Topic: Wrist Repair

[CB500_k2]

My CBs have rather strong springs in the throttle return system.  I have been suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and can not ride for long without my hands going to sleep. Yes, I know that this is part of getting old and riding with a little discomfort is better that being in the ground.  But still I do like to ride.  I am considering surgery to remedy the problem.  I really would like to know if this will ease my riding.  Does anyone have any experience??

[myhondas]

Or  you could get a cruise control that would counteract a lot of that return spring tension. I had one on my original 74 and have one on my magna. The one I had on the 750K4 was inside the grip and the one on the magna is on the outside. I prefer the type inside the grip. I plan on getting a nice new one on the new magna and will sell the outside one. Kuryakyn makes a nice one. But I am sure there are others as well.

http://www.kuryakyn.com/index.cfm/go/Home.ProductDetail/catID/17/scID/117/IMID/1538

[Gordon]

You could try a throttle-rocker.  It clamps around the throttle grip and allows you to open or hold the throttle in place just with the weight of your arm on your wrist, rather than having to grip the throttle to turn it.  Most bike accessory shops sell them, and they're only around 5 - 10 bucks.

[Steve_K]

I have used a VW bug carb spring back in the 70's.  It closed the throttle if the cable was lubed and routed perfectly.
With out the closer cable I would not risk the throttle not sticking.  There likely is a spring between the VW and the stock spring that may work
Steve

[BobbyR]

First of all you may or may not have carpel tunnel. There is another condition which mimics it and cannot be diagnosed without a nerve conduction test. It is call a tight Fascia. I have it and I had the horrible numbness and pain. I went to a Physical Medicine MD and had the test. I have a slight Carpel Tunnel but this Fascia contraction was my main problem. A few Physical Therapy session along with exercises and wearing braces at night and I can ride for hours and perform daily tasks.  Google Tight Fascia for more details.

[MCRider]

First of all you may or may not have carpel tunnel. There is another condition which mimics it and cannot be diagnosed without a nerve conduction test. It is call a tight Fascia. I have it and I had the horrible numbness and pain. I went to a Physical Medicine MD and had the test. I have a slight Carpel Tunnel but this Fascia contraction was my main problem. A few Physical Therapy session along with exercises and wearing braces at night and I can ride for hours and perform daily tasks.  Google Tight Fascia for more details.

Yes I think carpel tunnel has been over diagnosed. A good physical therapist would go to pressure release points in your arm near your elbow that could really help.

I get vicious pain in my fingers from over mousing. My chiropractor has shown me the pressure release points that I can massage myself and it goes away.

And a throttle rocker type device where the weight of your hand holds the throttle open is very good. THey go by other names, I think mine is "twist assist". Google that for alternatives.

Could be CTS though...

[gar]

I can attest to the throttle rocker too!! I also find the springs excessively strong (at least from a comfort perspective)... so I bought a cheap plastic throttle rocker from Dennis Kirk.  It works wonderfully, making the ride even more pleasant.  It has earned a permanent place on my bike. 

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I think the throttle rocker is your best bet. Also check your cables to be sure they are not frayed or gummed up if you've been lubing them. Another thing to check for is proper routing of the cables. My literature for my 750F has pictures of proper cable routing with one cable above the coils and the other below. Now, if you've already done this then maybe this will benefit others.

My "carpel tunnel" was causing numbness in the fingers of my left hand as well as coldness in 2 fingers. Turned out my "carpel tunnel" was a compressed C5-C6 area in my neck from an automobile accident and not my wrist at all. The nerve that runs down the arm exits the neck in this area and the inflammation was restricting the nerve affecting my hand. Time and anti-inflammatories have helped.     

[BobbyR]

I think the throttle rocker is your best bet. Also check your cables to be sure they are not frayed or gummed up if you've been lubing them. Another thing to check for is proper routing of the cables. My literature for my 750F has pictures of proper cable routing with one cable above the coils and the other below. Now, if you've already done this then maybe this will benefit others.

My "carpel tunnel" was causing numbness in the fingers of my left hand as well as coldness in 2 fingers. Turned out my "carpel tunnel" was a compressed C5-C6 area in my neck from an automobile accident and not my wrist at all. The nerve that runs down the arm exits the neck in this area and the inflammation was restricting the nerve affecting my hand. Time and anti-inflammatories have helped.     

Jerry, that is what they uncovered with me also a slight buldge in the disc, tight Fascia all of which led to symptoms. The throttle rocker is fine and i do use one no wnand then, but you need to address the underlying cause since that pain intrudes on other activities. 

[CB500_k2]

Thanks for the feedback.  I did have a nerve conduction study done to confirm the diagnosis of CTS. I will be looking into reduction of the return spring tension and the use of a twist assist device of some sort.  Has anyone any experience with cycling after CT ligament release surgery?  I guess I am looking for some justification for going under the knife.  As much as I like tinkering with my CBs riding is my passion.

[Kframe]

Throttle rockers are great, and also might wanna change your handlebars.
I don't know what style you have, but some are easier on the wrists and neck than others.
Good luck!
-K

[BobbyR]

Thanks for the feedback.  I did have a nerve conduction study done to confirm the diagnosis of CTS. I will be looking into reduction of the return spring tension and the use of a twist assist device of some sort.  Has anyone any experience with cycling after CT ligament release surgery?  I guess I am looking for some justification for going under the knife.  As much as I like tinkering with my CBs riding is my passion.

The people I know who have had true CTS have had good outcomes. In the meantime get youself some good wrist braces and wear them at night. People tend to hold their wrists at odd angles for long periods when they sleep. The releif is quite amazing after a week or two.

[Laminar]

And another vote for the throttle rocker. This one was $12 from the local Yamaha dealership (it's right next to my work, whereas the Honda dealership is a 25 minute drive away).



It immediately felt very natural to use and now I'm not dreading my 6 hour ride on Friday.

[Gordon]

Have you tried or considered physical therapy?  My wife was diagnosed with CTS a few years ago and it helped her a lot.  In the end, surgery may be the best option, but I'd try everything I could before going that route. 

[turboguzzi]

Thanks for the feedback.  I did have a nerve conduction study done to confirm the diagnosis of CTS. I will be looking into reduction of the return spring tension and the use of a twist assist device of some sort.  Has anyone any experience with cycling after CT ligament release surgery?  I guess I am looking for some justification for going under the knife.  As much as I like tinkering with my CBs riding is my passion.

even very healthy and young MotoGP riders undergo the CTS surgery, seems to be a pretty common malady among riders.

if you have stock closer cables, I wouldnt worry about reducing return spring tension quite a bit.

TG