R, seat is so high got me on an awful position and i got all pressure from my torso over my wrists. First riding from the dealership to my house got my left hand totally numb. With time i could learn three things about sport bikes: - Keep ur elbows closed to ur torso ''aiming'' them to the ground (u gonna get relaxed that way) - Traveling on a speed a bit higher makes you comfortable because air pressure gonna push u back releasing the pressure onto ur wrists/hands - When you feel your hands starting to hurt/numb move up your thumb to over the handle bar (that helps a lot). I'm riding a Z10R now, better seat position i don't suffer nothing like my old 675R.

[@eyeprod3101]

I sometimes get the numbness in my right hand. I'm a veteran rider so no issues with tight grip. I find that changing wrist position and shaking my arm once in awhile sorts it out for me. Thanks for the videos.

[@raybligh9896]

Grip Puppies made all the difference! Thanks Kevin.

[@x-man5056]

If a rock pops up from a nearby tire and hits your fingers or knuckles you'll be glad that armor is there. It's not a rare thing. Had it happen to me once years ago, I will not be forgetting. I also really like those Lee Park gloves you showed because they are NOT black. I'm a new subscriber. Really like that you are a serious commentator/expert and not hung up on the "chicken feathers" on the outer edges of the tread, or any other faddish gamesmanship. I'm immersing myself in your videos. Bought a new Triumph (6th street bike) after 25 years no bike. If it saves me even a scratch (on myself or the bike), it's time well spent. Just like the MSF course. Regards

[@Oilerrocker]

Went with grip puppies and weighted bar ends it’s helped a lot . Might try the gloves as well .

[@jeffwhitcomb606]

It's been happenin'... Thanks for you solutions, Kevin.

[@newlife155]

At 5 minutes you hit it on the head with holding the tank with the knees. Really makes the issue of upper body tightness disappear. Thanks

[@proudpappy7190]

I just purchased my first Harley it’s been over 20 years since I rode a big bike at all I’m having trouble with the weight off the kickstand it is a lack of technique I know this can you do a segment on the proper way to bring your bike off the kickstand when it’s very heavy and so you don’t Over lift it I know it sounds silly but all your tips seem to help so this one might help more than just me thank you

[@andrewschuster4772]

I’ve found that running the grip heaters in all weather helps alot for the engine buzz on my S1000XR. I think it increases blood flow to my hands to carry the added heat away, but brings more oxygen to the tissue.

[@adam346]

Five gloves are pretty comfy and protective imo. They only do gloves so they seem to have a good knack at producing some really protective, some really stylish (I own the Kansas gloves and I love them) and some that are really flexible and protective.

[@shahfacekillah]

I just put grip puppies on my bike a few days ago. Unreal difference. Love em!!

[@mikedk9215]

Good video. I agree on everything. As a former trauma surgeon I can confirm that what you want your gloves to have is extra padding on the palm, exactly where it is shown in the video. I doubt it that dorsal armour does much to protect your hands in an accident.

[@zion1126]

Kevin, it was the nut, me. I didn’t realize until you said it, I’ve had a death grip on the bars. Thanks for the info, and I’m ordering the Lee Park gloves. I appreciate your channel and look forward to seeing you on Friday’s! Keep doing what you’re doing, thank you!

[@Recycledhooligan]

My hands are in bad shape arthritis busted banged up hands I like gloves with armor I also don’t have cruise control so my hand is always on the throttle if you keep a loose grip it does help as you said & what helped my legs from cramping was floorboards after I switched out the pegs it’s 100% better also check the shocks for adjustment I clicked mine to 3 instead of 1 rides better

[@rogercohn]

I really had a problem with a numb left hand. After a complete shoulder replacement, it is much better. Still some numbness but nothing like before. Of course my surgeon said I should never ride again. But that's not an option. But I had pain and numbness all the time not just when riding

[@eddcurry1245]

GREAT topic and video.

[@thejerseyj9422]

I ride a cruiser style bike, an '04 Fat Boy. And I tend to slouch as I ride. With mini apes I find that if I get my heart above my hands by sitting upright, it brings them "back to life" so to speak. So that's my 2 cents worth and only one of the many ways I keep numbness and tingle to a minimum. A strong heart with good circulation is always good. And it helps on longer rides.

[@amnforge]

I often have to remind myself to loosen up. Act like it's a piano 🎹

[@briancole9024]

Another excellent video. My bike came with smaller circumference hand grips which aided in my death grip. Changing to kuryakiy ISO grips with a bigger circumference helped relax my grip a lot, but I still have to make sure I don't start gripping too tight as it has become a habit.

[@geraldanderson652]

I got bigger diameter softer grips solved my issue

[@sydsacks9097]

Love your videos Kevin! I have been a motorcyclist for over 45 years and continue to learn a lot from you. Could I also add that there is a situation which can affect very anxious riders who as a result hyperventilate (breathe too fast). This causes the blood to rapidly become alkaline and affects calcium metabolism- the result can be (amongst other symptoms) tingling and numbness of the hands, and sometimes feet and mouth which can actually be very frightening. For a more complete description look up "tetany from hyperventilation". This is quite a common condition in anxious individuals which I used to see regularly when I worked as an emergency room doctor. The treatment is to reduce your breathing rate or breathe into a paper bag for a while. How do I know this is a problem for anxious motorcyclists? Well, l I had it 40 years ago when first riding a big bike (750cc BMW) at night in rain with heavy oncoming traffic that blinded me every few seconds!

[@gerrymiller7401]

Missed a very important question. How tall are your handlebars? Raised bars are once again the "in" thing to have and if your handlebars are above your shoulders, your hands will go numb; just a matter of when, regardless of these other three items pointed out.

[@jimh2061]

Im an older guy who just started riding a couple years ago and have been working on keeping those shoulders and arms loose because after a couple hours i get a sore left shoulder.

[@Shardrk23]

Several decaades ago I discovered an old guy in San Diego that made deerskin gloves and I got to fit to my hands the pair I bought. I found them to be more comfortable/warmer/and seemed to be a stronger leather to any of the leather gloves I bought. Wondering where I was going to find some more deerskins here in GA and now I don't have to search. Thank you. p.s. I absolutely second the info on the relaxed grip. Unless you are having to travel several hours through a tropical storm, then it is a tradeoff between relaxed and just staying on the bike. btw, that was before the deerskin gloves, or any other rain gear was in my possession.

[@robertvondarth1730]

I find that I have too much weight forward on my bars because I need it handlebar risers I can take more weight off by setting up more straight by putting a 1 inch handlebar riser on so there’s not as much pressure on my palms. Also you can make a vibration absorber by using lead shot and silicone you take them, you make a thin paper tube that will fit inside your handlebars and you fill it with lead shot and then silicone rubber let it dry and then slip it in there it has a damnping affect

[@elgringoec]

On some bikes the handlebars can be rotated closer on the mount.