I have a 96 kawasaki 750 sts... went from 7500rpm at full throttle to 6000rpm. what could have caused this?

Question

the only thing that has happened is the fire controll cover was loose and the bolts vibrated out the last time i used it. i re-torqed them and still only ran 6000rpm at full throttle.

Answer 1

your loosing compression somewhere

Answer 2

loss of compression, weight gain, throttle valve not opening completely, choke plate not opening completely, fuel pump wearing out.....or if it's fuel injected, could have clogged injectors.  Water in the fuel.

these are just a few possibilities.  I can think of some more.

jet drive impeller damage.  blockage in the intakes.

marine growth on the hull.