Super sports uncomfortable - touring time?

[LetsTryAgain]

Hi all.

I have a 2018 Fireblade and I'm only getting 15 minutes or so before i'm losing the feeling in my hands.
I've done a few track days and the Ron Haslam experience at Donington so I do certain things to help take the weight off my wrists but I never get long before the numbness comes back.
What bikes can people recommend? I have super sport ownership history only.
Please can someone put me off Hayabusa's and Super Blackbirds!

TIA, Stuart.

Edited by LetsTryAgain on Monday 23 December 20:21

[Andybow]

LetsTryAgain said:

Hi all.

I have a 2018 Fireblade and I'm only getting 15 minutes or so before i'm losing the feeling in my hands.
I've done a few track days and the Ron Haslam experience at Donington so I do certain things to help take the weight off my wrists but I never get long before the numbness comes back.
What bikes can people recommend? I have super sport ownership history only.
Please can someone put me off Hayabusa's and Super Blackbirds!

TIA, Stuart.

Edited by LetsTryAgain on Monday 23 December 20:21

You’ll get the usual , someone will be fine doing a million miles in a day on a fireblade the next person will say get a goldwing. If you still want sporty but a bit more comfort
Try a z1000sx or superduke gt for a similar experience to the fireblade

[LetsTryAgain]

I thought (and to a degree, still think) I had carpal tunnel syndrome but the occ health at work got a Dr in and she reckons not so Lord knows what to blame.
Either way, it's making riding unenjoyable.
Will take a look at those, thank you.

[Dr Jekyll]

Perfectly serious question. Would it ruin the riding experience if the bars were a bit higher? It seems as though sports bikes have to be uncomfortable on principle.

[Andybow]

I have the same problem with the sportsbike position , happy as Larry doing large mileage days on a naked but my neck and back hurt on a sportsbike doing half that.
Are you going touring next year?

[Esceptico]

Have you had this issue with all super sports bikes or just the 2018 Fireblade? The ergonomics for sports bikes differ (even if as a class they are generally less comfortable that cruisers) so you could fine another sportsbike that is fine for you (that someone else might find painful). Try out some different bikes from local dealers.

Someone in the past posted a useful website that showed the leg and arm room for every bike but I didn’t save it so can’t repost but if you search on here you might be able to find it.

[LetsTryAgain]

No, I'm not at the 'touring' stage of my life, unfortunately.
Two dogs keep me around, never going too far.
I would like to be able to go out for 2/3 hours and not have to use my left hand on the throttle after 15 minutes to get the feeling back into my right though...!

Fitness isn't an issue, also unfortunately.
I'm 31 and spend a decent chunk of time in the gym. I carried 35 kilo's on my back on a 2004 GSX-R 600 800 miles back from Germany.

It's purely are numb hands feeling!!

[Andybow]

Maybe look at getting a naked. Superduke, tuono etc, take one out and you’ll realise why they are such a good road bike

[LetsTryAgain]

Andybow said:

Maybe look at getting a naked. Superduke, tuono etc, take one out and you’ll realise why they are such a good road bike

Quite like the naked Aprilia, actually.

[Esceptico]

If it is just your right hand it could be the vibration you are picking up through the throttle - I’ve always suffered from that but it usually takes longer than 16 minutes to set in.

[Andybow]

LetsTryAgain said:

Quite like the naked Aprilia, actually.

Great bike and amazing bike for the road

[LetsTryAgain]

Esceptico said:

If it is just your right hand it could be the vibration you are picking up through the throttle - I’ve always suffered from that but it usually takes longer than 16 minutes to set in.

Yes, it's definitely that.
But i have other CTS symptoms, too.
I can't really reads lying down in bed, or they go numb, and I have embarrassingly poor grip strength.

Maybe my motorcycling 'career's is as good as over...!?

[Scobblelotcher]

I’ve had the same problem on sports bikes and have found myself far more suited to super nakeds or similar upright positions.

I ride a S1000R which I love, it’s fast, extremely comfortable and sporty. As ever all of our biomechanics are different to an extent so taking extended test rides is the way to go.

[2wheelsjimmy]

Have you been to see an osteopath or good physio?

Going to the gym does not mean your body works as it should. You might have a treatable underlying issue.

I'd look at finding the cause and trying to fix that. Which likely wont be easy or quick. But it might improve your quality of life long term, and allow you to continue the hobby you enjoy.

[NS400R]

I've got the same bike. It is the most comfortable sportsbike I've ever owned and I'm over 50. I've been able to do all day trips in the Alps on it with no issues. Whilst clearly different people have different experiences, it sounds like the issue is with you not the bike although a more upright riding position would likely help. I'd try risers first, then change for a other bike.

[Wildfire]

I used to be of the “I can ride my sports bike all the time!”

Then I got a naked bike and saw the error of my ways. Then borrowed my mates Tiger...

[Krikkit]

I don't think there's any shame in trying a naked or something more upright... Surely noone can say a super Duke or tuono v4 is a soft bike that's fine by being a smidge less wristy?

[Rubin215]

LetsTryAgain said:

I can't really reads lying down in bed, or they go numb, and I have embarrassingly poor grip strength

The symptoms you describe are coming from your neck, not your hands.

See a doctor and push for an MRI on your neck, x-rays or a CT scan won't show clearly enough what is going on.

[bogie]

https://cycle-ergo.com/

the website to compare riding positions between bikes. Quite useful to see the differences. I would guess that a more upright bike might help with the hands - maybe find a friendly dealer who will let you try some potential bikes.

[AlunJ]

I found the tuono still quite heavy on the wrists. Superduke fine, I'd probably buy the tuono though