Arthritis and Clutch Lever

[jodytek_imp]

I found this which is specifically for people that have trouble with activating the clutch.

https://www.disabled-bikers.com/motorcycleclutchassist

Then there is also a foot clutch...

https://www.disabled-bikers.com/leftsidefootclutches

And numerous electric shifters that either eliminate or substantially reduce the amount of clutch use required...

https://www.disabled-bikers.com/motorcyc...icshifters

I would imagine some aren't compatible with the CB1100 and most will probably be expensive by the time you get them installed, but if they keep you riding!

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These are some interesting ideas, but they seem largely for cable activated clutches, not hydraulic.

I am curious about this complaint, as to how it affects anyone's riding.
Is the pain from every clutch pull, or only where you have to hold the lever in?
Is it the span you have to reach, from on the grip to extending the the fingers out?
Does it get worse with more repetitions?
Does it affect how smoothly you let the clutch out?
Is it a problem on the right hand, so that braking is affected?
[/quote] __________________________________________________________________

These are some interesting ideas, but they seem largely for cable activated clutches, not hydraulic.

I am curious about this complaint, as to how it affects anyone's riding.
Is the pain from every clutch pull, or only where you have to hold the lever in?
Is it the span you have to reach, from on the grip to extending the the fingers out?
Does it get worse with more repetitions?
Does it affect how smoothly you let the clutch out?
Is it a problem on the right hand, so that braking is affected?
[/quote]


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First off, thanks to all for your responses. This is one heck of a group and I really appreciate all of your time and willingness to share. These are great questions, and the answers are yeas/no/sometimes, lol

But seriously,

I am curious about this complaint, as to how it affects anyone's riding.
Is the pain from every clutch pull, or only where you have to hold the lever in? not every time, but a little of both depending on the day

Is it the span you have to reach, from on the grip to extending the the fingers out? not so much, I have pretty long hands fingers, so the span is not really the issue


Does it get worse with more repetitions? YES, bingo.. The more I ride and the more frequently I have to clutch, the more the pain builds. Think 4 way stop near a school during pick up/ drop off time. Ouch. If I only get to ride once on the weekend for a couple hours, not so much of a problem. but if I ride multiple times in a week, running errands or just getting some seat time in while the weather is on my side, it really builds up over a couple of days.

Does it affect how smoothly you let the clutch out? This is my concern, if I get to the point of sharp pain, I may inadvertently let that clutch out too rapidly and loose control. I don't rev the throttle a lot, so maybe more a case of stalling out. I don't know

Is it a problem on the right hand, so that braking is affected? Not too bad on the right hand and the brakes are way more sensitive, plus I do adequately use the combo of front and rear brakes. But now seeing info on the cramp buster, I am going to be checking that out.

PD arthritis is a disease that affects the joints. Makes them swell, and hurt and be stiff. I have it in both hands but primarily in my right hand. It can be triggered by uric acid in the bloodstream which also causes gout (it's called gouty arthritis) which for me is usually triggered in my left big toe ... my shifting toe, and I lose a couple of days of riding every year simply because it is too painful to upshift. But in my hands case, simply gripping the throttle, opening and closing my throttle hand and squeezing the front brake causes pain. I take oral medication every morning for this, plus apply an anti- inflammatory gel to the knuckles and thumb joint of my right hand 4x day. I also run a cramp buster so I dont have to grip the throttle so hard. It helps a lot.

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Yes, I am currently working with a pain management specialist for back, knees and other areas where degeneration is occurring. I try to keep pain meds to a minimum, and just recently switches to a new anti-imflammitory. Doing what I can on all fronts.
Just want to say thanks to al you guys for your feedback. I do appreciate it very much.

