Weird Affect When Hauling the A$$

[The Velvet Monkey]

I was on my way back to Sarasota from Tampa last night when I found myself with a nice stretch of empty highway and decent moonlight. I was riding at around 85-90 mph--engaging in what I call the "Tampa Tune-up." I was thinking as I was riding that I have around 29k on the clock without really opening the bike up and it seemed like as good a time as ever to give it a try. I grabbed a handful of throttle and let her go, past 90 then 100--smooth as silk--then upward. But at about 5600 rpms and at around 108 mph, something weird happened. The nice feeling of thrust waned for several seconds and, for a second, I thought that maybe I had engine problems and throttled down. The bike seemed to be running just fine, although I didn't bring it up that high again.

I know that it's risky to drive this fast and I have never done so before, but has anyone else had this sensation when opening approaching such speeds? Any ideas as to what it was? Maybe a fueling issue?

Also, after 29k miles of riding fairly conservatively (rarely revving beyond 5500 rpm but frequently up to 5000, should this be avoided for engine longevity reasons (beyond avoiding it for obvious safety/law reasons)?

[hank]

What gear were you in at the time?
I have had the rev limiter cut in but I think I was pulling around 8,000 rpm when it happened.

Hank.

[Gabe]

I know I have had a lot of problem recently because the quality of the fuel. I mean, pouring alcohol into gasoline for 10% composition (Florida Law)does not for high octane make. So it would seem to me to be an octane thing. I am now adding an octane booster and the bike seems to work better.

[NoRRmad]

I think that Ethanol actually raises the octane rating of fuel. (Lowers the BTU/gallon, but raises the octane.)

[The Velvet Monkey]

Just my leopard thong and a helmet. Just kidding--I had BMWs best gear over the thong.

[iowabeakster]

uhh..is the iowa state patrol reading this?

Mine keeps pulling solid well above 120MPH.

I can't reach the rev limiter in 6th, and I've tried (only a few times).

[Ritchard]

uhh..is the iowa state patrol reading this?

Mine keeps pulling solid well above 120MPH.

I can't reach the rev limiter in 6th, and I've tried (only a few times).

Dang.

[johnnyjs1]

Just my leopard thong and a helmet. Just kidding--I had BMWs best gear over the thong.

I think he meant what gear was the bike in 5th, 6th etc...But very funny response

[The Velvet Monkey]

Just being goofy. I was in 6th, and the sensation was like I had let off the throttle momentarily although I hadn't. It might have been just my imagination, but I don't think so.

[harrisphil]

I think you should try it again and again and again
just keep it up till your arms ache
then when you slow to 90 it feels real slow
but note what happens each time
remember they were built to run flat out and wilshould do so with no problems