Numbness in throttle hand due to covering the brake lever

For the past two weekends I've been riding with my index and middle fingers hovering over the brake lever because it feels like I can brake faster if the need arises. The problem is that after a short period of time (maybe 30 minutes) I develop tingling and numbness in my hand. It could be that I'm gripping the throttle tighter with my other three fingers compared to when I use all my fingers on the throttle and don't hover over the brake lever. It could also be due to the stretching that is required to have those fingers over the lever full time.

Do any of you guys who ride with fingers over the brake lever experience any numbness?

What I'll probably do to troubleshoot this is to adjust the lever so that it's a bit closer to the throttle so I don't have to stretch my fingers out so far to reach the lever.

 

I find on rides more than a half four or so, my right shoulder starts to irritate me, and my fingers do get numb around the throttle... almost like fallin' asleep... I found that straightening my fingers helped some, as did rotating my shoulder a bit...

But then, I may have suffered some nerve damage I'm unaware of in a crash last year...
So I'd get more opinions

 

For starter's you "Have to many fingers":thumbsup:

Now for some real help..... It will take a little time to adjust to a new hand/finger position.... And as always .... relax the grip..... I can't relax my fingers without the help of a palm rest........ I've tried all the palm rests over the years .... The one that works for me is the "Throttle Boss" ($10) ....
Now you should get a flood of opinions on all the other palm rest available:biggrin:

 

Adjusting the lever is the logical starting point. Like Monk, I use the Throttle Boss on longer trips and it helps a lot once you get used to it. Good luck!

 

I have used both the Crampbuster and the Throttle rocker and both work good, and have flaws. The clamping attachment of the crampbuster is superior but the shape of the throttlerocker is better on the hand with it's curve vs. a big flat flap. I think for me at least I have to start saving coin for a proper cruise control to make freeway slogs more bearable, wrist never gets sore when I'm having to vary my throttle like on highways and backroads

 

Well.... all the joking aside... I still think a palm rest will solve your grip problem.... hope it works for you..

 

Hey Monk, do you also cover the brake lever when you ride? Thanks for the advice, but I don't really want to rely on a palm rest. Just checking if others who use this technique also have some numbness. Basically, my hand falls asleep after a few miles. It may simply take a few more outings to correct this problem.

 

Yes ... I cover both levers.... It's gotten to where if I try to put my whole hand on the grip, it feels strange........

 

...don't ride with your fingers covering the brake.
if its causing you to have pain or numbness...why do it?

main problem is, most people tend to do the same thing with both hands if they are reacting to something. What happens when your reaction is to grab the clutch and your fingers are resting on the brake? you want to lock up your front tire?

His joke is that you don't have 5 fingers...you have 4 fingers and 1 thumb :thumbsup:

 

Or maybe it feels familar, Monk? (J/K - couldn't help myself)

 

I have a Vista Cruise, and I have it engaged most of the time. This allows me to relax my grip completely, and I can take my hand away and shake out my arm, or rest my hand on my knee or waist for a few minutes periodically, like I do with my left arm and hand. I've been doing this for thousands of miles now and it works well for me.

P.S. I did use the Cramp Busters (or whatever they're called) for awhile (one on each grip) and that was OK, but the above method works best for me.

 

Hi Jaimev34,
I also cover the brake and clutch levers, and have for years with no problems on many different bikes. It reduces reaction time, for those who wonder why we do it.
Just recently I have begun to experience this same tingling which leads to numbness of the fingers, and eventually the whole hand. Only on the brake lever. It started when I changed levers on the VFR. The new lever (brake only) seems to have a very high-frequency vibration which leads to the numbness. I am going to go back to the stock lever and see if it goes away. But I think the real problem is that my carbs need to be synchronized, and that is exacerbating the problem.
This doesn't happen on my other bike, or any of the other bikes I've ridden recently. Just the VFR, and it has gotten worse since changeing levers.
Do you feel this same hi-frequency vibration in your brake lever?

Cheers!

Craig :smile:

 

My left hand is for strange...:biggrin:

 

I agree .... Here's my set-up GripPuppies / Palm rest / And throttle lock...

 

I do think in your case that could be enough vib's to cause numbness.... since it isn't happening on your other bikes..... I would think I'd want to correct the sync. 1st, than play with the levers if needed...... Let us know the results.... I've been thinking of going to aftermarket levers (short ones)..... But I'll hold off if it's going to cause more vib's......

 

Hi Monk,
I plan on checking the carb sync this weekend. I'll let you know if it smoothes things out.
Cheers!

Craig :smile:

 

Wow, I'm envious. My hands get numb after 5 minutes, without covering the levers.

Really, syncing the carbs helps? Have to look into that...