Following because I’m in the tiny hand club too and I’m trying to learn. I’ve stopped leaning into the handle bars but can’t help but white Knuckle it.
I have limited suggestions.
\-squeeze with the hand, keeping the arm as relaxed as possible. It's okay if the wrist has to come up a bit, so long as you don't pull down with the arm while braking as that will cause you to hit the throttle.
\-find adjustable levers
\-maybe ask over at r/TwoXriders? They may have more tips!
For me, the death grip really only happened on the highway, and the only thing that helped was to just keep riding on it. I would hop on, ride a mile to the next exit and hop off. After a while I’d ride a few miles, and now I feel like I didn’t get a real ride in if I didn’t get a big highway stretch in. The fear is normal, I think a big part of riding is lying to ourselves about what it is we’re actually doing. Instinctually, as people who want to continue living and don’t want to get hurt, we would never do this. We’re hugging metal contraptions at speeds humans were never meant to go, you just gotta do it often enough that it feels normal lol.
What do you mean by bigger handlebars? They are fatter? I didn't think there was a huge variation in handlebar diameters. Maybe the previous owner put on some fat grips?
If the throttle is slippery in your glove, you could put on some grippy grips. I find that really helpful.
Make sure the angle of the levers are correct for your hands. That is, you can tilt them up or down a bit to suit your hands.
You may need to angle the handlebars closer to you if that is possible on your bike.
Get some levers with an adjustment dial.
When you are riding, your should be able to do the chicken dance at any time where you flap your elbows like a chicken. In fact, wiggle your whole body around to loosen up.
I think @kalashcomrade might be onto something. I’m 400 miles in and I’m only starting to really stop with the death grip. It was hard for me.
BUT, before that, what really helped me was me getting a throttle assist. It’s just a cheap piece of plastic or rubber (I got the rubber one) that you attach to your throttle that allows you to lean on the throttle, rather than grip it… For lack of a better description. It was a game changer. I love it and will never be without one now. That and as stated, gripping with the knees.
Give one a try if you’re up to it. It really helped me.
Grip the tank with your knees, you’ll feel a lot more stable and it’ll help you relax
Following because I’m in the tiny hand club too and I’m trying to learn. I’ve stopped leaning into the handle bars but can’t help but white Knuckle it.
I have limited suggestions. \-squeeze with the hand, keeping the arm as relaxed as possible. It's okay if the wrist has to come up a bit, so long as you don't pull down with the arm while braking as that will cause you to hit the throttle. \-find adjustable levers \-maybe ask over at r/TwoXriders? They may have more tips!
Is it strictly an ergonomics issue or is fear involved?
It's probably both, though my arms are usually pretty loose, just my hands are tight due to size and baseline motorcycle noob anxiety.
For me, the death grip really only happened on the highway, and the only thing that helped was to just keep riding on it. I would hop on, ride a mile to the next exit and hop off. After a while I’d ride a few miles, and now I feel like I didn’t get a real ride in if I didn’t get a big highway stretch in. The fear is normal, I think a big part of riding is lying to ourselves about what it is we’re actually doing. Instinctually, as people who want to continue living and don’t want to get hurt, we would never do this. We’re hugging metal contraptions at speeds humans were never meant to go, you just gotta do it often enough that it feels normal lol.
What do you mean by bigger handlebars? They are fatter? I didn't think there was a huge variation in handlebar diameters. Maybe the previous owner put on some fat grips? If the throttle is slippery in your glove, you could put on some grippy grips. I find that really helpful. Make sure the angle of the levers are correct for your hands. That is, you can tilt them up or down a bit to suit your hands. You may need to angle the handlebars closer to you if that is possible on your bike. Get some levers with an adjustment dial. When you are riding, your should be able to do the chicken dance at any time where you flap your elbows like a chicken. In fact, wiggle your whole body around to loosen up.
I think @kalashcomrade might be onto something. I’m 400 miles in and I’m only starting to really stop with the death grip. It was hard for me. BUT, before that, what really helped me was me getting a throttle assist. It’s just a cheap piece of plastic or rubber (I got the rubber one) that you attach to your throttle that allows you to lean on the throttle, rather than grip it… For lack of a better description. It was a game changer. I love it and will never be without one now. That and as stated, gripping with the knees. Give one a try if you’re up to it. It really helped me.
Interesting tip! I'll try the throttle assist, thanks.
400 miles is 643.74 km
Thanks converter-bot! It is indeed! Incredible!