Hand Ache/Back Pain (Motorcycles) anyone?

[amtak]

Hello All,

I have recently started riding my bike from my home in Mira Road to my office in Ghatkopar. A total disatnce of 27.1 kms/each way. I take the western express highway and then the aarey road. Off lately, I have started getting "left" hand ache (actually the arm) even if I ride the bike for 10 kms or less? The bike in question is a Hero Honda Hunk and is maintained in a mint condition. Can this happen? Earlier my office was in Malad and the total distance was 26 kms (both ways included).

PS: I had recently fixed a new "original" handle as the earlier one had got bent as a Tavera had kissed the bike last week. Could it be because of the new handle not adjusted properly? To bare eyes, everything looks fine

What is the "ideal" kms that an average Joe can ride without affecting his back/arms.

[justROYal]

Originally Posted by amtak

Hello All,

I have recently started riding my bike from my home in Mira Road to my office in Ghatkopar. A total disatnce of 27.1 kms/each way. I take the western express highway and then the aarey road. Off lately, I have started getting "left" hand ache (actually the arm) even if I ride the bike for 10 kms or less? The bike in question is a Hero Honda Hunk and is maintained in a mint condition. Can this happen? Earlier my office was in Malad and the total distance was 26 kms (both ways included).

PS: I had recently fixed a new "original" handle as the earlier one had got bent as a Tavera had kissed the bike last week. Could it be because of the new handle not adjusted properly? To bare eyes, everything looks fine

What is the "ideal" kms that an average Joe can ride without affecting his back/arms.

The distance has very little to do with your problem given that you get your ache even if its just 10 kms. I just rode my bullet for 1644 kms in 2 days and no aches anywhere.

Given the nature of your ache...check these things:
1. Is your clutch cable free enough? A tight clutch cable can cause arm pain
2. The new handle bar - You need to make sure its free from bends and the dampener on both bar ends are at the exact same level. Use a water level (a tube filled with water) to check this. Any mason can show u how.
3. The clutch level height. Since you changed your handle bar, the Entire switch gear and clutch lever assembly has been refitted. Check if the lever is at a convenient angle. If it is too high or low, it can cause the pain.
4. Footrest - Given that you bike has recently been kissed, You might have taken a fall, bending your footpeg upwards. Check if the footpeg is straight. A higher footpeg causes shoulder and arm pain.
5. Other factors - Your bike might not be the only factor behind the pain. I suggest you go see a doc and check for the cause behind your pain. But if the doctor insists that it is the bike and asks you not to ride...dont listen to him

[amohit]

dude, I drive 20kms(1hr) one way everyday..since last 2 months. no pains anywhere.

Please don't ignore that stupid back pain. Its a definitive sign for bigger problems.
Pay attention to your siting posture. If you still find that you are doing everything correctly but still have the pain consult a doc.


Regards

[bblost]

amtak your post in the Gym thread

Originally Posted by amtak

Now that I have finally joined the gym, the coach has quit. I am having a nice paunch after 3 months of happy married life and because of the bike accident. Joined on Monday and already missed 1 day. Cannot go today also as I am down with severe back ache. Hopefully tomorrow onwards I'll be regular. Plus I hope that Monday onwards I hit the gym daily.

Please pray for me!

Your body weight has changed.
Are you by any chance wearing slightly tight jeans and riding your bike.
This making your posture get all messed up on the bike.

Also check up on the points mentioned earlier by justRoyal.

[PaulBarber]

Most likely it is due to bad posture. I suspect your new handlebar caused you to change your driving posture and that could be causing the problem. As Mohit said, please dont ignore it; it could be an initial warning sign.

Earlier when I used to ride my bike to work, I had some similar warning signs before I had some pretty major back pain.

[amtak]

Originally Posted by bblost

amtak your post in the Gym thread




Your body weight has changed.
Are you by any chance wearing slightly tight jeans and riding your bike.
This making your posture get all messed up on the bike.

Also check up on the points mentioned earlier by justRoyal.

No. Being in the service industry, jeans are out of question. comfortable formal clothes. Infact, not even able to attend the gym due to back ache. Watching TV with pop corns.

Originally Posted by PaulBarber

Most likely it is due to bad posture. I suspect your new handlebar caused you to change your driving posture and that could be causing the problem. As Mohit said, please dont ignore it; it could be an initial warning sign.

Earlier when I used to ride my bike to work, I had some similar warning signs before I had some pretty major back pain.

