Thumb Joints hurt like HECK!!! : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

TheMrs · 08-17-2009, 04:02 PM

Hi there, just joined, and just got an 08 Nightster. Loooove the bike, but the grips are either too big or the clutch/brake is out too far because the thumb joints are hurtin' bad.

I am new to it all, but custom bikes are in the family. In my blood I want to learn to rip this sucker apart and put it back together.

Anyone have any ideas on how to adjust the grip or levers? I just need this pain to go away and its been over a week

BrianK · 08-17-2009, 06:33 PM

Hi Mrs. How big (or little) are you? I ask because my wife, who's all of 5'5", has a Nightster and has not had this problem. She did on her Triumph Bonneville and we were able to mitigate the issue by using doglegged Pazzo levers (by the way, the longer ones worked better for her than the shorter ones). I don't know if Pazzo makes levers for the Nightster, but they may. Or someone else must.

BTW, she has had a problem with holding the throttle open for long periods of time, which a "Cruise Mate" throttle device helped quite a bit. It replaces the stock throttle screw, works on the same principle but is much easier to deploy when underway.

Best of luck and enjoy the Nightster. I know my wife does.

TheMrs · 08-17-2009, 07:36 PM

i'm 5'4 135lbs. I didnt seem to have a problem on my hubby's Kawi Vulcan 900. It only started once i got the Nightster 1200... strange huh?? No problems with the throttle though

BrianK · 08-18-2009, 12:50 AM

Might just take some getting used to? If not, I gotta believe there's some aftermarket grips/levers that will help. Good luck.

gunnysgt · 08-20-2009, 06:55 AM

You may want to try the Harley "Nostalgia" grips. I've converted several other Nightster riders to them. They are much more comfortable that the stock ones and the look really really good with the Nightster style.

atlantaallen · 08-20-2009, 10:21 AM

Try Grip Puppies. http://www.casporttouring.com/store/...y_Code=GRIPPUP

They can be cut to length and are cheap. I've got 3 pairs for different bikes.

Serg06 · 08-20-2009, 10:27 AM

try some Vicodin ES great for the joints.

TheMrs · 08-20-2009, 01:26 PM

those grip puppies wont work, i feel like my grips are already too big. They are nice black rubberized ones, but still too big

pugster · 08-20-2009, 08:33 PM

i had the same problem n i went with bigger grips i was squezin to tite with stock grips. i was cramping up n my hans hurt . with the bigger ones my hands r open more. i have the jack danials foam grips n love them. i do have short fingers. it sound weird goin bigger but it really worked for me.

Highwayman · 08-23-2009, 11:26 AM

When I drove my Sporty home, I had new bars and grips waiting.

If your hands or wrists are hurting, most likely the angle they are at on you bars.

I went with a drag bar, and $12 motocross dual gel grips

Everything is ducky now.