Random Holes?

[anaxolotl]

So i took this afternoon to give the bike a good cleaning... first one since i bought it, and for the first time i noticed some holes in the top of the engine that may have been an enhancement made by the previous owner... when i bought the bike, i thought they may have just been how the bike came, but in inspecting both sides, it looks like there is no consistency... does anyone know whether this is actually a modification, what it was done for and whether there is any risk to having some extra holes?  there were also three big holes in the top of the airbox.. so i'm guessing that he was doing whatever he could to get more air into the engine... thoughts?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifeinverted/6916839246/in/photostream/
(along the top, above and behind the "W")

[Bob_Roller]

There is a hole on each side of the engine that are drains for the area where the starter is mounted .

[Julio A.]

The holes that you showed in the picture; there shouldn't be any holes
on the starter cover as well as in the airbox.

I honestly don't know why you're PO bore holes on the starter cover since that wouldn't do anything but shave off a few grams of the bike.

I'd plug the holes on the top of the airbox if I were you; nothing major, but that would easily let dust in.
http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/InExTuning.htm

[Bob_Roller]

Alright, I'm looking at the picture on a larger monitor, I couldn't see the holes before in the top engine cover .

Those holes serve no purpose what so ever, except to let water, dirt into the starter area .

I would look for rubber plugs to put in those holes .

[Red_Hen]

I'd buy a new cover online - looks like previous owner thought holes would improve cooling?  

[MrRiden]

Can't say I've ever heard of modifying the starter cover so this is probably something done by a PO. I have heard of drilling the air box but this seems dubious. See you are running the fresh air tubing. I'd be curious to see what you find when you open up the top of the air box.

[anaxolotl]

I'm hoping to find that the holes were a clue to a cache of gold.  Thanks all..  When i take off the top, i'll let you know what i find.

[DgM]

Too bad someone with a drill was allowed close to your bike.  I have a starter cover, paint flaking off, with NO HOLES, that you are welcome to.  Let me know if you want it, just pay for shipping - should be cheap, it's made of aluminum.  I'm in SoCal.

[anaxolotl]

absolutely... thanks!  i'll PM you my address and just let me know how much i owe you and i can paypal (or serve) you the money.
Thanks again

 

Too bad someone with a drill was allowed close to your bike.  I have a starter cover, paint flaking off, with NO HOLES, that you are welcome to.  Let me know if you want it, just pay for shipping - should be cheap, it's made of aluminum.  I'm in SoCal.

[raymr]

To plug the holes you can use 3M 5300 black sealant. Tape the front of the holes and then fill them from the back with sealant. After it cures, pull off the tape. You can use the stronger 5200 sealant also but it takes a week to cure.  

[tvrla]

Wasn't able to see exactly what you're talking about, but suspect they're what remains once the smog FRESH AIR garbage is removed. Best just to replace with an earlier non-smog cover.

[montmil]

Wasn't able to see exactly what you're talking about, but suspect they're what remains once the smog FRESH AIR garbage is removed. Best just to replace with an earlier non-smog cover.

If we are talking about the pulse air openings, the rubber plug for the timing hole is a perfect fit. I've also see chrome-ish metal hole plugs sourced from big box home improv stores.

[Bob_Roller]

If you click the cursor on the picture, it will give you a closer view, then you will be able to see the holes .

[montmil]

If you click the cursor on the picture, it will give you a closer view, then you will be able to see the holes .

Oh, my! Somebody thought they were smarter than the BMW design engineers. Wrong.
I'd be shopping for a new cover... and be getting rid of that pulse air plumbing.

[azcycle]

C'mon guys... everyone knows those are "speed holes." I bet his bike is at least 5hp more than a stock r65 because of those holes.