Did you ever wonder why they engineered a timing cover on to the cam chest cover? The obvious reason is to sell custom covers.

There is a little bit of space in there. I was thinking about maybe storing some spare cam tensioner shoes in there.

 

They just never changed the look from when you did adjust your timing under the cover.

 

Nope, never thought about it..

 

Remember points and condensers and kickstarters. If you did you would know. It is the same design as then, If it ain't broke don't F**K with it.

 

Or maybe a couple of doobies?

 

Because it looks cool

 

That's the reason it's STILL there. Like others have said it use to serve a function. Since people started customizing the covers when it was no longer needed due to electronic ignition they left it so people could still customize it like they had been doing.

I have to admit though, when I changed out my cover I thought about what I could use that space for too.

 

A place to keep a spare key

 

I remember those! Right about the time I started getting really comfortable dealing with points and condensers, they came out with electronic ignition. I was so disappointed.........Not!

 

Nostalgia. Harley is the only bike maker that showcases the engine. Gotta keep them looking like the old ones.