comfort

[tanken2]

any tips on reducing numb hands on long trips , just did over 400 k stopping only for gas ( and some fish & chips ) . Better gloves / grips ?

[Navy Boy]

If you're riding the Ducati 848 that your profile says you are then there isn't much you can do apart from perhaps raising the bars a little. Thicker gloves may help as may foam hand grips (Grip puppies if memory serves) but apart from that what you've described is the price you pay for rapier-like handling and front-end feel from your Duke.

[husaberg]

any tips on reducing numb hands on long trips , just did over 400 k stopping only for gas ( and some fish & chips ) . Better gloves / grips ?

Bar weights less buzzy bike

[F5 Dave]

Go see Dr Costa. He must see Outpatients these days.

[caspernz]

Numb hands are sometimes caused by too firm a grip on the bars, could this be contributing?

[Hoonicorn]

Grip Puppies, they're foam slip-ons for your bar grips. They reduce the tightness of your grip and reduce the vibrations you'd get through the bars.
And heavier bar ends to dull the vibrations.
Then there are the throttle locks that give you something like cruise-control.

[Ginge09]

Yeah, relax your grip on the bars. Use your feet to weight the pegs more in the tricky bits rather than hanging off your arms. You control the bike with your whole body, not just your arms.

I ride old Brit bikes and get the same numbness happening but it happens sooner. I've heard that bar weights can help. Never tried it myself.

It could be a case of too much weight on your wrists. Maybe change the bar angle or adjust your footrests forward to take a bit of weight off the wrists. Has this bike got a fairing on it? You can adjust it to allow more wind into your chest to lift your body weight off the bars.

Physics.

[tanken2]

has anyone tried these340093
they are called cramp busters

[tanken2]

thinking back , also had this bad on vf1000r only other bike with clip-ons (I dont think gb500tt were as low ). so might be riding position / grip issue. also get it on my mountain bike just on flat surface riding , so will try experimenting on that.

[pritch]

Bar end weights can help, but possibly more with the higher frequency lower amplitude vibrations of a four cylinder. Still, they aren't expensive so worth a punt.

[mulletman]

has anyone tried these340093
they are called cramp busters

Yup they work great on the boring roads, i usually move them around on the fly sorta outta the way when the twisties, get two (1 each side)
and they come in different widths.

[jellywrestler]

are your brake and clutch levers set up correctly, often they are set up so when using your wrists are at an unnatural position, then this restricts the blood flow through and can cause this issue

[slofox]

has anyone tried these340093
they are called cramp busters

Yeah. I have used one since 2007. It allows a very light grip on the throttle. Match this with a relaxed left hand as well and the hand/wrist aches go away. Well...mine do anyway.

Wouldn't be without it.

[FJRider]

are your brake and clutch levers set up correctly, often they are set up so when using your wrists are at an unnatural position, then this restricts the blood flow through and can cause this issue

I got told once to climb on you bike with your eyes closed ... and reach for the controls where you think they ought to be. If they aren't there ... put them there (if possible).

Use palm pressure to keep the throttle position the same on a regular basis ... and flex fingers/arms/legs often as well.

[tanken2]

are your brake and clutch levers set up correctly, often they are set up so when using your wrists are at an unnatural position, then this restricts the blood flow through and can cause this issue

Ducati pin the levers to the bars obviously what they think is best, iffy about unpinning them

[AllanB]

What are you describing?

It should not be vibration on your 848 - I've the Streetfighter version of the same engine and don't find vibration a issue.

Assuming it's wrist/palm pressure from the clip-on 'race' position you may be able to slide them up a bit higher or rotate the bars forward a few degrees (make small movements at a time - say the end moves 10mm forward) to make them more comfortable.

They may be a odd angle too - Ducati appear to like them own special bends for bars (my SF is a odd bend for cruising but it really works in the corners) the Monster range springs to mind.

There are numerous 'riser' clip-on bars available on the net - I'd very much stick to reputable brands and pay the dollar as Ebay is also full of cheap knock-offs of questionable construction ....
Typically they raise the bars 25-50mm, which of course sits you up slightly and takes pressure off your wrists/hands.
F1 Engineering in Hamilton make them for various models as well.

Note there will be a limit to raise the bars using stock cables and hoses so check that out too.

Also search the Ducati forums - plenty of chatter on their for your model - you just have to weed through the egos and BS ....


Alternatively rider faster - the bike is set up to be comfortable at 160 plus ........ you are own your own if you do this though ;)

[slofox]

In my own case I think most hand/wrist discomfort comes from putting too much weight forward onto the handle bars. I am 70 now and ride a GSX-R600 (bog standard 2008)and find it very comfortable. I can go two to three hours without a stop with only minor discomfort (then it's usually for a piss...:facepalm:)

Support your body with core abdominal muscles, don't lean on the bars, grip with your knees, etc etc all that jazz. I try to put as little weight into the bike as possible. After all, any time I get into strife - (loose metal eg) the bike usualy fixes itself up before I can even react. Let the bike alone. It will look after you. :weird: (I hope)

[Laava]

Don't waste your money on grip puppies when for $20 you can buy some raquet grip tape from Rebel Sport! Don't put it on too tight tho! Works for me, less grip pressure needed plus more comfort!

[tigertim20]

Don't waste your money on grip puppies when for $20 you can buy some raquet grip tape from Rebel Sport! Don't put it on too tight tho! Works for me, less grip pressure needed plus more comfort!

I dont have this issue, but I like the creative solution you have! :niceone:

[tanken2]

o.k
so far I have shifted angle of brake and clutch levers (lower) so they are more parallel to a straight line through my arm to the lever . feels better just sitting on bike.
next step most people say is to relax hands more and use body to support weight.
am going to try throttle rocker which allows you to operate throttle with palm of hand (only $6.00) lot of people like them.

next would be increasing diameter of grip with something softer . raquet grip sounds good and can be put back to standard easily.

when you start looking this issue is really widespread .

[AllanB]

when you start looking this issue is really widespread .

I've changed bars on a number of bikes to get what I want and people change bikes if necessary. One size does not fit all.

[tanken2]

Don't waste your money on grip puppies when for $20 you can buy some raquet grip tape from Rebel Sport! Don't put it on too tight tho! Works for me, less grip pressure needed plus more comfort!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k_UWsu01N4

[AllanB]

Ducati grips are sport firm.

I've not replaced mine (I usually do on a new bike) but I like to use Driven brand Kraton Gel Grips.