There can be quite a few causes, depending on what you mean by "high rpm".
Sometimes it's "valve float", that's where the valve springs aren't strong enough to return the valves to their closed position once the engine hits high rpm.
Sometimes it's a coil that can't cycle quickly enough to provide spark.
Sometimes it's low fuel pressure or a partially blocked fuel filter that restricts sufficient fuel from getting to the engine at high RPM.
The problems can be caused by fuel, electrical or physical problems, and you need to find out which. Start with a computer diagnostic scan. Better yet, check with the manufacturer and find out where "red line" is. If you're trying to run it past red line, expect it to "sputter".
A dirty spark plug can cause your lawn tractor engine to run at high RPM. A bad fuel filter can also cause this.
Hmm, I had a similar problem with my Ranger. It had an untraceable electrical problem, and we sold it for scrap. Symptoms include backfiring, severe loss of RPM before backfiring, dying unexpectedly, just about everything it shouldn't do. How bad is the sputter? Does it sputter, or does it sound like a large dying animal?
A bad spark plug or spark plug wire can cause your Kawasaki engine to miss at high rpm's. A dirty fuel filter can also cause the engine to miss.
Pushing to much boost maybe?
If the Yukon engine has high rpm while driving, check the transmission for slippage, that will cause the engine to over rev. The overheating could be caused by the high rpms.
On the Ford 4.0 liter OHV , V6 engine the PCM starts cutting the fuel back at 5200 RPM in order to protect the engine when it is IN GEAR I believe it does it at 3000 RPM when there is no load on the engine ( park / neutral ) ( if that is what you mean by high speeds )
maybe a stick
the high pressure oil pump
Most cars have a governer, or ignition cut off that keeps you from over reving and blowing the engine. This same little thing also keeps you from going over 115-118 miles per hour for a different reason. (so the police can keep up when they chase you).
The PCM limits the top speed of the vehicle by cutting back on the fuel if the engine RPM's are high enough to damage the engine
Most likely mapp sensor top of air cleaner
A Spoon engine is a high rpm race engine, and it is called a spoon engine because its made by Spoon.