The handle bar is been set just the way it was for the original and HH guys have confirmed that. I even set-reset the mirror positions in case the contribute to the weight. However, the ache still exists.

Originally Posted by justROYal

The distance has very little to do with your problem given that you get your ache even if its just 10 kms. I just rode my bullet for 1644 kms in 2 days and no aches anywhere.

Given the nature of your ache...check these things:
1. Is your clutch cable free enough? A tight clutch cable can cause arm pain

Yes. It was tight earlier, reset it last weekend itself.

2. The new handle bar - You need to make sure its free from bends and the dampener on both bar ends are at the exact same level. Use a water level (a tube filled with water) to check this. Any mason can show u how.

Already checked. At the same level.

3. The clutch level height. Since you changed your handle bar, the Entire switch gear and clutch lever assembly has been refitted. Check if the lever is at a convenient angle. If it is too high or low, it can cause the pain.

Checked. HH confirmed everything is perfect.

4. Footrest - Given that you bike has recently been kissed, You might have taken a fall, bending your footpeg upwards. Check if the footpeg is straight. A higher footpeg causes shoulder and arm pain.

Didn't have a fall. So ruling this out.

5. Other factors - Your bike might not be the only factor behind the pain. I suggest you go see a doc and check for the cause behind your pain. But if the doctor insists that it is the bike and asks you not to ride...dont listen to him

I have this bike for over a year now and never had this problem. Infact on my recommendation, many friends have bought a hunk as it is very comfortable to ride.

[ubsmart]

amtak, please dont ignore your backache. Just get yourself checked once by a doctor. This might be definetely a problem with your seating posture both on your bike as well as office. Anything identified early will help us to get it cured early too..

I ignored my back pain for long and now I am at a point of no return where I need to do Yoga exercises daily. if ignored, I cannot feel comfortable with my back the whole day.

[vikram18]

You need to drop your weight and strengthen your back before causing permanent/long lasting damage.
Please take this seriously and consult a sports specialist doctor, who will probably recommend some physiotherapy exercises, both for your arm and your back. When it hurts, apply ice for 10-15 mins. Do not apply heat.

[Gordon]

The western expressway stretch especially from Mira/Bhayender Road to Goregaon is very bad. The road is not levelled at all. There are far too many bumps, dips. This may be the cause of your back ache. Other possibilites are - do you carry a bag?! If yes, what kind of bag?! A helmet (although important) can also cause neck pain.

Left arm usually pains because of excess use of clutch specially during traffic.

[amtak]

Originally Posted by Gordon

The western expressway stretch especially from Mira/Bhayender Road to Goregaon is very bad. The road is not levelled at all. There are far too many bumps, dips. This may be the cause of your back ache. Other possibilites are - do you carry a bag?! If yes, what kind of bag?! A helmet (although important) can also cause neck pain.

Left arm usually pains because of excess use of clutch specially during traffic.

Hi Gordon,

My helmet is pretty light (ISI approved Vega unit) and yes, I do carry a bag but I have always been carrying it ever since I got my bike and carry only my tiffin. It is a comfortable bag and does not cause any ache at all. On the other hand, my hand is aching even in the aarey milk road which is pretty smooth. I see the problem with bike itself and not with me. Planning to take it to some other service center rather than HH folks.

[Gordon]

Oh hold on. What kind of pain are you experiencing in your arm and back?! Where exactly is the pain?!

[amtak]

Originally Posted by Gordon

Oh hold on. What kind of pain are you experiencing in your arm and back?! Where exactly is the pain?!

Left arm and waist region. No where else. No other body part seems to be affected.

[Nitin]

Originally Posted by amtak

Left arm and waist region. No where else. No other body part seems to be affected.

Left arm pain, at the elbow? or the wrist? Do you have a milder version in your right elbow/wrist, by any chance?

My mind tells me its got a lot to do with your riding posture. Some of it could also contribute to the pain, something as trivial as sleeping in an odd position, or doing things in a manner thats not ergonomic.

[schitre05]

It is surely your seating position mate!
I would experience similar pain in my left hand wrist
and after noticing my seating position, i came to a conclusion that I was putting my body weight that is the shoulder and back directly on to my hand which i did not bend at the elbow, try riding the bike with your elbow bent.
This way you ensure that you are not adding extra weight on you hand especially during traffic conditions where you brake a lot thus transferring your wieght on your hands.
(BTW i ride a CBZ )

[esteem_lover]

Could be the preliminary stages of Cervical spondylitis, get it checked.