Update: I have limited time in the shop due to my job and its been a busy summer buying/selling bikes and parts. Well here is the latest update. I was to the point of starting the bike for the first time in 48 years. Set up the GoPro to record it and figured I better check the valve clearances just to make sure they were ok. I mean, 455 miles, does it really need it? Probably not, but better safe than sorry.
As I removed the valve cover dome nuts, I noticed one was different than the rest. Strange.....so carrying on, I checked all clearances and found the left valve was WAY too much. I adjusted the clearance, turned the motor over with the kickstarter slowly and checked again. This time its WAY too tight. I also heard a metallic snap every time the valve opened or closed. I got my flashlight out and looked into the valve spring cavity and low and behold, the missing dome nut was lodged right beside/inside the valve spring. I retrieved it with a magnet and looked closely for any damage. No damage could be found, so I once again set the clearance and turned the motor over again to recheck. Same thing. Ah hell, the head has to come off to see whats going on.
Pulled the head off and found the pushrod was bent. All the valves, pistons and head look excellent, so no damage there. The cam followers look fine. I ordered a new pushrod from Baxter cycle and received it the next day along with a new copper head gasket. Cleaned up the head, reinstalled, torqued and oiled everything up and set clearances again and shes good to go. I went ahead and put on new fuel lines, checked for a good spark in both cylinders, all is a go. Now she is sitting patiently for me to find the time to start her up again. Its almost a religious moment for me so I am making sure all is ready before my first attempt. Wish me luck.