hi :) New Here with a question for small hands! : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

TheMrs · 08-17-2009, 03:53 PM

Hey Ladies,

I 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' like a bitch.

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

Thanks ladies! Oh yeah, if you are from the SF Bay Area, i'm looking for lady riders, all our riders and dudes

Serg06 · 08-17-2009, 04:01 PM

Sorry not a lady, but there are aftermarket levers out there that have the angle closer to the grip. I'm sure the ladies will chime in sooner or later but in the mean wile try looking those up.

thrasher · 08-17-2009, 04:04 PM

Welcome from southeast Texas!

I ran across one place recently while looking for something else that might have what you're looking for. They have adjustable clutch and front brake levers for those with small hands. Not sure whether they are on the market yet or not. Might want to call them.

http://www.metalartsinc.com/adjustab...rake_lever.htm

ultraplusrotax · 08-17-2009, 05:47 PM

Dear Wifey, before changing clutch & brake-levers, develop the muscles you never used before.
Your pain is fatigue, you are holding these handlebars like the eagle holds that big fish.
It isn't a bronco you are riding, unconscienscely you hold the handlebars much to hard.
Develop the muscles of your forearm and hand by squeezing some balls, rubber balls that is...

After squeezing a thousand balls you will be a happy relaxed H-D -rider.
from your personal medical coach in Flanders Fields, Fré.

TheMrs · 08-17-2009, 07:31 PM

LOL!!!! Thanks for the advice

Things is though, my forearms are good, i work out a lot, i just feel like maybe they are just too big for me. I'll give a shot though

I'll check out the site too.

Anja · 08-18-2009, 10:38 PM

Hullo, TheMrs, and welcome.

Let us know what you work out for yourself.

TheMrs · 08-20-2009, 01:32 PM

I will

SO far, nothing, didt ride yesterday or today because my hands hurt too much... I WANNA RIDE!!!!!

Skeet7373 · 09-12-2009, 09:22 PM

Hi TheMrs, I'm new the this forum and though I would look in the ladies forum. In the late 90's a coworker who had the shortest fingers ever, had a dealer to actually bend the levers closer in. I didn't think that was possible but they did it, and they didn't break. I rode her bike around a parking lot and was so shocked as to how close the clutch was as it was being released. This made the clutch grab quickly. Sadly she passed away a few months ago from cancer. She was one of the best riders I ever saw who was all of 4'10" tall. I just bought a set of Ergo levers from Custom Chrome, they are being installed next week on my 07 Street Glide. My old bike the 93 Low Rider was no problem with the levers. Also find a set of grips that fit your hand, don't go to small cause that will cause you to put too much pressure on the grips. Try to relax your hands. I'm getting carpel tunnel and my hands hurt more especially with using a computer now more. Hope any of this helps.

Skeet
aka Karen in Nashville, Tn

TonyJ · 09-12-2009, 10:05 PM

The standard PM grips are smaller and may help. And they are awesome!

1949shoebox · 09-12-2009, 11:23 PM

they sell an easy cltuch. check into it for your bike it reduces the effort needed to squeeze clutch and with extended levers you should do fine... good luck.

ktwillys · 09-13-2009, 09:31 AM

HD offers a small grip and a large grip.. you can check with the local stealer and see what they have.. they should be listed in the catalog as to size...
then a easypull system and you should be good to go...

just a thought.. even though you work out a lot most people do not work their hands properly for grip...
the best thing for that is a spring grip strengthener..
you can get them at any sporting goods store,... they look like an upside down V with two handles and a spring in the middle..

those three things and you will keep up with any guy on the ride....

have fun

03GLIDE_ · 09-13-2009, 03:17 PM

What you need is a dog leg style lever.

claydbal · 09-13-2009, 04:09 PM

raced off-road for years, and the excercise that was SOP during the week was to cut a 18 inch piece of broom handle, drill hole in center, tie nylon rope (like ski rope) through the hole. tie other end to brick. now, roll the handle so you raise the brick up, then roll down. after a few weeks, move to a cinder block, repeat. after a few weeks, you are up to a 20 lb weight. continue until comfortable.

blackjackcustms · 10-02-2009, 09:55 PM

I have a number of female customers with smaller hands, and what I do is to increase the clutch freeplay. The more freeplay in the cable, the closer to the handlebar the clutch engages, and often this helps people with smaller hands. Just be sure you still have complete dis-engagement. I'll give a plus one to the "easy clutch" as well.

Steelhorse · 10-09-2009, 12:29 AM

Go with balls......will strengthen fingers and palm.