The bike was in its operating temperature range, no doubt. We were about 20 miles from home in 80 degree weather when it occured. Thinking more about it, the engine started to miss, and that is when I looked at the tach to see where it was at. That short quick look showed the needle between 8 and 9 grand area. Since I was moving out pretty fast, i wanted to be in road control mode more than motor control mode since the limiter does its job, no sweat from me. Was suprised how fast it comes on though. i've been through the gears with this bike, but not up to kick in the rev limiter, so I thought after 13,000 miles the motor is ready for a little abuse like that, althought he run up was not doen intentionally. Knowing the limiter is there, makes life easier.
One time on a Moto Guzzi I owned, I was racing a friend accross the Sunshine Skyway between St Petes and Bradenton. I dropped an intake valve in 4th at somewhere around 120 MPH. It was bizarre. loosing an intake valve means that any oil pressure you have makes the oil escape through the carb in this case. it was from the left cylinder, and by the time I got the bike to the bottom of the bridge, my left leg was ready to be turned on a Bar-b-q, with all the oil that was on it. When the V-Rod hit the limiter, I thought I heard what i believe was valve float, as you can actually hear some banging around going on. It sounds like sharp clatter, and not like pre-detonation.
Anyone have any idea on what the clearance is between the top of the piston and the valve bottom when they reach this limit? i do not know if the manual gives that info. I think they do it by giving the shim height recommendation when checking the spec between cam/valve in the valve adjustment.
I now if the valve hits the top of the piston, the noise gets really nuts before it comes apart, but with the valves bouncing off the seats, and with enough space, you can hear noise, and it is not a normal motor noise.
Maybe I was hearing things, who knows.
The bike runs fine, as i have been riding it with no problem since then, maybe they built this one like the idiot books that are written? An idiot proof Harley, now thats a concept.