Numb fingers: Risers?

[Brunswick]

I went for my first long distance ride today. I've been riding for over a year, but just around town and a few short jots onto the highway. I was on the highway for over an hour today and my fingers kept going numb (both hands - so not just a throttle-hand issue).

I have an RS/GS, and I figured out that the problem seems to be that in leaning forward I end up putting weight on my palms against the handle bars, thereby cutting off circluation (or pressing on nerves, or something). After I figured that out, I could alleviate, but not completely eliminate, the problem by trying to shift my weight away from my arms/hands.

So, I'm thinking maybe some risers would help alleviate it some more. So I have a few questions:

1) Has anyone else had this symptiom and tried risers?
2) What are the tallest risers you can install with the stock wiring (I have an SE5)? I generally like the riding position, aside from the numbness issue, so I'm not looking for dramatic risers anyway.

Thanks.

 

[DynamoBT]

ESI 4" risers are the tallest I believe. There are others. Kewlmetal. HeliBar. Each do different things. Do your research.

I found the bar end weights also helped the vibration. Using your core muscles to hold yourself up rather than leaning on your hands will help too.

Good luck in fixing the problem. Numbness is no fun!!!

 

[cougar]

I am too old for core muscles. What else is there? :yikes:

 

[Spyder Cat]

1) Has anyone else had this symptiom and tried risers?
2) What are the tallest risers you can install with the stock wiring (I have an SE5)? I generally like the riding position, aside from the numbness issue, so I'm not looking for dramatic risers anyway.

Thanks.

Yes, sounds like the same exact thing that happened to me when I started ryding last year. I experienced the numbness and really messed up the tendons in my fingers and hands cos of my death grip. I had to learn to relax my grip, and steer using more upper body strength rather than fingers/hands.

We installed the KewlMetal risers because they are sooooo adjustable. Love 'em. Without doubt the best mod we've made for the RS.

 

[boborgera]

So, I'm thinking maybe some risers would help alleviate it some more. So I have a few questions:

1) Has anyone else had this symptiom and tried risers?

Thanks.

Been riding for 40 years never had numbness, Until the Spyder,
I put on 3 inch risers and that solved the problem. [for me]:thumbup:

 

[jedd]

I had it bad, ESI 4" risers and Throttle Meister's helped a lot my throttle hand still bothers me though. I have been going to a local Chiro and it is getting better.

It sucks I hope you find relief.

Jim:thumbup:

 

[Brunswick]

Is there enough play in the wiring to do the 3 or 4" risers without having to cut/extend the existing cables/wires?

 

[ARtraveler]

Put the BRP weights in the handlebars--that will solve the numbness in the hands.

 

[jedd]

Is there enough play in the wiring to do the 3 or 4" risers without having to cut/extend the existing cables/wires?

Yes I had enough cable and wire:thumbup:

 

[spyryder]

Gel gloves worked great for me.

 

[Dudley]

When our 2008 SE5 started causing my hands to be numb and a bit painful I added BBs in the handle bars. Good idea, but a slot hole on the left part of the bars used to keep the switch/reverse mechanism from spinning was just large enough to let the BBs into the housing. But, the BBs worked in the vibration solution. I did my own mod on the handle bar to shut the hole, etc. For anyone wanting to put weights in the bars, go to Walmart or anywhere they sell fishing weights that are larger than BBs and buy enough to fill up each bar. May sound stupid, but the vibrations are gone. And a LOT cheaper than the weights sold by M/C accessory store.

 

[jedd]

When our 2008 SE5 started causing my hands to be numb and a bit painful I added BBs in the handle bars. Good idea, but a slot hole on the left part of the bars used to keep the switch/reverse mechanism from spinning was just large enough to let the BBs into the housing. But, the BBs worked in the vibration solution. I did my own mod on the handle bar to shut the hole, etc. For anyone wanting to put weights in the bars, go to Walmart or anywhere they sell fishing weights that are larger than BBs and buy enough to fill up each bar. May sound stupid, but the vibrations are gone. And a LOT cheaper than the weights sold by M/C accessory store.

:agree:Great advise I tried that before I bought the Throttle Meister's once I saw I liked the weight in the bars then I spent the coin for the TM's, wanted the throttle lock too.

Jim:thumbup:

 

[wolfee]

I installed the easy riser and a throttle lock and this solved my problem. The hardest part of the riser install was finding the tie to cut to get the cables to reach. Made it to Cuba MO and Nahsville TN without a problem.

Bill

 

[freebob]

risers

I also solved that problem when I installed ESI 3" risers and lead wt's in the ESI bars no problem with wire and cable length...


Freebob...:doorag:

 

[stormtrooper]

Also maybe a set of ISO GRIPS might help. :thumbup:

 

[tofriendscreek]

:agree: with Spyder Cat completely. Kewlmetal 5" risers ate so totally adjustable - up, down, forward, back and in and out. The cables were long enough, barely.

Also, agree with Wolfee that finding the darn cable ties was a PITA.

KW risers = priceless ryding enjoyment for me. :2thumbs:

 

[arntufun]

Numbness I have experienced, but not on my Spyder. I would love to raise my handlebars up 2"- 3". But I want to raise the whole handle bars. Those riser kits that those companys sell, are so ugly and make the Spyder look like poo poo. You have to cut the handlebar then come up and then go out. IMO it's a stupid look !!!

I know what you are going to say, comfort over looks. I already learned that when I spoke bad about your high windshields. :roflblack::roflblack:

 

[DynamoBT]

arntufun, maybe you would like the HeliBar riser. The handlebars stay whole and unaltered. Some don't like the look. I don't even notice how it looks anymore!! The HeliBar riser looks like it belongs on the Spyder. I can't even remember how the Spyder looked stock.

Anyway, the HeliBar has worked for me quite well. I have not put the RAM options on it that are available. I don't run a GPS. Don't need a cup holder. I just go!

Anyway, if you saw one, you might like it. Just a suggestion.

 

[Firefly]

I use the combination of:

ESI risers
Throttlemeister heavy end weights
Grip Puppies
Relaxed grip


Works quite well to relieve numb hands...

 

[arntufun]

arntufun, maybe you would like the HeliBar riser. The handlebars stay whole and unaltered. Some don't like the look. I don't even notice how it looks anymore!! The HeliBar riser looks like it belongs on the Spyder. I can't even remember how the Spyder looked stock.

Anyway, the HeliBar has worked for me quite well. I have not put the RAM options on it that are available. I don't run a GPS. Don't need a cup holder. I just go!

Anyway, if you saw one, you might like it. Just a suggestion.

Thanks, I'll check them out right now. :thumbup: