Wrist pain is one of the most common complaints for motorcycle riders, especially after a long journey. This is typically caused by a poor ergonomic fit between you and your bike, which can put extra stress on your body. For example, if handlebars are too low or angled away from you, the wrist is forced into an unnatural position, straining the complex joints. This constant pressure builds over time and leads to soreness. Poor posture is one of the most common mistakes made by motorcycle riders, and correcting
this can help you ride more safely and comfortably.
Riding posture plays a significant role in wrist pain, so it's best to avoid leaning forward or locking your elbows. These positions put your weight on the handlebars, increasing the shock and vibration that goes through your wrists. You can really feel this if you front-brake a little too hard, forcing your wrists to bear your body weight as it shifts forward. Gripping the throttle too hard puts constant extra stress on your hands and wrists, making the situation worse. Properly adjusted footpegs contribute to a better overall seating position; pegs that are too far back shift the rider's body weight forward, putting more of a burden on elbows, shoulders, and wrists. As a rider who has experience on many different motorcycle types, here is my best advice on how to mitigate wrist pain while on your bike.
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How To Set Up Your Motorcycle To Prevent Wrist Pain
You don't have to be on one of the world's most comfortable motorcycles to ride without pain, but proper handlebar alignment is key on any bike. The ideal position allows you to ride with your arms extending straight out in front of you, with a slight bend to absorb shock. Take a few minutes to adjust them when you get on a new bike or head out for a long ride; you can also add bar risers and adjust the seat height to achieve an upright posture.
If you're still pushed forward, check your footpeg placement to see if your body weight is concentrated on your arms. The most comfortable riding position balances your weight evenly across your body. It also helps to be mindful of any muscle tension while riding. Relaxing your arms and shoulders and concentrating your weight on your lower body will make a world of difference in keeping your arms and wrists free of fatigue, pain, and soreness.
Motorcycle Accessories That Help With Wrist Pain
Beyond these physical adjustments, there are aftermarket riding aids that help make motorcycle riding more comfortable. For long-distance riding consider an attachment like the CB4 wrist rest. These throttle locks work like cruise control and allow you to control the throttle or clutch with the heel of your hand instead of a tight fist. To reduce handlebar vibration, you can opt for add-ons like weighted bar ends and gel grips.
Weighted bar ends are little attachments that screw into the open ends of your bike's handlebars to counteract road vibration. Gel grips offer vibration dampening and extra cushioning, and their larger diameter reduces the necessary grip strength. These riding aids can be used in combination with each other or a pair of padded riding gloves to get maximum relief. Finally, giving your hands a good shake when you come to a stop will help release tension in your hands and wrists.
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Read the original article on SlashGear.
