This sucks!

**gale_wolf** · 6th March 2011, 21:37

Originally Posted by scumdog

What about one of those gizmos that enable you to operate the throttle without gripping the 'grip' so tight? ('Cramp-Buster' or something I think they're called)

Also called a 'throttle rocker' and there are a few brands around that all do the same thing. I used one for a few months while recovering from an injury, mine was a no-name brand that only cost $10, it worked very well for me, saved me from a lot of pain while riding. Wouldn't really recommend it for tight twisties though, quickly closing the throttle can be a problem if the rocker isn't set just right, leaving it still revving more than you want when you're expecting the revs to drop off (due to the angle of wrist and palm on the rocker, not quite closing off)

**Ocean1** · 6th March 2011, 21:40

Originally Posted by scumdog

What about one of those gizmos that enable you to operate the throttle without gripping the 'grip' so tight? ('Cramp-Buster' or something I think they're called)

Throttle jocky?

I use one when touring. Lets you relax your grip, works well, just practice to check what movement your hand mobility allows when you get on the brake with one fitted.

**tigertim20** · 6th March 2011, 21:42

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

Last year, in the spring season I decided to give my bike a birthday so I could enjoy many days of summer riding. I put new spark plugs in (not an easy job!), cleaned and reoiled the air filter, put a new fuel filter in, replaced the engine oil and filter, installed a 12v socket for my radar detector and finally a new rear tyre.

Then last November, I binned a dirt bike and broke my hand. I thought I'd be on the bike again within 6 weeks. That didn't turn out to be the case. My throttle hand hurts because of the crash and I have trouble gripping the throttle without a fair bit of pain for any more than 10 minutes.

To make matters worse I've lost my balls in the sense that I don't have the confidence to even ride properly anymore. I tried to go for a ride out to Akaroa, but I found myself being scared of every corner, and I had to turn back by the time I got to Little River because the hand was just becoming too painful. Harley riders will probably put me to shame in the twisties, it's that bad.

How long did it take some of you to recover to the point that you could ride normally again from crashes?

its as much psychological as physical. It can take a long time, some people never completely recover mentally, and have a permanent lingering fear.
For your throttle hand, I would suggest getting some larger grips, i.e ones with a greater circumference, so theyre easier to hold onto without having to make such a tight fist. even gluing some sort of padding around it might work?

**trailblazer** · 6th March 2011, 21:56

injuries can take differant amounts of time to heal. I broke 2 fingers in my right hand 4 years ago and they still give me grief but you get used to it and carry on. I had an work place accident at work 2 years ago and split 2 of the discs in my back and had 4 months of work and then 2 months on 2 hours a day increasing an hour every 2 weeks before going back full time and that still gives me grief expecially on a long ride or long day at work. Just take your time your body is the best judge of time it needs for a full recovery.

**YellowDog** · 6th March 2011, 21:57

Maybe wearing OTT protective gear may give back some confidence to take those tight corners.

I agree that short rides are a good way the help start the confidence healing process.

**baptist** · 6th March 2011, 21:58

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

How long did it take some of you to recover to the point that you could ride normally again from crashes?

I have smashed joints and bones in my hands, back, arms and legs more than once, not much of an issue as they heal, or so I thought... until now, arthritis. Man what a dog... it can make some rides (especially in the cold and damp) more of a challenge than they should be.

SMOKEU let yourself heal properly before doing to much and as has been said before try not to break your bones again!!!!!

I hope your confidence comes back soon.

**Oblivion** · 6th March 2011, 22:12

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

Last year, in the spring season I decided to give my bike a birthday so I could enjoy many days of summer riding. I put new spark plugs in (not an easy job!), cleaned and reoiled the air filter, put a new fuel filter in, replaced the engine oil and filter, installed a 12v socket for my radar detector and finally a new rear tyre.

Then last November, I binned a dirt bike and broke my hand. I thought I'd be on the bike again within 6 weeks. That didn't turn out to be the case. My throttle hand hurts because of the crash and I have trouble gripping the throttle without a fair bit of pain for any more than 10 minutes.

To make matters worse I've lost my balls in the sense that I don't have the confidence to even ride properly anymore. I tried to go for a ride out to Akaroa, but I found myself being scared of every corner, and I had to turn back by the time I got to Little River because the hand was just becoming too painful. Harley riders will probably put me to shame in the twisties, it's that bad.

How long did it take some of you to recover to the point that you could ride normally again from crashes?

Don't worry I have crashed on a dirt bike too. A friend of mine was trying to teach me how to ride one properly (my first time). Then he tried to teach me how to do jumps. Off 10m hills. All in the same afternoon. Needless to say, I stuffed up. Ended up hitting a small rut, totally unprepared.Bent the handlebars, also broke a reinforced stainless steel clutch lever, with a bark-buster fitted . ( He said that it takes skill to fail that hard

)

Anyway, You should be fine, but like other people say, take it easy, If you go too far too quickly, you might end up having the same scenario happen again, but this time on the road.

The road to recovery is a slow one indeed

**AxN** · 6th March 2011, 22:20

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

Then last November, I binned a dirt bike and broke my hand. I thought I'd be on the bike again within 6 weeks. That didn't turn out to be the case. My throttle hand hurts because of the crash and I have trouble gripping the throttle without a fair bit of pain for any more than 10 minutes.

Have you been to see a Physiotherapist? Sounds like you need some more treatment and rehab to get that hand right. PM me if you need some Physio advice.

**SMOKEU** · 6th March 2011, 22:28

Originally Posted by AxN

Have you been to see a Physiotherapist? Sounds like you need some more treatment and rehab to get that hand right. PM me if you need some Physio advice.

No I haven't been to physio, I can't afford it since I'm on the dole.

**Teflon** · 7th March 2011, 05:48

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

Harley riders will probably put me to shame in the twisties, it's that bad.

There are some pretty quick Harley riders out there that have surprised me.. thank fuck for 160+ HP

Work on your lines... took me a while after having a few big crashes.

**p.dath** · 7th March 2011, 06:04

Confidence and knowledge are heavily related.

Before an accident people often rate their knowledge high (I'm a good rider, I can get my knee down, etc). After they have an accident they question their knowledge (what went wrong, I don't know what happened, etc).

Riding with other better riders is a good way to learn how your knowledge and skills compare to other riders.

Getting rid of your fear means you have to either improve your knowledge, or realistically asses your own knowledge and skills relative to others.

So either start taking slow rides until you feel trust in your knowledge and skills building (which causes confidence), or find a more experienced rider to ride with (so you can self-assess your knowledge and skills).

ps. Having an accident can be a way to improve your riding, in that it resets your confidence levels, and allows you to more accurately asses your own skills and limits. It's just that it is a hard way of doing it.

**Paul in NZ** · 7th March 2011, 06:10

Maybe you were riding for all the wrong reasons and now you need to find a new groove - just relax. Having said that - I know what you mean, nothing ruins a ride more than the sure knowledge you are definately sub optimal and in danger of caning yourself...