It hurts each time I use the clutch, what can I do?

[byke95]

After 5 or so minutes of riding the tendons in my left wrist start aching, so much so that I can't wait to get off the bike, sometimes even having to stop.

I developed this problem last November, around the same time as I picked up my ZX6R (my 7th bike, 3rd Ninja), and deliberately didn't ride much at all over November and December to let is rest up. However, now I'm on the bike more it's still hurting. It's not due to my riding position or bike i.e. not the pressure on the wrists, they're fine, it's the action of reaching forward, grabbing the clutch lever and bringing it in. As this action is fairly specific it doesn't impact on my daily life (I'm fine at the gym), just the bike.

Has anyone had this problem before, can suggest why it is happening or maybe even a solution? The thought of having to give up biking (it really does make any journey difficult) is making me worried...

Any help is much appreciated

[Whosthedaddy]

Carpel tunnel maybe?
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Current : MSX 125 Past : CBR 900RR Monkeybike : c50 LAC : ZXR750 H2 : FZR600 : ZX7R P3 : YW100 : TRX850: Trophy 900 T309 : GSXR 600 L0: Monkeybike : XJ6S Whosthedaddy

[PsychoHippy]

I suffered from the same thing for a while. I went to the Docs and he told me it was CTS (Carpel Tunnel Syndrome), he tried to clear it with anti inflamitaries which worked to a point. Ended up haveing a steroid injection in the wrist and total rest for it for a week - now it's all gone and riding is fun again (or would be if I didn't have a broken ankle).

Do go to the Docs sooner rather than later though
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I spend all my money on bikes and beer, the rest I simply waste!

[byke95]

Yup, a trip to the docs seems in order!

Thanks for the CTS insight...had a quick look ar Wikipedia and it seems to make sense, but I don't get the tingling or numbness so maybe not...a good start though.

Cheers!

[Itchy]

change to a foot clutch? , clutches are all still cable pull , you should be able to bodge a few pieces of steel together and put a push down mech = clutch in for your right foot.
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[TomR6]

Powerballs are recommended pretty highly for recovery. I dont have CTS, but it strengthens the arms really well, and is very addictive

https://www.play.com/Gadgets/Gadgets/4-/143797/Powerball_Original_250Hz_Pro/Product.html

I've got a neon blue one, quite cool, lights up when you get about 5k RPM
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2005 Yamaha R6

[sickpup]

Adjust clutch lever height so it doesn't hurt?

[VTR SP1]

Try dropping your arm so when you open your hand and stretch your fingers for the clutch they are in line with your forearm.

If you open and close your hand now it should not hurt but if you pull your hand back so it's 90 degrees to your forearm and open and close your hand you will feel the difference.

I had the same trouble as you when I got the SP1 and a change of position helped a lot.

SP1
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I rode the Nurburgring backwards.

[byke95]

[sickpup]

Dont worry most people have their levers in the wrong position.

[map]

[byke95]

[Nb]

[Simple]

I like you had the same pains, mine reduced me to tears after 150 miles, making the return journey unbearable.

I got a powerball as above off play.com (cheapest) used it a few times a day. voila problem solved.

I adjusted clutch lever and tiffled a bit, got a new clutch cable, helped a little. The powerball is the shizzle though,

get one with a screen on it and try and beat your score, my personal best is 8655, Pho got nearly 11000...

I only get the pain back if I'm off the bike for a week or so and havnt played with my ball...

*tootles off to play with powerball*
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Insta - FemFeral

[virus]

Have you tried lubing your clutch cable? That should help a bit.


Cheers
John
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own: 81 xs1100g...
owned: 85 rat CG (sold), 91 GS500e (stolen), 84 gsx400f (scrapped), 81 z250 (siezed, siezed, scrapped), 83 cb250rs (sold), 84 gpz750r ratfighter (killed) 84gpz400 (sold), '80 cb650 ratfighter (wrote off) 95gsx6/12f ratfighter (killed) 91 xj900 (sold)
stinkwheel Well I just had my hands up a pigs fanny. Which makes your concerns pale into insignificance.

[Whosthedaddy]

[feef]

[TomR6]

[Simple]

[Shaun]

Try wanking for a week usingly only your left hand, sorted.

[nc30 chick]

If it was carpel tunnel then you would most likely be in pain all the time. The pain I had was 24/7 and agonising, then I had them released and had no pain since.

[romperstomper...]

you can also get an auto clutch fitted for about £650 !
Sounds like RSI !
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Yeah I know !

[map]

[Itchy]

[Simple]