Numb fingers .... HAVS etc .....

Bobbin-Man

Bobbin-Man

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I've only had the GS a month and I'd convinced myself it's been trying to maim me! Initially I felt it was only longer runs that were a problem for my fingers going white, but my 15 minute commute to work yesterday caused some serious numbness, then coming home I had a couple of errands to run so around 25 minutes total ride time .... and 3 white fingers on each hand, later turning a dark colour before eventually recovering!!!! Already adapted my riding style to hold the bars as loosely as I can but not really helping!

So last night was a workshop session based on various searches I've done on here .... (big thanks to those who've posted in the past :thumb2) ...

Firstly I've injected sealant into the bars - B&Qs finest (read cheapest!) - I completely filled them, initially not realising there's a substantial drain hole underneath in the middle ...... just a little messy with sealant all over the yoke and ignition key/fob :blast Live and learn!

Next, I'd already ordered Finger Puppies so fitted them over the heated grips - very tidy but wow they're thick!!!

So this morning's commute .... much better so far :thumb2 I really don't like the extra thickness of the grips but I'll get some miles done before reconsidering my options - interested to know whether anyone else has fitted this type of grip after removing the standard grips? I'll attempt to make tonight's run home longer again as a fair comparison to yesterday.

So next ....

Bar risers are suggested to help - so awaiting some from a fellow tosser :thumb2

Rocker clearances - not yet got a workshop manual but I assume this is a case of remove the end covers and setting with feeler gauges - assume some kind of adjusting screw / lock nut?

End float - ???

TB balance - assume this is remove the airbox feed and use a synchrometer?

Is there anything else to consider that might help that I've not yet covered? Love the bike but need to sort these teething troubles! BTW it's a 2006 49,000 miler.

Stu.
 
Take it to Adventure Bike Warehouse in Salford. Jono will soon get the bike running as smooth as it's ever going to at a very fair price.

No connection with ABW except as a satisfied customer.

Mike
 
MIKE R said:
Take it to Adventure Bike Warehouse in Salford. Jono will soon get the bike running as smooth as it's ever going to at a very fair price.

No connection with ABW except as a satisfied customer.

Mike
Click to expand...

Agreed, Start by getting it set up correct first.
Until this is done you will be chasing your tail and spending dosh you may not have to.
Took mine to Steptoe and for a very reasonable price got the thing running smooth again.
 
Already discovered the Adventure Bike Warehouse but not yet been - I'd made a mental note of them as retail outlet but hadn't really considered using the workshop facility! Looks like a trip is in order :thumb2

Any views on fitting Finger Puppies with the normal grips removed?

Stu.
 
earthmover said:
You will lose the heated grips (assuming you have them) as the elements are embedded in the grip rubber. How many miles on your bike?
Mark
Click to expand...

I found a good thread on advrider.com about how to renew the grips, carefully removing the old ones and leaving the heating elements in place - I've wondered whether the replacements could be Finger Puppies maybe with a piece of shrink sleeve underneath rather than full rubber grips.
 
I'd price up a pair of new grips first, I think that might change your focus! :eek
I asked about mileage because the vibes from mine have eased considerably as the miles go on.
I had a new pair of gloves that caused my finger ends to go numb as well, until they got soaked, just a thought.
Mark
 
ive got the grip puppy things on mine,they do make the bars thicker,but you get used to them.i dont honestly know if theve workrd or i have just got used to the vibes.more noticeable especially if you have come from a jap 4 cylinder.not much help am i.sorry. j
 
Get the throttle bodies balanced.
It realy does make a difference.
You can do the rest of the sevice yourself, or take the recomendation and get your money back in better fuel and ridding.
Let us know if it works.
Nick
 
49,000+ miles so should be pretty loose by now :D

The thicker grips are already starting to feel more normal so going to persist for now - plus the white finger problem has been massively reduced already with just the grips and the sealant. If I'd made one change at a time I'd be able to report which was most effective but hey ho!

Next stop will be the ABW in the next couple of weeks to get it all setup nicely - it's definitely running lumpier than it should so I guess new plugs and a setup will make it as sweet as a straight 4 (only kidding 'cos I'm selling it if it gets that dull!) :thumb2

Stu.
 
Don't laugh, but I put a similar problem down to tight armholes on my jacket pressing on a nerve. Changing my riding position eventually sorts it out, and it doesn't happen every trip. Sometimes I need to drop my shoulders, sometimes raise them, but there is usually some position that restores circulation and feeling.
I swear this is not a wind-up!
 
Is the front wheel balanced?

This is the first thing Id look at, but since no one else seems to have suggested it maybe I'm being dim.
 
notpc said:
Don't laugh, but I put a similar problem down to tight armholes on my jacket pressing on a nerve. Changing my riding position eventually sorts it out, and it doesn't happen every trip. Sometimes I need to drop my shoulders, sometimes raise them, but there is usually some position that restores circulation and feeling.
I swear this is not a wind-up!
Click to expand...

Exactly what caused my little finger and the adjacent one to go numb ........ I was wearing a thicker fleece under my jacket and that seemed to be restricting bloodflow or pressing on a nerve
 
earthmover said:
I had a new pair of gloves that caused my finger ends to go numb as well, until they got soaked, just a thought.
Mark
Click to expand...


It's definately worth checking out using a different pair of gloves - too tight, or a seam cutting off circulation can easily cause the problems you are having.
Even if they're a pair that were OK with yer old bike, the different bar geometry could set things off
 
Ash - from post no.1:
Bobbin-Man said:
Next, I'd already ordered Finger Puppies so fitted them over the heated grips - very tidy but wow they're thick!!!
Click to expand...
:blast

Thanks for all the extra advice guys. I think vibration is definitely the underlying problem because of the noticeable improvement I've already made with just the grip puppies and injected sealant. I'm going to have the engine set up properly and likely get the wheels re-balanced also - interesting thought. Tyres are probably 50% worn so would make sense anyway :thumb2

Stu.
 
Bobbin-Man said:
Ash - from post no.1:
:blast

Thanks for all the extra advice guys. I think vibration is definitely the underlying problem because of the noticeable improvement I've already made with just the grip puppies and injected sealant. I'm going to have the engine set up properly and likely get the wheels re-balanced also - interesting thought. Tyres are probably 50% worn so would make sense anyway :thumb2

Stu.
Click to expand...

As already stated a couple f times, Jono will set it up for you. I bet the tyres aren't helping. What tyres are on there?
 
have a think about the angle of your wrists when your riding,you may find that the bars are a bit low causing poor circulation ,raising the bars will straighten out your wrists ,i get numb fingers most mornings 15 to 20 mins into the commute cos im slumped forward sitting up and adjusting my posture helps considerably:D
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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