Motorcycle Repair: vulcan 500 cooked pipe, valve seal, exhaust valves

Question
Chris, I was going about 85 when my bike lost all torque.  I managed to get home sputtering at 40mph in 4th gear.  My left pipe was baked.  I thought maybe the fuel filter, but don't understand one side getting so hot.  It acts like its not getting enough gas, kind of.  The bike starts and runs, badly. 2001 vulcan 500. 7000 miles on bike. no major repairs just plugs and oil.  Any help would be greatly appriciated.

Answer
Hi Richard.

This sounds a lot like you have a valve seal blown or the exhaust valve timing could be somehow off on that cylinder.

That would explain the baked pipe, loss of power and bad running.

Start with the exhaust valves and let me know what you find.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON