Enter the Dragon

[andrewcsy]

Hello!
Allow me to introduce myself, at least in terms of the Kawi blood that blasts though these veins of mine:

I am a long-time Kawasaki rider. Started with a KZ650 (loved that bike), then a KZ750, then a ZRX11 (nice machine). Unfortunately the ZRX11 blew up last November. I knew my next ride had to be the GTR14, but I just couldn’t afford it at the time, so I bought a Versys. After the roads finally started drying out this spring (I commute all year), I really began to enjoy the Versys. My initial disappointment with the lack of horses was offset by the sheer pleasure of throwing her around the B roads here in Inverclyde. The Versys’ handling was exceptional.

Enter the Dragon:
I just came into a few quid, so I finally picked up my GTR last week. The quids were few, so I had to trade in the Versys. Wish I could have kept her. (Maybe someday I’ll be able to afford a stable). But I got a good deal.

The Dragon: what a machine! I’m just today at 600 miles, so I’ve not yet explored the fun stuff, but I’m well impressed. My only problem is that my hands get right sore, all the way up to my elbows. I’m hoping the BMW Sport Grips I ordered will help – we’ll see.

I’ve recently started a blog about life here in Gourock, Scotland. So far several of my posts have been about the GTR, and I foresee many more to come.
Check it out and feel free to leave comments.


I’ve been reading these GTR forums for a few months now and have found them invaluable. I look forward to more such excellence in the GTR days ahead.

Andrew

[Joe88ZX10]

Hi , I have an 1988 ZX10 and I've found that my wrists have quite a bit of pressure on them and my hands go numb/tingly after 30 min.s of riding .
Can you elaborate more on the benefits of the BMW Sport grips , as I'm going to replace the hard ones on my bike .
Also , if anyone else could suggest a fine brand it would be very helpful .

Thanks !

[andrewcsy]

Hello again,

Tried to order the BMW sportgrips but they sent me the wrong ones. The dealership was everything but helpful in trying to order the right ones, so I just said screw it and got the grip puppies.

They're alright I guess. My hands hurt less, but I don't like the extra thickness in terms of lever operation.

So then I installed the Helibars risers. Much better now, and I find the bike generally turns better. The pain in my hands and elbows is all but gone, but I still get a cramp between my shoulder blades. The bars are just too wide - my arms are spread out at an angle instead of directly in front.

Anyone hear of a complete replacement for the handlebars?

Cheers
Andrew

p.s. this is one nice bike.

[JamminJere]

Andrew,

I've yet to see an actual replacement for the handlebars... but only as a suggestion try this...

Don't use your hands on the bars to support ALL of your upper body weight. Instead try to use your core abdominal muscles to hold most of your upper body weight most of the time, keeping that weight off your hands and wrists and relaxing, using them just for steering inputs and controlling the bike thru countersteering the bars.

Do exercizes to strengthen your core muscles, if needed. You'll find it not only helps your lower back, but will make you a much better long distance rider as well.

I tend to use this method in alteration... resting my arms by using my core... and then resting my core by using my arms.

I've done 8-900 mile days on the C14 this way with no pain in my arms/wrists and I have the stock bar setup.

Only a suggestion/ hope it helps

Jerry

[Hitman]

Jerry. Relaxing makes all the difference. Also don't grip with your knees relax them as well. Let the bike do the work. People have complained about scuffed tank sides where knees go. There is no need for any pressure to be exerted here. If you are, then you aren't relaxed.

[kwackerken]

I had the same problem of numbness after 15 min or so, predominantly in the throttle hand.

I have fitted Daytona Heated Grips and the problem is greatly reduced.

I have also been conscious about not resting my weight on the bars, but that didn't really help - making me think that the problem was vibration and that the thicker grips have a dampening effect.

[Hitman]

Agreed. I used to get some tingling/numbness in my throttle hand only, but normally after long motorway cruising. One small thing I did notice, which may be totally unrelated was that the tingling stopped after I had my warped discs replaced. I wonder whether the tingling in the throttle hand is associated with slightly warped front rotors. The high frequency vibrations may be getting transfered up through to the front brake lever. If you rest your fingers on the lever during normal riding you could feel the tingle. That seems to have all but disappeared after the new rotors were fitted under warranty.

[andrewcsy]

Thank's Jerry.

Also found this, which some of you may have seen already.

Dick Frantz' Riding Position:
http://www.bmwsporttouring.com/ubbth...r=2757&fpart=1