but I am thinking the HD black diamond grips that I have are casuing my hands to go numb. FAK !!! Usally its not a bother, but lately its criving me crazy and not at all an enjoyable ride.

Thinking something like the old bobber style may be better, more rubber.

Anyone getting numb hands from grips?

 

No, but i came off an old Triumph.
I would like to get some grips like what was on the old Triumphs, they are hard rubber, but soft inside, and are not flat but larger in the center.
I looked at the Harley vintage grips, but they are hard rubber, not padded at all.

If vibration is an issue, there is something called bar snake, a spring you shove inside the bars that is supposed to kill vibration.

Brett

 

Grip size can make a big difference in hands going numb or not.
Add thick gloves ane watch the problem grow.
many will find comfort for the long ride improves with a thinner grip

 

That can also be caused by 'gripping the grips' too tightly.

Some people call it the 'death grip'..

On long runs I always wear gel-palmed gloves, which do an excellent job of cutting down felt vibration in your hands.

 

Yup a tight hold will wear you out, many people hang on against the wind.
Thicker grips are one option but you should try the oldest methode.
Sit the bike kickstand up,,close your eyes,,relax and reach for the bars.
Open your eyes,,I bet your hands are in a different place like just above and behind the grips a few inches,,
This would mean Risers are in your future.
A "throttle boss" may help aslo called a "Cramp Buster",,google it.
I still have the stock skinny grips,,I hate em after about 50 miles.
I'm low on funds so I just shake my hands out often for now.
I'm goin for thicker grips and pull backs or different bars when I can
scrounge up the coin.
You should try rotating your bars back a few inches first, I did that and was a BIG Improvement.

 

Thanks fellas.
I've noticed the death grip, and relaxed. Tried the thinner gloves. Seemed worse.
Maybe angle of the RSD bars? Think i'll try this.

 

I never saw much need for the extra cost 'throttle boss' type stuff as Harley's already come stock with the Star Throttle Friction Lock.

I just set the throttle friction to the point where the throttle will remain in it's set position when you remove your hand, but the throttle will still manually open and close easily.

Many newer riders don't realize it, but it wasn't that many years ago that Harley's didn't have the throttle return spring, and you had to open and close the throttle manually (just like when the star friction lock is used properly).

I've owned and have been riding Harley's since back in the late 1960's, and I believe the first Harley I owned that came with a throttle return spring was my 1996 EVO WideGlide.

The throttle return spring is just another safety feature (just like the bank angle sensor) meant to help newer riders out of trouble.

 

Try a search. There have been other threads on this recently.

I suffer greatly from this same thing, and can tell you what has helped me most:

1) Loose fitting gloves! (tight ones strangle circulation in your hand)
2) Kury rubber throttle boss. (eliminates the need to "grip" the throttle; provides for many alternate hand positions)
http://www.bikebandit.com/kuryakyn-throttle-boss

By continually changing the position of your grip, even using individual fingers to apply pressure to the throttle boss you can hold off much of the distress indefinitely. And it is infinitely adjustable and doesn't get in the way. Best $12 I've spent!

If you are just cruising at a constant speed with no traffic on an expressway, then the friction lock can be useful.

 

I don't like any kind of glove, although in the winter, you have to have them.

I could never get comfortable with the stock bars, they were just wacko.

When a bike is set up right, its a joy to ride all day long, the grips should fall to hand, while riding there should not be force on anything, or need to grip to hold on, everything should be relaxed.

On some bikes I have owned, I think I could almost fall asleep while riding.

Brett

 

I really don't think this applies to a Sportster or to any Harley I've ever ridden.

And I'd guess that you've never been plagued by hand numbness. This can be a serious problem, particularly for us old folks who suffer from arthritis.