I have been looking at all options, and they are tough choices in many respects. there are not many if any 2017's or newer CB's out there right now, and based on market demand they want a pretty sweet penny for used with 2-3 times the mileage on them than I have right now. I'm not really ready to go quite the DCT route, I actually like the experience of user input and cycle response. What a thrill. I've looked at a few other bikes, but not feeling easily swayed at this time. I looked at the Trident660 based on specs, and was immediately a NO! Considering to go at least look at the R nine T, but not holding high hopes there. My thought is I may be able to ride as is for another year or two and then either find something to replace or maybe I need to just call it. I dunno

I will definitely be looking into the cramp buster for potentially both sides. I already tend to take my left and and rest it above the grip and across the clutch. I may try a couple of aftermarket lever replacements that may just change the position or something like that. Clutchless shifting isn't so bad, especially accelerating, but it's the stop and go that tends to get me. I have't considered using some athletic wraps or wrist supports, but going to look into this option as well.

I'm don't think I would want to make any changes like the washers on the springs, or messing with the hydraulic cylinder, at least myself. I have some basic mechanical skills but this would be stepping out of my comfort range, and not sure I could get my local dealership mechanic to do something like that. Plus, I would like to keep my bike as near to stock as possible. Not much into the modding scene personally. Not that I don't appreciate what some guys have done with their bikes, just not my thing.

I really love my bike just as is, and just throwing money at it and getting something else isn't really the ideal option, I would like to exhaust all other options first.

[offroadfx4_imp]

I'm sure you tried this... I think this was what Mickey was referring to... it helped me.

Is there any difference between the prescription version of Voltaren and the OTC version? No. The new OTC version of Voltaren gel will contain 1% of the active ingredient, diclofenac, which is the same strength that previously required a prescription.Jul 8, 2020

They also make a patch which helps for larger areas.

[pekingduck]

Thanks jodytek for the detailed reply.
One member had purchased the clutch parts from a 2017 and tried to apply them to his 2014, but the clutch shaft was too long. Without seeing the parts, I initially thought a simple spacer was all that was needed, but realize the clutch release would not work because of the pressure plate location, but it is do-able with some machining/welding.
I tried reaching out to that member because he was local to me, but did not get a response, and he has not posted for a couple years.
Still, has promise though. The assist type clutch is a simple solution that appears to have NO drawbacks. Most of the Triumph Twins have them.

[Tev62]

I have chronic medical problems I won't bore you all with but if you suffer long term constant pain consider consulting your Doctor for the likes of Opioid Patches. I wear them 24/7/365 and I doubt I would still be riding my motorcycle without them. These are synthetic opioids and I'm not "hi" in any sense. They don't have to be big mad dose patches and can be supplemented with regular paracetamol for longer stints on the bike. They are prescription only of course and a Doctors advice is the only way to go on these things.

[max]

Just another suggestion; would it be helpful to remove 2 or 3 springs from the basket? ( opposite or interspersed for equal pressure ).
Obviously have to look out for application of torque and clutch slip, but that may not be an issue for someone with a more sedate riding style, what if it helps?

[rich_imp]

cramp buster on left and throttle loc helps me
what i find is it is a lot worse on freeway runs
but on a long twisty road even my back feels better
a bit of mind over mater as you have to concentrate a lot more

[Stichill_imp]

I wonder if servo-controlled electronic cruise control could help?

https://www.mccruise.com/products/electr...cruise-kit

[michael1954]

Hi, since everyone seems to be adding on this one, I will share with the Forum what I have been taking for the last 19 years at the first sign of join pain in my elbows, knees and hands, and for me it works miracles. I ride in no pain from arthritis at all and I am 66. I take Glucosamine Chondroitin, and on alternate days, takes MSM with the other. I have recommended it to friends with all kinds of joint pain, and most tell me they will not stop taking it, I have never stopped. The brand from Wal-Mart, "Spring Valley" actually was in the top 3 for purity of ingredients a few years back when people noticed some of the cheap ones from some countries did not work at all.
I was getting steroid shots in my elbows 20 years ago, it got that bad. Now, I take only these two, from Wal-Mart, and still am joint pain free after all these years. Hope this helps, I know it hurts. Give it about 3/4 weeks before you make a decision, it took that long to start working on me.