Arm pump

[CRrider125]

I just rode my new 2001 cr125 for the first time and i previously owned a kx125. I got arm pump worse than i ever thought possible. I couldn't unlock my hands for 5-10 minutes. Is it because i have pro taper bars since they are harder and put off more vibration or could it be too stiff suspension? im not really sure

 

[DAVE C]

Pro-taper bars aren't hard. They flex really easily and should absorb vibration more than a conventional bar. I would tend to think it would be the angle that the bars are set or the height (something along those lines). Or could it have just been the weather? I get arm pump pretty bad when it is cold out. What about where your levers and throttle are positioned? After making sure all those things are ok, give it a few more rides and see if you don't get used to the feel of the new bike. Maybe that didn't help, but I hope it did.

 

[SpectraSVT]

NOt sure if this is it but the CR's are supposed to be alot stiffer than other bikes. Perhaps the harshness of the frame is not something your used to. try and concentrate on how you are holding the bars. And move your fingers alot...when you have an easy section try pulling in the clutch or just opening and closing your hands to get some blood flowing.

When I first got My 03 YZ250 i got arm pump very fast and could only go a lap or 2. I finally narrowed down to my front forks and handlebar position. My forks were not broke in so I softened them up considerably (mostly rebound) and it took almost all arm pump away. My bars were also turned up too far and since it was a new bike I just thought it felt different. But after riding for awhile I realized my arms were in a funky position.

 

[gbs1]

crrider125, it is probably a combination. The Honda does transmit more vibration to your body and arms becuase of the frame and if your suspension is new or not adjusted to your liking it will not asorb the additional vibration or bumps. Break in the suspension and you might try softening the adjustments until it is broke in. Check yopur RB too as to much RB can contribute to arm pump. After that you will have a good idea of what you need to fix. Honda's are great bikes they just have a different feel when you switch from another brand.

 

[a454elk]

Change to a softer grip as well and the night prior to your ride start taking some asprin along with some in the morning, it'll thin your blood a bit and help with arm pump. When I changed to softer grips, my arm pump went away. Check your suspension settings and see if the fork rebound is set to fast, it'll work your arms to no end!

 

[96717]

i also say try some softer grips it worked for me.

 

[SpectraSVT]

Speakng of grips...try Spider grips. I got them at a local dealer and they are the best grips I have ever used. They are soft and sticky but not overly bulky like other soft grips. They are a bit more $$ than other grips ($15.99) but they will be the last ones you will buy!

 

[Zenith]

Before you go buying or changing anything ride the bike another few times. I always find if I change bikes or haven't ridden in a while I unconsciously grip the bars to tight and get tired arms really quickly... Just a thought...

 

[CaptainObvious]

I agree with all of the above. Bike set-up is important as is the bar angle/bar taper/control position/rider relationship. If the bike doesn’t feel comfortable when you are sitting still you’ll be fighting it when riding. This is the fast track to arm pump.

But above all, don’t discount physical conditioning. What kind of shape are you in? I lift weights and run 5 times a week and rarely, if ever, experience arm pump. I have noticed that less conditioned riders often complain of arm pump whereas I have no trouble.

Gary

 

[dbrace]

dont lift weights, do lots of cardio work (cycling & hill sprints) relax your hands over jumps, squeeze the bike with your legs, make sure your suspension is ok and run your lever UP level!!

 

[FOUR 41]

I rode a 97 CR 250 for a while. My arms pumped really bad on this bike. I went to rubber mounts on the triple clamp and it all went away. I think the aluminum frame transmits more vibration.

 

[bjalbert]

I used to own a 2001 cr 125 and my first experience with the bike was it was harsh. I found that there is a shim stack on the rebound bleed off. you can remove the shim stack and space it with washers the same thickness so that the rebound bleed off circuit has no restriction. I guess this bike was setup for more of a supercross style track. After removing the shim stack the bike handled unbelievable. and was not harsh at all. I did the same thing for 2 other friends of mine that also had CR's and they loved it as well. try to do a search on the forum for the how to. it was talked about alot. Maybe search for Cr 125 harshness or something like that. hope this helps.

 

[MXP1MP]

I find that arm pump is mainly caused by lack of cardio training that or over gripping and the biggest culprit of all is not staying relaxed and BREATHE! Working on cardio fitness will help the most, I had an '01 CR 125 it wasn't that harsh. I also find that since I'm short and stand alot I hate bars with lots or rear ward sweep or if they sweep up wards it induces arm pump like mad for me if they are like that. Oh and practice gripping the bike mainly with your legs whenever possible use the legs to keep ya on the bike and just hold onto the bars just to keep the bars straight, like on straight aways so you can relax your arms some. Oh and keep those elbows up letting them drop down can also help bring on arm pump alittle faster.

 

[Jarda]

CHeck your body position on the bike. Good stuff for reading is on web http://www.racingsmarter.com/ .

 

[SpectraSVT]

what exercises can I do to prevent arm pump or at least reduce it some? I keep hearing that its not good to lift weights but how does muscle strengthening affect/cause arm pump? And how do you do cardio for your forearms?

 

[CaptainObvious]

Lifting weights will help you fight arm pump. It is important that you construct an exercise program that translates to what you are conditioning yourself for. With this in mind you want to condition your muscles for maximum endurance.

Do exercises that involve low weight with high repetitions (12 to 15 reps) for a minimum of 3 sets each exercise, but no more than 15 total sets for a particular muscle group. Suggested exercises for your biceps would include straight-bar curls, dumbbell curls and, most importantly for arm pump, reverse curls. For Triceps I would suggest tricep extensions (on a bench or at a cable machine), reverse extensions and (once again for arm pump) close-grip benching.

Of course a balance of all muscles is most important so do include exercises for your shoulders, back, chest, abdominals and legs as well. This, combined with some cardio work will give you the strength and endurance to fight-off arm pump. BTW, for cardio I think that running, spin cycling and a stairmaster translate best to a dirtbike environment.

An added benefit to all of the above is that you’ll look and feel great.

Gary