Switched bars and triple clamps, now my hands are getting numb late-moto

Grouper
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Grouper
Edited Date/Time 1/28/2022 6:18am
A sensation I have never felt in all my years riding has now presented itself.

Previously I was running the stock stuff the YZ250 comes with: Pro taper contours filled with foam and solid mount clamps.

Now, I have switched to YZ450f clamps with the rubber mounts and a set of Vortex bars with a crossbar. Clamps torqued to 15 ft*lb as per the manual and stem is torqued to the desired feeling.

I am using ODI Full Waffle grips (pretty soft) and single layer gloves. I am perplexed that I went to rubber mounts and am now having this issue. Is it the crossbar?
Thanks for the help!
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Zycki11
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Zycki11 1/25/2022 2:46pm
1/25/2022 2:46pm
Grouper wrote:
A sensation I have never felt in all my years riding has now presented itself. Previously I was running the stock stuff the YZ250 comes with...
A sensation I have never felt in all my years riding has now presented itself.

Previously I was running the stock stuff the YZ250 comes with: Pro taper contours filled with foam and solid mount clamps.

Now, I have switched to YZ450f clamps with the rubber mounts and a set of Vortex bars with a crossbar. Clamps torqued to 15 ft*lb as per the manual and stem is torqued to the desired feeling.

I am using ODI Full Waffle grips (pretty soft) and single layer gloves. I am perplexed that I went to rubber mounts and am now having this issue. Is it the crossbar?
Thanks for the help!
Are you feeling any more vibration than normal?
1
MyBobbym
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MyBobbym 1/25/2022 2:50pm
1/25/2022 2:50pm
Grouper wrote:
A sensation I have never felt in all my years riding has now presented itself. Previously I was running the stock stuff the YZ250 comes with...
A sensation I have never felt in all my years riding has now presented itself.

Previously I was running the stock stuff the YZ250 comes with: Pro taper contours filled with foam and solid mount clamps.

Now, I have switched to YZ450f clamps with the rubber mounts and a set of Vortex bars with a crossbar. Clamps torqued to 15 ft*lb as per the manual and stem is torqued to the desired feeling.

I am using ODI Full Waffle grips (pretty soft) and single layer gloves. I am perplexed that I went to rubber mounts and am now having this issue. Is it the crossbar?
Thanks for the help!
Zycki11 wrote:
Are you feeling any more vibration than normal?
Switch back foo
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J-Mill
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J-Mill 1/25/2022 3:20pm
1/25/2022 3:20pm
Lock on grips or glue/safety wire on grips?
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Viking782
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Viking782 1/25/2022 3:23pm
1/25/2022 3:23pm
Get some Fasst Co Flexx bars. Helped me a lot.
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mooch
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mooch 1/25/2022 3:24pm
1/25/2022 3:24pm
Thinking maybe the new bars have more or less sweep and you're appendages ain't diggin it.
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Falcon
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Falcon 1/25/2022 3:57pm
1/25/2022 3:57pm Edited Date/Time 1/25/2022 3:58pm
You chose the wrong bar setup. Try going back to your preferred grips, then change the bar bend back to what you had, preferably without a crossbar, and failing that, try solid bar mounts.

PS: Make sure your levers are in the same position you always use. Raise them a little if you're not sure.

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Phillip_Lamb
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Phillip_Lamb 1/25/2022 4:23pm
1/25/2022 4:23pm
aftermarket clamps will be more rigid along with a bar that has a cross bar. also if you have lock on grips that will add to it

change one part at a time. and try different combos

if its just a top clamp, change back to stock and then ride.

put the aftermarket clamp back on with the pro taper bars
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moto162
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moto162 1/25/2022 4:40pm
1/25/2022 4:40pm Edited Date/Time 1/25/2022 4:41pm
Stock 450 clamps shouldn't be more ridged. Check out MXA's reviews for that years triple clamps see if the stiffened them up that year and vs that years 250 and your years 250. Vortex bars are more ridged then your old PT's. PT's have more flex then most all bars. First thing I would do is swap bars its the easiest thing and in my experience very likely your issue. Now another thing to point out is rubber bar mounts move a little while riding. 99% of people don't notice this at all, some pros included. It's one of the oddest things I notice. I use a one peice clamp either ride engineering or luxon both make great 1pc bar mounts. Make a big difference for me. I get more hand fatigue without them. It also gives me a little more feel for my front end and a little more precision. Again in my opinion.
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Grouper
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Grouper 1/25/2022 5:42pm
1/25/2022 5:42pm
Grouper wrote:
A sensation I have never felt in all my years riding has now presented itself. Previously I was running the stock stuff the YZ250 comes with...
A sensation I have never felt in all my years riding has now presented itself.

Previously I was running the stock stuff the YZ250 comes with: Pro taper contours filled with foam and solid mount clamps.

Now, I have switched to YZ450f clamps with the rubber mounts and a set of Vortex bars with a crossbar. Clamps torqued to 15 ft*lb as per the manual and stem is torqued to the desired feeling.

I am using ODI Full Waffle grips (pretty soft) and single layer gloves. I am perplexed that I went to rubber mounts and am now having this issue. Is it the crossbar?
Thanks for the help!
Zycki11 wrote:
Are you feeling any more vibration than normal?
I mean this is what it boils down to, right? So perceivably, no. Maybe a little.. but it is reminisce of the “shocker” arcade game feeling which is kind of self explanatory that it has something to do with vibration.

@mybobbym I actually am running the same grips on both bars so I will bring the stockers next go.. it’s just that it’s like 15*F here so idk when it’ll be ):
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Grouper
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Grouper 1/25/2022 10:43pm
1/25/2022 10:43pm
J-Mill wrote:
Lock on grips or glue/safety wire on grips?
Glue on for the win
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Yeti831
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Yeti831 1/25/2022 10:45pm
1/25/2022 10:45pm
As a former snob who was all about full waffle grip, even soft:

Ditch the full for half waffle. That and the crossbar setup.

You don’t think so, but I put halfs on my bike after running out my fulls. I didn’t like the narrow grip trying it just sitting, but riding it was worlds better.

I think that and a combo off going back to a crossbar. I use to love Twinwalls personally and I can’t stand them 20min into anything.

Start with the grips, it’s cheaper to swap than anything else you’ve invested in 👍
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Grouper
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Grouper 1/25/2022 10:49pm
1/25/2022 10:49pm
Yeti831 wrote:
As a former snob who was all about full waffle grip, even soft: Ditch the full for half waffle. That and the crossbar setup. You don’t...
As a former snob who was all about full waffle grip, even soft:

Ditch the full for half waffle. That and the crossbar setup.

You don’t think so, but I put halfs on my bike after running out my fulls. I didn’t like the narrow grip trying it just sitting, but riding it was worlds better.

I think that and a combo off going back to a crossbar. I use to love Twinwalls personally and I can’t stand them 20min into anything.

Start with the grips, it’s cheaper to swap than anything else you’ve invested in 👍
Main question... Waffle towards the palms or towards the fingers? Haha thanks for the suggestion, I'm always playing with grips so I'll give it a shot. Plus, ODI's best compound is only available in half waffle too.
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suspensionguy 1/25/2022 10:55pm
1/25/2022 10:55pm
That crossbar is making the stiff bars even stiffer, try it without.
1
Leeham
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Leeham 1/26/2022 1:04am
1/26/2022 1:04am
No crossbar bars and different grips will likely be the ticket. Also, does your bike have a metal skid plate that bolts onto the frame? That makes a difference in feel. Unless I absolutely need that protection, I run plastic. I had a metal skid plate on my old KTM 200 and I could never understand why I felt better without skid plate. Took it on and off. Still *felt* a difference but chalked it up to imagination. Its very noticable.
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Talisker
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Talisker 1/26/2022 1:17am
1/26/2022 1:17am Edited Date/Time 1/26/2022 3:15am
What year Yz450 clamps? On different year models the forks were 1 and 2 mm further apart. Your forks may be in a slight bind that is creating a bit of harshness. Coupled with the bars these two things maybe the culprit. I’d put on all the stock stuff and leave it alone.
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wydopen
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wydopen 1/26/2022 4:37am
1/26/2022 4:37am
Something to consider..

I came back from a 8year break in really good shape and was pleasantly surprised that I could do 20-30min motos with zero arm pump or even getting tired in any way and was feeling pretty good about myself. Randomly on the fourth moto of the day at a race my throttle hand went completely numb. Only difference was a new pair of the same gloves I’d been wearing..ever since then I’ve had it happen occasionally and now sometimes I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and my hands are asleep and if I use the computer for more than a few minutes my hand I use the mouse with will also fall asleep/go numb. Same diet/exercise routine, not really sure what it could be..I switched bikes and have messed with bars/grips but it still happens occasionally, usually first or second moto of the day..
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robkinuk
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robkinuk 1/26/2022 4:58am
1/26/2022 4:58am
wydopen wrote:
Something to consider.. I came back from a 8year break in really good shape and was pleasantly surprised that I could do 20-30min motos with zero...
Something to consider..

I came back from a 8year break in really good shape and was pleasantly surprised that I could do 20-30min motos with zero arm pump or even getting tired in any way and was feeling pretty good about myself. Randomly on the fourth moto of the day at a race my throttle hand went completely numb. Only difference was a new pair of the same gloves I’d been wearing..ever since then I’ve had it happen occasionally and now sometimes I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and my hands are asleep and if I use the computer for more than a few minutes my hand I use the mouse with will also fall asleep/go numb. Same diet/exercise routine, not really sure what it could be..I switched bikes and have messed with bars/grips but it still happens occasionally, usually first or second moto of the day..
Sounds like you may have carpal tunnel syndrome in your wrists. Get it checked out and surgery to relieve pressure on carpal tunnel isn't too invasive.
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CG118
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CG118 1/26/2022 5:38am
1/26/2022 5:38am
I prefer solid clamps. Rubber mounts help dampen some shock and vibration, but seem to cause me to hold on tighter, causing more fatigue and more arm pump (I get arm pump at some point anyway, but less when running solid clamps).

Good luck. Lots of good advice by these guys on this. Hope you get it sorted.
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kxfracer108
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kxfracer108 1/26/2022 6:19am
1/26/2022 6:19am
I went from stock clamps to Tag clamps because they were anadized black and looked cool. I didn’t know until a year or so later why my front end of the bike felt like crap until I started listening to podcasts and realized it was super rigid and affected the whole bike. I sold the bike but after that I feel like I would keep stock clamps or get a high end set like Ride or Xtrig, etc.

I hope the grips or bars can help. I like the 1-1/8 non cross bar setup since it gives it more flex, I think that’s more rider preference. Plus I’m a woods rat so we’re a little out there compared to moto guys!!!
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Grouper
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Grouper 1/26/2022 6:23am
1/26/2022 6:23am
Talisker wrote:
What year Yz450 clamps? On different year models the forks were 1 and 2 mm further apart. Your forks may be in a slight bind that...
What year Yz450 clamps? On different year models the forks were 1 and 2 mm further apart. Your forks may be in a slight bind that is creating a bit of harshness. Coupled with the bars these two things maybe the culprit. I’d put on all the stock stuff and leave it alone.
2021. I did the swap swap where the fork clamps get bored to fit 2 stroke forks and the stem gets swapped out. I’m not aware of any binding issues but I can take a center to center measurement on them later and check though.
Grouper
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Grouper 1/26/2022 6:41am
1/26/2022 6:41am
Leeham wrote:
No crossbar bars and different grips will likely be the ticket. Also, does your bike have a metal skid plate that bolts onto the frame? That...
No crossbar bars and different grips will likely be the ticket. Also, does your bike have a metal skid plate that bolts onto the frame? That makes a difference in feel. Unless I absolutely need that protection, I run plastic. I had a metal skid plate on my old KTM 200 and I could never understand why I felt better without skid plate. Took it on and off. Still *felt* a difference but chalked it up to imagination. Its very noticable.
Acerbis plastic plate. $50 dollars hahaha and all I need it to do is to deflect some rocks
Yeti831
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Yeti831 1/26/2022 10:09am
1/26/2022 10:09am
Yeti831 wrote:
As a former snob who was all about full waffle grip, even soft: Ditch the full for half waffle. That and the crossbar setup. You don’t...
As a former snob who was all about full waffle grip, even soft:

Ditch the full for half waffle. That and the crossbar setup.

You don’t think so, but I put halfs on my bike after running out my fulls. I didn’t like the narrow grip trying it just sitting, but riding it was worlds better.

I think that and a combo off going back to a crossbar. I use to love Twinwalls personally and I can’t stand them 20min into anything.

Start with the grips, it’s cheaper to swap than anything else you’ve invested in 👍
Grouper wrote:
Main question... Waffle towards the palms or towards the fingers? Haha thanks for the suggestion, I'm always playing with grips so I'll give it a shot...
Main question... Waffle towards the palms or towards the fingers? Haha thanks for the suggestion, I'm always playing with grips so I'll give it a shot. Plus, ODI's best compound is only available in half waffle too.
Waffle on the fingers, flat towards palm.
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Luxon MX
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Luxon MX 1/26/2022 10:49am
1/26/2022 10:49am
Talisker wrote:
What year Yz450 clamps? On different year models the forks were 1 and 2 mm further apart. Your forks may be in a slight bind that...
What year Yz450 clamps? On different year models the forks were 1 and 2 mm further apart. Your forks may be in a slight bind that is creating a bit of harshness. Coupled with the bars these two things maybe the culprit. I’d put on all the stock stuff and leave it alone.
Grouper wrote:
2021. I did the swap swap where the fork clamps get bored to fit 2 stroke forks and the stem gets swapped out. I’m not aware...
2021. I did the swap swap where the fork clamps get bored to fit 2 stroke forks and the stem gets swapped out. I’m not aware of any binding issues but I can take a center to center measurement on them later and check though.
As long as your YZ250 is 2006 or newer, you're good, 192 mm spread tube to tube.

The bars are likely the culprit here. Different bend (if so) and likely stiffer.
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Falcon
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Falcon 1/26/2022 11:02am
1/26/2022 11:02am
wydopen wrote:
Something to consider.. I came back from a 8year break in really good shape and was pleasantly surprised that I could do 20-30min motos with zero...
Something to consider..

I came back from a 8year break in really good shape and was pleasantly surprised that I could do 20-30min motos with zero arm pump or even getting tired in any way and was feeling pretty good about myself. Randomly on the fourth moto of the day at a race my throttle hand went completely numb. Only difference was a new pair of the same gloves I’d been wearing..ever since then I’ve had it happen occasionally and now sometimes I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and my hands are asleep and if I use the computer for more than a few minutes my hand I use the mouse with will also fall asleep/go numb. Same diet/exercise routine, not really sure what it could be..I switched bikes and have messed with bars/grips but it still happens occasionally, usually first or second moto of the day..
Carpal tunnel syndrome. (Or some other repetitive motion injury.) You have to slow your roll on the computer mouse. Try switching your fap hands up every now and then, too! Tongue

To the OP, gloves are another angle I never considered. Definitely think about that, too - are you wearing new gloves? Cinching them too tightly? Too small? I've realized that I like my gloves to fit a little on the loose side, and I think that definitely helps. Just a little loose, though - too loose and you get blisters.
2
TheGetFresh 1/26/2022 12:13pm
1/26/2022 12:13pm
What part of your hand goes numb? Is it thumb, pointer, middle finger and that side of your palm; ring, pinky and that side of the palm; or is it the whole hand? The first two point to bar bend, the latter points to chatter.
Grouper
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Grouper 1/26/2022 6:53pm
1/26/2022 6:53pm
TheGetFresh wrote:
What part of your hand goes numb? Is it thumb, pointer, middle finger and that side of your palm; ring, pinky and that side of the...
What part of your hand goes numb? Is it thumb, pointer, middle finger and that side of your palm; ring, pinky and that side of the palm; or is it the whole hand? The first two point to bar bend, the latter points to chatter.
Think of it as a gradient of numbness decreasing from the pinky inward. The pinky fingers are really tingly and sensationalized and the ring ringer is about .4 times as bad and the middle finger is about .1 of the pinky. Pointer is solid but it may be because I don’t wrap either of them around the grips at any time. They stay on the levers. It’s quite the sensation lol.
Grouper
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Grouper 1/26/2022 6:58pm
1/26/2022 6:58pm
wydopen wrote:
Something to consider.. I came back from a 8year break in really good shape and was pleasantly surprised that I could do 20-30min motos with zero...
Something to consider..

I came back from a 8year break in really good shape and was pleasantly surprised that I could do 20-30min motos with zero arm pump or even getting tired in any way and was feeling pretty good about myself. Randomly on the fourth moto of the day at a race my throttle hand went completely numb. Only difference was a new pair of the same gloves I’d been wearing..ever since then I’ve had it happen occasionally and now sometimes I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and my hands are asleep and if I use the computer for more than a few minutes my hand I use the mouse with will also fall asleep/go numb. Same diet/exercise routine, not really sure what it could be..I switched bikes and have messed with bars/grips but it still happens occasionally, usually first or second moto of the day..
Falcon wrote:
Carpal tunnel syndrome. (Or some other repetitive motion injury.) You have to slow your roll on the computer mouse. Try switching your fap hands up every...
Carpal tunnel syndrome. (Or some other repetitive motion injury.) You have to slow your roll on the computer mouse. Try switching your fap hands up every now and then, too! Tongue

To the OP, gloves are another angle I never considered. Definitely think about that, too - are you wearing new gloves? Cinching them too tightly? Too small? I've realized that I like my gloves to fit a little on the loose side, and I think that definitely helps. Just a little loose, though - too loose and you get blisters.
You know what is funny? I would have bet the house against this, but switching from thick grips and gloves (I have half a dozen pillow tops and pawtectors) to single density full waffle and single layer gloves almost cured my arm pump. Here’s my thought process: smallest possible diameter contact points with the most aggressive gripping interface will require the least amount of gripping force. For me, I think it worked. I now use alpinestars Radar gloves (HIGHLY recommend) and ODI full waffles. I have some Thor gloves that I like alright too but the astars are unbeatable. What’s funny is if I throw the pawtectors on for a moto now, I can really tell a negative difference.
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Grouper
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Grouper 1/26/2022 7:01pm
1/26/2022 7:01pm
Talisker wrote:
What year Yz450 clamps? On different year models the forks were 1 and 2 mm further apart. Your forks may be in a slight bind that...
What year Yz450 clamps? On different year models the forks were 1 and 2 mm further apart. Your forks may be in a slight bind that is creating a bit of harshness. Coupled with the bars these two things maybe the culprit. I’d put on all the stock stuff and leave it alone.
Grouper wrote:
2021. I did the swap swap where the fork clamps get bored to fit 2 stroke forks and the stem gets swapped out. I’m not aware...
2021. I did the swap swap where the fork clamps get bored to fit 2 stroke forks and the stem gets swapped out. I’m not aware of any binding issues but I can take a center to center measurement on them later and check though.
Luxon MX wrote:
As long as your YZ250 is 2006 or newer, you're good, 192 mm spread tube to tube. The bars are likely the culprit here. Different bend...
As long as your YZ250 is 2006 or newer, you're good, 192 mm spread tube to tube.

The bars are likely the culprit here. Different bend (if so) and likely stiffer.
Hi billy. I’m Owen, you helped me quite a bit setting the clamps up. The whole process actually. I really appreciate it, too. Do you think I could cut the crossbar and regain the former feeling or should I consider a pro taper bend closest to my liking since that is the bar I meshed with the best? I’m not up on proprietary bar materials, I kind of assumed each companies offerings were pretty much the same, less the geometry.
AJ565
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AJ565 1/26/2022 7:11pm
1/26/2022 7:11pm
Grouper wrote:
You know what is funny? I would have bet the house against this, but switching from thick grips and gloves (I have half a dozen pillow...
You know what is funny? I would have bet the house against this, but switching from thick grips and gloves (I have half a dozen pillow tops and pawtectors) to single density full waffle and single layer gloves almost cured my arm pump. Here’s my thought process: smallest possible diameter contact points with the most aggressive gripping interface will require the least amount of gripping force. For me, I think it worked. I now use alpinestars Radar gloves (HIGHLY recommend) and ODI full waffles. I have some Thor gloves that I like alright too but the astars are unbeatable. What’s funny is if I throw the pawtectors on for a moto now, I can really tell a negative difference.
I noticed the same going from padded gloves to single layer. I ride a few weeks ago with some adidas cold weather gloves and got arm pump from them.
GForce MMG 1/26/2022 7:32pm
1/26/2022 7:32pm Edited Date/Time 1/26/2022 7:34pm
Doubt its the bars, grips or gloves. 3 million people in us develop carpal tunnel per year. It’s $35,000 out of pocket with insurance for me. I just do 20 2 lap runs. Problem solved. Fun riding only obviously.

Post a reply to: Switched bars and triple clamps, now my hands are getting numb late-moto