Left hand/wrist

[madcyril]

During my DAS lesson today , my left wrist really started to ache and was slightly painfull to pull the clutch in , especially after doing lots of slow clutch control stuff . Is this a normal thing to happen when just learning to ride a bike , and should i expect it to continue ?

I found resting it at junctions by putting the bike into neutral helped alot , but i dont know whether that will be acceptable during my test or not .

This happen to you lot ?

[Major_Grooves]

You'll get used to it eventually but probably not in time for your exam, so might might just have to put up with it. I seem to remember having a similar problem. Might be worth asking your instructor to adjust your clutch lever or something.
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[JodieWodie]

My thumbs and wrists on both hands hurt a lot sometimes...some days are worse than others......

I am also developing a 'hard bony lump' on my left thumb from gripping the bar and doing the clutch,...

I guess it eases with time.
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[yambabe]

Sorry, I've never experienced any pain in my left hand or wrist whilst riding. It does sound like the clutch lever may be a bit stiff though, ask the instructor if anyone else has mentioned a problem?

What I do get a lot of, especially on long runs, is "vibrating right thumb". Sometimes so bad that I lose all feeling in the thumb for brief periods - ouch.

You can take your left hand off the bars & wiggle it around to relieve any pain/tension as long as you're cruising at a fairly steady speed, not a lot you can do with the right one though!
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[carvell]

I used to get that all the time when I got the Bros, went away after a couple of weeks though, I'm sure yours will too.
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[hustler]

I used to get get pains like that, but after a few months of riding my wrists must have got used to it.
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[Claud 14.7 to 1]

Only ever had clutch hand pains once. Goes after about a week. Just wait untill the muscle develops and then its easy and completely painless.

[iCraig]

I used to get that when I was learning 3 years ago (whooaa was it really that long ago?) and you soon get used to it with more and more riding, your muscle's in your hands begin to get stronger etc.

Only time I get it now is when I commute in heavy traffic which is'nt that often:).

[Visitor Q]

I never got it on my 50, but that had a really slick clutch, and the gear changes were milliseconds, clutch in, up, clutch out... bosh

got the goose, couldnt feel my left hand/wrist within about 5 miles, cos you have to let the clutch out so finely etc. I think its just $ strokes, engine breaking being the pig it is. But as mentioned after a bit you build up the muscle.

That said try riding in gloves, it makes your hands 'thicker' and so you have to move less or summit, either way without gloves hurt like buggery, with gloves, dull ache
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[Adam_P]

I got the same problem while doing my DAS. Might have had something to do with the clutch on the ER5 I was using though, as I don't get it at all on my bike. But could be that I've got used to it now too though.

It'll go away, and if it doesn't, go to the doctor!
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[madcyril]

Thanks for the replies , i figured it was probably a muscle thing , as it clears up within minutes of stopping . Glad to know its not just me .

[Steve H]

Another common source of the painful wrist problem whilst riding is that you're not relaxing (because of all the other thing's you are attempting to remember!). Consequently your arms become taught and rigid and not bent at the elbows thus putting undue pressure on the wrist area.

Try slouching your shoulders/bending over from the waist a little so your not putting a lot of your body weight on your wrists and bend your elbows to take a bit of the strain. It might seem a bit alien initially but it really does work.

Good luck on your DAS

SteveH
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[stinkwheel]

You need to take more of the weight with your legs, grip the tank especially when braking. Try to keep your forearms paralell with the road to minimise strain. Also move the lever closer to the bars, You are probably on an ER5 or a CB500, they both have adjustable levers.
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[aqualung1]

agree with steve h and stinky
positioning can be all, just moving a lever a bit, or maybe repositioning around on bar a bit may help.. i moved my bars round just a tad and all of a sudden 200 miles no longer a chore


also as said, relax, this will come with practice as tension will not help..

if in this hot weather ensure you drink enough water, as tension from training, concentration will not help

[Jinx]

[Androo]

I know exactly what you are talking about! Apart from the things other people mentioned (like dont hold the clutch in for long periods if possible), try to relax your hands and wrists especially during slow maneouvering where you tend to tense up.

[madcyril]

Thanks people , i will try and put those tips into operation on saturday when i have my next lesson .

BTW i do wear gloves for training , i fear what would happen to my hands if i came off .