Hello. I just got my savage over a week ago and have put more than 300 miles on it around town. I am a heavy computer user; database entry by day, digital video editing by night. I also injured my right wrist last spring while doing Karate (my fist met with a lunging knee).

Anyway, I noticed that since riding my hands and wrists hurt a lot more. The vibration, gripping, and lack or agronomics (is that the right word?) is adding stress to my already overused hands.

The bike is now one of my main forms of transportation. The other is a 1963 Ford F100 in need of restoration. Besides, I would rather give up my job than the bike  because I am hooked.

I am wondering if anyone has some suggestions as to how to improve my riding so that my hands and wrists arent so negatively effected. thanks.

Junkboy wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:08:


Grips will likely make the biggest difference.  You could also look at the setting on your shocks but it is probably more a vibration than a suspension issue.

One other thought is a massager.  I actually have early arthritis in my hands and sometimes when I wake up in the morning they ache like the d-i-c-kens.  We bought one of those back massagers (they sell them in lots of places) and I use it on my hands when they really hurt.  It makes quite a difference.

Of course I'd suggest starting with the grips as it is better to treat the problem than the symptoms if you can!  Glad you are enjoying your new ride!  Have you gotten used to the purple yet?  

Your hands will strengthen with the miles and be less sensitive.  In the interim, try moving the handlebar fore/aft to change the grip angle until you find a more comfortable position.  Or, buy an S40, the bars have better ergos.  

Also, get a Throttle Rocker to lighten the load on the right wrist.  It's a very worthwhile gadget, highly recommended.

http://www.throttlerocker.com/

p.s.

IMO, the original Throttle Rocker is far superior to their new velcro strap job.

Junkboy wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:08:


In my MSF course (love the MSF course  ) they warned us not to use neutral at lights.  The thinking is we should always be prepared to immediately get out of the way if something happens and that the extra second it takes to put the bike in gear could be the difference between getting out of the way and getting hit.  They mentioned things like an accident at the intersection that spins out of control or a car that loses control and can't stop in time.  

On one of the other forums when this came up, someone mentioned that it had actually happened to them and if they hadn't been prepared and gotten out of the way, they would have been rear ended.

Just food for thought.  Glad to hear all is well with the bike.  You'll have to post pics once you get her repainted.

Susan wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:08:


Susan is quite right about the advice from the MSF course.  There are also other instances when being in gear is important...What if the vehicle behind you is already stopped?

This page that is posted on my web site comes from the AMA magazine.  The article concerns road rage against bikers, and this picture concerns a dump truck that ran over a biker at a light in Pittsburg.  Of particular interest (on the next page) is the fact that a witness saw the biker lift his left foot to the peg after the truck lurched forward....I can only assume that he was in nuetral and wanted to shift into gear.  The biker was hurt very badly and lost a leg.

Gitarzan -- Sorry to hear about your accident.  It sure does make me stop and think about driving defensively while on the motorcycle.  I am always scanning for potential dangers but am going to be even more vigilant.  Glad to hear you are o.k.

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'Tarzan, it sounds like you have a case against both of them, more power to you.

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Yeah, I will generally agree w/ that, but it is not a one-size-fits-all situations rule (and it helps sell a lot more clutch springs & cables) However on your return to the city after riding and if you are not 1st in line, and everyone is stopped behind traffic for a known long light. It's OK to give your hands, your butt, your legs a quick rest and a little exercise. (Just don't turn off your radar) Save wear on the clutch, stand up off the seat, shift weight to both feet, get some blood to the fanny and/or wiggle the hands & fingers sometimes, to get a little more circulation going to whatever weary body part(s) need attention. Then always try to be back in gear as the cross-light is yellow. Then you feel ready to 'fight traffic' again. I’m talking about a little help for your body, not rider fatigue. Rider fatigue is something to be avoided. If you’re beat, stop and take a break.
I find traffic is something to be avoided at all costs, a Savage/40's 50/60 mpg allows you to route yourself to avoid as much of it as possible, even if it is much farther to use as many un-traveled/light traffic streets as you can! Find those streets w/o traffic and those irresponsible, speeding-while-cell-phone-talking idiots!! Someone once said, we should only be licensed for anything else, only after a year of being a licensed motorcycle rider.
I agree, and one thing you can't do is ride and talk on the cursed cell phone.