Panel missing above the rear tire?

[inctomi]

As I was exploring my options for a short tail and getting ready to trim the tail, I notice a seemingly open panel with two connections plugged in. Is it supposed to be exposed right above the rear tire possibly kicking up road grime and debris?

[wessie]

No. You have a panel missing

That lump with the heatsink is going to be your voltage regulator and you do not want it to get wet, let alone exposed to road salt

[inctomi]

Thank you, Wessie. Wow, I am very surprised the factory QA process didn't catch this. I wouldn't have caught this at the dealer but perhaps when I am washing it.

[Antares]

Originally Posted by wessie

No. You have a panel missing

That lump with the heatsink is going to be your voltage regulator and you do not want it to get wet, let alone exposed to road salt

It's intentionally exposed on a lot of bikes but yea I personally wouldn't want it out in the open either.

[inctomi]

I hear you but agreed it shouldn't be exposed. So I searched the BMW parts catalog and looks like it's just a cover that I am missing.

The cover (part # 46 62 8 394 136   https://shop.maxbmw.com/fiche/DiagramsMain.aspx?vid=61162&rnd=09082020) should bolt right on to the existing panel. If anyone thinks otherwise, please let me know.

I notice the link doesn't directly take to the part but here is the picture.

[wessie]

Originally Posted by Antares

It's intentionally exposed on a lot of bikes but yea I personally wouldn't want it out in the open either.

Yes, but not directly above the rear wheel. Many voltage regulators will be in the nose area of the bike to get some airflow. It was a common mod on Honda CBR600s of the 1990s to move the regulator to the nose area to try to stop them overheating and frying themselves.

[Antares]

Originally Posted by wessie

Yes, but not directly above the rear wheel. Many voltage regulators will be in the nose area of the bike to get some airflow. It was a common mod on Honda CBR600s of the 1990s to move the regulator to the nose area to try to stop them overheating and frying themselves.

As i say, i agree with you, just saying, I saw this on an F900 XR 

[wessie]

Originally Posted by Antares

As i say, i agree with you, just saying, I saw this on an F900 XR 

is that standard? Looks ideally positioned to melt clothing or cause injury

even if standard, the electronics and connections are presumably sealed in behind? There is no problem having a heatsink exposed to the elements as long as those elements cannot access the wiring or circuitry.

[Antares]

Yep completely stock, i was shocked when I rodenthe f900xr but its sufficiently far inside to not touch it, at least as a rider, not sure about passenger tho...

[Sthap]

Mine is the same, I’m not worried as stated by others it needs air flow and it is above the rear fender which should provide some protection