Wrist pain from riding.

11265 Views 43 Replies 24 Participants Last post by webb68918, 1 mo ago

cabiker91

Discussion Starter · Sep 28, 2014

I searched the forum for this topic but I didn't see any threads on it, so if there is a thread I missed I apologize.

I went out riding with a buddy of mine today. We rode for two straight hours, but it was through towns so we were stopping frequently at stop lights. When I felt safe, I put the bike in neutral while at a stop to stretch a bit.

When I got home today I noticed the my wrists, and particularly my left one, are in quite a bit of pain. I'm a pretty small guy. I'm about 5'6 and I have a 29 inch inseam, so the Ninja puts me slightly more forward than it does for guys with longer arms.

I tried gripping the tank with my legs, and I tried moving close to the tank. Is this the correct way I should be positioned? I know riding pretty much any motorcycle for that long without a good rest will probably cause some sort of discomfort somewhere, but I want to make sure I positioned correctly. I have a pretty loose grip on the handlebars, and I also try to keep my hand in line with my forearm so I'm not bending my wrists too much.

Any tips?

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Muilisx

· #2 · Sep 28, 2014

Try not leaning on your wrists when riding. You'll learn over time but new riders tend to put too much pressure on their wrists when riding, I did too. Try gripping the bike with your legs and not leaning on your wrists too much. Just try to relax when riding. I myself find myself tensing up at times but usually you want a loose grip on the grips.

Reactions: 1

Rogue

· #3 · Sep 28, 2014

I'm short, too. It sounds like you're putting weight on your wrist, i.e., you're supporting at least some of your body weight on your wrists instead of using your core. I have that happen when I'm tired or when I've been riding for a long time. Every once in awhile just remind yourself to use your core and your legs. Eventually it will become second nature.

Reactions: 1

cabiker91

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 28, 2014

Thanks guys! I'll try to focus on taking weight off of my wrists next time I'm out.

Muilisx

· #5 · Sep 28, 2014 (Edited)

cabiker91 said:
Thanks guys! I'll try to focus on taking weight off of my wrists next time I'm out.

Awesome, let us know how your next ride goes. Just try to be calm and relaxed and just hold the bars normally. When you find yourself squeezing for dear life, just loosen up and you'll be fine. Over time you'll see how simple gripping is and you'll be a pro in no time.

Malice101

· #6 · Sep 29, 2014

Rogue said:
I'm short, too. It sounds like you're putting weight on your wrist, i.e., you're supporting at least some of your body weight on your wrists instead of using your core. I have that happen when I'm tired or when I've been riding for a long time. Every once in awhile just remind yourself to use your core and your legs. Eventually it will become second nature.

Rogue has it pretty much nailed. You may be surprised how much utilizing your abdominal area (your core) will come in to play.

If you ride "lazy" and put a lot of pressure on your hands it will take a toll, not only on your wrists, but your posture in general.

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travellingtenor

· #7 · Sep 29, 2014

2

You may also consider using some risers on your bike if you cannot get any relief. I am shorter than you at 5'4" tall and I have a 28" inseam. And I am 72 years young. Putting risers on my bike really helped take some of the pressure off my old wrists. You would be surprised how a little added height and a little less reach to the bars will make a big difference.

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travellingtenor

· #8 · Sep 29, 2014

2

Sorry, after looking at those pictures I realized that I did not have the risers installed. Here are a couple of pictures showing the risers.

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Reactions: 1

cabiker91

Discussion Starter · #9 · Sep 29, 2014

That's a really good idea! If I can't solve this problem I'll look into getting some risers.

Supersport

· #10 · Sep 29, 2014

travellingtenor said:
Sorry, after looking at those pictures I realized that I did not have the risers installed. Here are a couple of pictures showing the risers.

How much did the gpr cost?

