a little advice please

[DrDan]

I have had my Sportster for just a few weeks - and my rides are getting longer.

I have noticed that I get quite a bit of vibration in my right hand - after about 30 minutes or so. I get a bit of relief by not grasping that side - but just sort of resting my open hand on the handlebar.

Is this natural? Or is it something that can be adjusted by the dealer during the 1000 service. The Sportster is new and under warranty.

Will gloves help?

Thanks for any response.

[ThomWV]

1. Coming to grips with the problem

DrDan,

This is my opinion derived of experience but nothing at all like research. The problem you are having is common. It is my opinion that it is caused first by grips that are too small in diameter and second by grips that are made of rock hard material. Both are the case with stock Sportster grips - they are small in diameter and very hard material. You will do yourself a great favor by purchasing a set of grips that are just a little bit bigger around and with soft inserts.

Here are the ones I put on my bike. I did it for the very reason you mention, the stock grips really hurt my hands after just an hour or two - and by the way, its much worse when you wear gloves:



Notice that the rubber pads are raised which keeps your hands off of the metal part. That is important because direct hand contact with chrome is even more uncomfortable on hot humid days than the cramps you get in your hand from hard rubber grips.

Anyway there are a zillion different grips available and as long as they are 1" in diameter (ID) they will all work. For the most part they are interchangeable although on the Clutch side Harley uses a slightly more complicated locking system than other bikes. With the Harley system the clutch stand and switches lock over top of the end of the grip whereas generic grips simply push up against the controls when mounted. Its not a problem.

[DrDan]

2. thanks Thom

Sounds like a reasonable solution. Need to start looking at grips.

[Robb]

3. I agree with ThomWV, mostly

Larger, softer grips will likely help. I ride a thumper and it made a world of difference for me over long distances (300+ days).

I disagree that gloves make it worse -- you're just wearing the wrong gloves. I recommend Held gloves to anyone, even their worst (e.g. cheapest) gloves are better than anyone else's best ones. And the really good Held gloves are a joy to wear.

[ThomWV]

5. In all honesty I know you are completely correct

I almost never wear gloves and I've paid the price for it more than once in lost skin but like a junkie who knows better I have become a creature of habit. When I do wear gloves its because its very cold out and then I wear a pair that is just terrible for bike riding but very warm. It is, no doubt, a matter of the gloves I wear and not glove wearing in general that make them worse from my point of view. I should be more careful not to make suggestions that are actually counter to safer or more protected riding. I'll take a look at Held gloves, who knows this old dog might learn something yet.

[Robb]

6. The expensive ones

...have the added advantage that since you paid so much for them, your brain will tell you to like them more than you might've otherwise. ;)

[ThomWV]

7. Must be a code-name Harley Davidson

[Haole Girl]

4. The above sounds like sound advice...

you might also try different gloves (with just a little padding). :hi:

[av8rdave]

8. For long trips, another thing that helps...

is a throttle rocker. See http://www.throttlerocker.com

I've had one for years...they're great. You can rotate it in the "close throttle" direction, but it grips the throttle and turns it when you rotate it in the "open throttle" direction. I use mine near the outboard end of the throttle. I can keep the desired throttle position with the heel of my palm - very comfortable. When I need to slow down/stop, I just slide my hand a little bit inboard and I have complete control of the throttle.

Hope it helps!