pain in wrists/arms= new rider?

Another helper is Tech Spec tank pads. They help your thighs grip the tank better.

 

...those i got, skim, and they do work good.

 

BEFORE YOU SPEND ANY MONEY for upgrades!!!

here's my experience.....
(welcome by the way!)

I have ridden Honda Magnas - feet forward & arms out in front. No Harley, but similar riding position.
For me the VFR is much more comfortable - I'll be 57 in a few days 5'9 190(....and hunting for my abs as well)

Here's the trick that worked for me.
1. sit on the bike, then lean forward by bending at YOUR HIPS, NOT bending at your waist. - keeps the back straight - less tiring, and stronger muscles to hold you up.
2. Dont support yourself w/ your wrists. just Don't! (use your back). I keep my elbows bent a bit & I check myself frequently by kind of wiggling my elbows - like i'm flapping my wings...well....kind of. Also, the wind blast in the 45 - 140 mph range will help hold you up. :biggrin:
3. Grasp the hand grips, but no death grip allowed.
4. One other thought, with your feet under your butt - instead of in front of you - you can use your legs to support yourself on bumpy roads. mo betta.

Try to relax & keep loose. The Biggest help for me was "the bend at hips, not at the waist" .

just another helpful thouht....that big dial is a Tach. and when you ride with your Harley buddies, the tach useful to tell if your engine is running. :biggrin:

Hope you enjoy the site! Most of us are smart-*$$es....but helpful. :welcome:

 

Ace, I'm in the exact same boat as you , and I've been progressively feeling better due to the advise from this site. While some of the members can be smart asses (myself among them) ,they are all very knowledgable and many have a ton of experience behind them.
That being said, if you're looking at mods, the best two I did were the PAIR valve blockoff for low end surging and Helibar throttle locks for long rides. :thumbsup:
Stick with the VFR and you won't be disappointed , fatboys are for , well, fatboys......

 

Just keep telling yourself that your hands are on eggshells, so there should be zero pressure on the grips or the eggs will break. And let your elbows dangle loosely straight down, not out to the sides. There should be no tension in your hands or arms. Just use one or the other to countersteer into corners. Works for me, but I'm a noobie, too.

 

good advice knife and shooter, yep the throttle is a little touchy, but all my other bikes were carb'd, this is the first efi machine for me.

unfortunately this bike is begging me to buy things for her..........bye bye glock-that-i-wanted...
next up, frame sliders and bar ends coming friday! :biggrin:

thanks guyz

ace57