how do you tolerate long rides

[fz6r marc]

I read numerous posts where a lot of you state you take long rides, how do you do it? after about 30 minutes my Right hand tingles from nerve compression and lack of blood flow. How do you get around this without cruise control? I do try changing my grip (two vs 5 fingers ect.) but still hard to keep your speed and be comfortable. This happens on my cruiser as well, just not as bad.

 

[Diluted]

Look into a little thing called a Crampbuster or Throttle Rocker. It slips on over the grip and will allow you to use your palm to regulate the speed. I used mine for the first time a few weeks ago on 5hr round trip ride. I would've been hurting without it. They're ~$10 at a dealer.

 

[k6gad]

You could try a "Wrist rest" or a "Cramp Buster" both are a plastic device that attaches to the grip and gives you some leverage on the throttle. If you get to the twisties or in town you just snap it off. Or...try a throttle lock, many out there. Longest rides I do are to Laughlin and back to Escondido for lunch during the "River Run". It's about 600 miles round trip, I use a Kaoko lock on my Triumph Rocket III and it works great. My biggest problem is getting monkey butt, LOL riding for that long makes my @ss tired! Gary

 

[dart1963]

You don't need a gizmo... you need to sit up, loosen your death grip and relax. The bike's not going to jump away from you.

If you notice your arm position while riding, I'll bet you have your elbows locked and are leaning on your hands instead of having your arms slightly bent, slightly squeezing in your knees and sitting "up" using your back and legs.

Let us know.

 

[Detrich]

yah, every time i notice the tingle i have to constantly remind myself to just relax, hug the bike with my legs, and release the tension in my arms. extended freeway riding, however, is a diff story. with the wind & having to concentrate so much etc. it's really difficult to relax... =(

 

[porky45]

Some Gloves also have tight spots where they can cut down circulation.

Edit: I also put my left arm on the tank and kinda lay on that from time to time. NOTE: NOT IN TRAFFIC

 

[stuna]

FIN Q NOS handlebar grips 7/8 Triumph BSA cafe racer : eBay Motors (item 300460048595 end time Sep-02-10 05:25:28 PDT)

 

[Diluted]

I hate getting to the tingling point. I try not to use the death grip, but I think I end up using it a lot. My gloves may also be part of the problem, they fit fine until I start riding for a while. I may go look for some new ones before the trip on the 12th.

Edit: My gloves problem is probably what porky said...I had this typed before I refreshed!

 

[dart1963]

Great point Porky, I think I've even had my jacket arm get twisted a little and cause issues.

Chris, try wearing your gloves to do some yard work... or workouts... it breaks them in pretty quick!

 

[Diluted]

I think they're broken in, they don't feel tight or uncomfortable. My fingers tend to ride up into them the longer I ride, usually just the throttle hand. I may still go browse, I could use something that will work well in the colder weather too.

Enough of the hijack...back to your regularly scheduled thread!

 

[JSP]

Like others have said, dont grab the grip so tight, and dont straight arm the bars. You dont want your body weight resting on your hands/arms. You need to be supporting yourself with your hips and legs around the tank.

I have REALLY learned to do this with the R6. Going into tight corners, I have to realize to stop fighting the bars and relax my arms. The only imput I give the bars is a push forward or pull for counter steering.

Relax your arms and hands.

 

[Uno979]

Something I noticed to really help a lot is to do sit-ups daily, I know everyone hates it but, it works! Your able to support your upper body easier and cuts down on backache considerably.

Also planning on long rides hit the gym for a few weeks prior. You won't regret it.

 

[creggur]

+1 to the points above about relaxing and getting into proper riding form - it does make a big difference. Having said that, I'm a true believer in better living through gadgets so here are two cheap ones that will make your life considerably better on long rides.

Kuryakyn Universal Throttle Boss - Cruiser Motorcycle - Motorcycle Superstore

GRIP PUPPIES ™ Small. (1 Pair) Pick First Class Mail for Free Shipping. - Motorcycle Parts and Accessories for the Sport Touring Enthusiast at Motorcycle Accessories from California Sport Touring, Inc.

I have both of these plus an NEP throttle lock on my VFR. There's no point in suffering out on the road - it's supposed to be fun, ya know!:thumbup:

 

[whatever]

had a set of grip puppies on the ninja 250 used them for 30 mins and then they ended up in my tool box.

made the grips to big around it was hard to get a feel for the bike after i installed them.

ordered a set of chrimpbuster today looks like a good deal for $10.95 with free shipping.

i bought the short wide one.

 

[stevet]

What wears on me quickly is the wind. First I bought a double bubble windshield. That didn't do anything for the wid but it kept me really busy taking the sticker off. Next I bought a Shoei RF-1100 helmet. That's a great helmet and it helped an awful lot but still that wind is a problem over 50 mph. I'd love to find a taller touring windshield but so far haven't had any luck.

 

[Roaddawg]

My problem lately is my seat. It wasn't too bad before, but now that I have over 19k miles on the bike, the padding is more compressed so my butt get sore quicker now. Has anyone added foam padding to the stock seat? I don't want to spend $300 on a Corbin or Sargent seat, but have thought about adding an inch or two of memory foam or something. Any ideas?

 

[motoneta123]

windscreen in the works
Yamaha FZ6 2007 & UP Replacement Windshield - Our latest 2007/up Yamaha FZ6 windshield takes up where the factory shield left off.

 

[Brock Kickass]

You're not riding enough! I had this problem, and long rides used to make my ass hurt, too, but I put my head down, and piled on the miles, and now my hands feel great and I have an iron ass. Ride on, friend, and ride often.

 

[Marthy]

What wears on me quickly is the wind. First I bought a double bubble windshield. That didn't do anything for the wid but it kept me really busy taking the sticker off. Next I bought a Shoei RF-1100 helmet. That's a great helmet and it helped an awful lot but still that wind is a problem over 50 mph. I'd love to find a taller touring windshield but so far haven't had any luck.

Something like this? It's great!!! With a nice set of off road handlebar, about 2.5 " higher. Ride very nice and I feel like I can go on and on. The only thing is my right hang getting numb too. I'll get a cruise widget next time I go to the Cycle Gear store.

I made it myself. 24" high by about 18" wide.

 

[JonKerr]

Wrist fatigue on this bike will almost always be from being too tight. The riding position is so upright, you shouldn't have any weight leaning on your hands. Death gripping the grips, arms tense, etc... will wear out your upper body quickly. Relax and not only will you ride longer, but you'll be amazed at how much easier it is to ride all around.