Was diagnosed with mild Carpal Tunnel Syndrome a couple of days ago. SHIT!

Here's the story:

I had never had the issue until this past fall. On my way down to Arkansas (about 400 miles) my right hand/fingers became numb and would tingle. The numbness and tingling diminished quite a bit over the three days that I was there but wasn't until several days after I got home that it mostly went away. The tip of my middle finger is still somewhat numb. However, the rest of my fingers seem to be O.K. Nerve conduction study diagnosed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

I've ridden 400+ mile days many times and have had no issues until this last trip. I must add that I didn't have the issue UNTIL this ZX 14R. I had been riding a BMW K 1300 S HP until I traded it for my 14 last fall.

I will also add that I had a 2008 ZX 14 several years ago before the BMW K 1300 and never had the issue either.

I have a theory that it has something to do with the vibrations coming through the clip-ons. I had the same issue on a BMW S 1000 RR. Vibes would come through the clip-ons and my hand would go numb. Tried everything under the sun and couldn't get the issue resolved. Had to sell the bike.

Any of you guys have the same issue? Whether it be Carpal Tunnel or vibrations?

If so, have you been able to remedy it? How?

I put on a set of Grip Puppies but was thinking about going with a different grip entirely.

Going to try these as the reviews state that they really reduced the vibes. Anybody here tried them?

Your text to link here...

Thanks for any input

* Last updated by: BIGO70 on 2/27/2020 @ 11:43 PM *

Over the progrips.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 2/28/2020 @ 12:03 AM *

G'Day Big070,

I notice the bikes you mention (14R and 1000RR) where this happens have much more aggressive riding positions which naturally puts much more weight on the hands.
I don't know how you ride, or your style, and don't mean to belittle the fact you may have Carpal Tunnel, but I have a very solid rule I ride to.

If I feel any tension, stiffness, numbness, pain or uncomfortableness in my hands, I instantly know I have fallen into the lazy habit of gripping the bars too tightly.
I try very hard to grip the bars as lightly as I possibly can and squeeze solidly with my thighs.
I do this not only to prevent my hands from becoming sore or numb, but also to gain maximum control and efficiency on the bike.
If my thighs are sore after a long ride thats a great sign.
I also use Oxford heated grips which seem to be the perfect thickness and feel on the bars for me.

Good luck with your issue...

* Last updated by: yannih on 2/28/2020 @ 12:36 AM *

Over the Renthal Grips here.

I try to focus on not gripping the ends much.Usually a light touch with index and finger next to it.Also have a throttlelocking deal on both my bikes.Makes steering while sitting up and fingertipping the bar ends very easy.One is a throttlemeister,the H2 has a nice nylon washer/spacer between bar end and throttle tube.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 2/28/2020 @ 12:12 AM *

Hello yannih,

I agree with and understand your suggestion to use my core muscles/thighs to take weight off of my hands. I do so as much as possible.

Also, it is ONLY my right hand/fingers which happens to be the hand diagnosed with the carpal tunnel that I have the issue with. No issues with my left. I also do not have a death grip on the bars which in turn might cause the issue I am having.

I also wouldn't label either the ZX 14 or the BMW K 1300 as having aggressive riding positions. I also had an 1198 and currently have an RSV 4 that I do not have the issue with and they have aggressive riding positions.. That is why I believe it has more to do with the vibrations (or vibration frequency) that is aggravating my carpal tunnel issue.

Appreciate your response, I also hope I get it sorted.

Hey Grn14,

Yeah, I was also looking at a completely foam grip ( similar to your ice scraper version), not just the Grip Puppies I am currently using.

I just bought a set of T Meisters in hopes that the weight might reduce some of the vibes (not to mention to use as a cruise control) but the OEM bar ends are already pretty heavy on the 14's. Also, the OEM ends have rubber inserts already built into them. Makes me think Kaw already knew the bike was a bit buzzy? On my trip down to Arkansas I had a throttle rocker that I used but I still had the numbness issue.

Hell, it may be an issue that I can't resolve without surgery but figured I'd try any and everything else first.

Appreciate your ideas.

* Last updated by: BIGO70 on 2/28/2020 @ 12:39 AM *

Big,
i have had similar issues after frequent long touring rides on the often unforgiving indonesian roads
sometimes the partial numbness would stay on for several weeks after the trip
have not found a doctor i can trust here, so i prefer self-medication... a bit slow, but it works for me
- taking a daily supplement of glucosamine/chondroitine, and drinking lots of water for good hydration
- using one of these Crampbuster plastic clip-on fixture on the throttle
- wearing gloves with thicker padding on the hypothenar area
- swimming as often as possible, to loosen up the joints and get better blood circulation
basically a mix of prevention while touring, and some basic recovery steps afterwards...

I have 1 inch bar risers and Grip Puppies and have no more issues with my hands going numb. Used to affect my throttle hand.

Mad

Mad,

I had the Heli Risers already installed so unfortunately that mod apparently didn't make a difference. I have yet to ride it any distance with the Grip Puppies. Hopefully the weather will break here soon and I can get some seat time to see if they resolve the issue.

Was hoping someone on the forum had tried the grips I mentioned.

Appreciate your suggestions.

"Stomp Grip" tank pads are a must, helps "tremendously" to
ride using your core. (Not the other brand, they suck)

The Throttlemeister, like you know already helps to give hand a break.

Get the Stomp Grip tank pads.

I've run the grip puppies before, didn't like them. Gave'em away.

Tried a few versions of pro grips and Renthals.

As far as grips, these where my favorite, "Spider PEAK Grip"

https://spidergrips.com/models/spider-peak-grip/

They wear fast.

Grips are cheap and easy to install, try a few different ones.

Thanks Piken.

As you said, grips are cheap. Might have to try several options.

Big, if you do need carpel tunnel find a Dr who uses the "release" method.
I had the operation as well as a number of my friends and it is far superior to the old style operation.
Get in touch if you need an explanation.
Good luck
Hank

What type of gloves do you wear?

Good gloves will help too.

Here's my street riding pick, love'em

Scorpion SGS MK II Gloves

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/scorpion-sgs-mk-ii-gloves

Will do Hank.

Appreciate the offer.

I'm wearing these Piken

AGV Laguna Glove

am having Dainese gloves 4-Stroke Evo
never looked back ever since...

Those spider peak grips look good.Sound good.I'd go with those.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 2/28/2020 @ 7:22 PM *

I ordered the Peak grips.

Haven't had a chance to do ANY riding so I really don't know if I will need them or not.

I'll probably give it a go with my current OEM grips with added Grip Puppies. Then switch em out to the Peak's.

Figure try and do 100 miles one way. Then switch em out for the 100 miles back.

I would think that would be enough miles to tell a difference.