I searched the 500R forum to see if anyone has posted anything on Woodcraft Riser replacements for the Ninja500 and found nothing. So I'm asking anyone with these on their 500R to give their experiences and if they would recommend them.

Also: Has anyone had any vibration issues with their 500R's handlebars?

I've put on about 400+miles on my 2006 and I have gotten my hands completely numb from the vibration. I know that you can add bar ends that would help. Has anyone had to do this?

These are the two mods I'm thinking of doing. Any advice would be great!

 

Hey Man_Ray,

Don't know of any aftermarket handle bars for the 500, but have you tried just doing some of the basics for reducing the numbness (don't put your weight on your hands and ease up on the grip)? I did these and it helped out a lot when I first started riding the 500.

 

Hi Man_Ray.
The solution is to get yourself a Harley and ride that for a while. After that, no bikes will seem to vibrate for you.

Seriously, the 500 doesn't vibrate much at all. I would look into the following things instead:
~aftermarket grips (I have these squishy Pro-Grips that not only pad the bars better, they also have a thicker diameter, which is more comfortable for the hands. And despite being squishier, they seem to last longer than the stock grips do too. I have them on all my bikes now:


~focus on having a light, relaxed grip on the bars. Even if you're really cranking through turns at high-speed, a relaxed grip and posture is ALWAYS preferable.

~carpal-tunnel exercises: they're not only good for carpal-tunnel, they're easy and great for your hands period! Squeeze your hand into a tight, tight fist and hold it for about five seconds. Shake it out. Now spread your fingers as far apart as you possibly can and hold that for five seconds. Repeat that 2 ro 3 times a day when you're holding on the phone or waiting in line. I've broken 4 bones in my left hand, I've paddlined my kayak hundreds of miles, I've ridden from San Diego to Philly and back, and I never get numb hands or soreness anymore.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.
-Chris in Carlsbad, CA

 

calamarichris,

Hey thanks for the info. Yeah, I've heard all the Harley talk at work...

I did come across the Pro Grips during my searches. They're not too expensive so I will try the Pro Grips first.

One of my co-workers pointed out that with the bike being new, the vibration I'm feeling will go away as I start to take the engine past the 6K mark. I should reach the 1000mile break-in mark on my next ride so it should be fun[8D].

Maybe I'm just not used to bikes, this being my first and all.

You alway remember your first.....

 

You certainly do.


Actually new Harleys don't vibrate that much either, I just like to make fun because I'll never buy another one as long as I live.
And if you're still watching your tachometer, that is another reason why you might be tensing up on the bars. When you don't have to worry about keeping the RPMs below 4000, you can relax even more. You might not even need those grips.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
-Chris in Carlsbad, CA