Sorry for jacking the thread but when i see a sexy addon i must inquire.

twistywrist

· #11 · Sep 29, 2014 (Edited)

The best advice (besides what you already know) has been given: try to activate your core muscles to support the weight of your trunk. I'm not talking about the abdominals in front of your stomach, but all the layers of muscle/fascia that wrap around the front/sides/back of your torso. If you aren't very athletic, try doing some core exercises for 5-10min every night and pretty soon you will be able to comfortably support your weight with your core instead of your arms/wrists.

Also, I know you're aware of this, but really try to relax your grip on the bars... like, tell yourself to relax a couple times every minute. I'm willing to bet your left wrist hurts more because you put less weight on the right hand since its easier to manipulate the throttle when you don't have a death grip on the bar. It's easy to grip the left side of the bar much harder without realizing it.

Reactions: 3

gidroe

· #12 · Sep 29, 2014

2

All good advice.
Maybe try these as well....they really increase comfort levels and decrease wrist fatigue. Plus the name is pretty cool!

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PussyGri...orcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2595a6ef51

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Marcinko

· #13 · Sep 29, 2014

+1 on the bar risers, they help considerably. Cruise helps on long highway rides.

xorbe

· #14 · Sep 29, 2014

Another thread here, which set me straight about not leaning on the bars.
http://www.kawasakininja300.com/for...45-right-hand-going-numb-any-suggestions.html

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travellingtenor

· #15 · Sep 29, 2014

Supersport said:
How much did the gpr cost?

Sorry for jacking the thread but when i see a sexy addon i must inquire.

I think that I got it when there was a sale on them. Right around 400 dollars I think. I lose track sometimes.

Superballs

· #16 · Sep 29, 2014

I had this issue myself when I first got my bike, especially in the city where you are starting and stopping a lot.
The left wrist is going to be used more frequently and the tendons can get sore from constantly pulling in the clutch.

I have to assume an N300 clutch lever is a lot easier to hold in than my Magna, but if you get the chance to, and it's safe, consider getting into neutral whenever you can. I also avoid clutchless shifting, as no matter how good you are at it, it's harder on the transmission than using the clutch.

All other advice withstanding, but find ways to reduce your clutch usage...but only when possible. Unlike your front brake, where you can release the grip and use your rear brake, you have no clutch alternative.

As with the core exercises to help you might want to get a set of those spring loaded grip exercise things....you know, basically a handle you squeeze and release to strengthen your wrist muscles, which should help reduce the tendon strain.

cabiker91

Discussion Starter · #17 · Sep 29, 2014

Thank you guys for all of the responses!

I think I've figured out my problem. I noticed that when I brake, I get very tense. I don't know why. I'm not afraid of braking or anything like that, but for some reason when I need to come to a stop, my entire body -including my hands/arms- go very stiff. I need to work on that. I ride in a lot of stop-and-go traffic around town, so I'll get plenty of time to calm down and ease up when using my brakes.

I feel good today. I went on another ride for an hour and a half to get closer to that break-in mileage, and I worked on reminding myself to grip the tank and to relax on the bars. There's still a bit of discomfort in my left wrist, but it's nothing like it was yesterday and with practice I'll be fine.

Thanks again you guys. I appreciate your help!

alan903

· #18 · Sep 30, 2014

gidroe said:
All good advice.
Maybe try these as well....they really increase comfort levels and decrease wrist fatigue. Plus the name is pretty cool!

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PussyGri...orcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2595a6ef51

LOL nice name!

alan903

· #19 · Sep 30, 2014

Do the Chicken Dance every once awhile! When you can swing your elbows up and down freely like a chicken that means you are not putting the weight on the handles!

reggae5

· #20 · Sep 30, 2014

I have three things on my bike that if you had on yours that would help.
1. A throttle lock ( for those long straight roads )
2. Grip Puppies which just slip over the existing grips and run under 10 bucks ( you can see just a little bit of them in this picture.

3. And the 1" risers

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Reactions: 1

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