SLR650 engine mounts

[Oscarthecat]

Hello, I'm new here
I've just searched the forum for postings on the SLR650, and came across a couple of mentions of my young lady's Supermoto'd SLR, which was stolen from the BMF last year, due to their utterly cr*p security.
Well, we've just replaced that one with another one:

http://oscarthecat.fotopic.net/p41664287.html

At least, I think it's another one
However, I have a query, that I hope someone else with an SLR might be able to answer for me. While draining the oil just now, I noticed something that struck me as peculiar, still more peculiar because I never noticed it on the previous SLR. The bottom front engine mount, behind the bash plate, has no bolt through it, and no visible means of attachment to the frame:

http://oscarthecat.fotopic.net/p42007751.html

The other lower front mount a few inches above it is secured in the usual way to the mounting plates attached to the frame. The same engine in my GB650 special, and the 500 version in my XBR, have a mounting plate, a spacer and a bolt in both places. I've seen a diagram of the Dominator frame, and that uses that mount as well. However, the Dominator frame is differnet under the engine, from the SLR frame, and there is no obvious way to attach mounts to that part of the SLR frame.
Could any SLR comment? Did Honda just not bother using this mounting point on the RFVC engine in the SLR frame, or has something odd happened to this bike, and I'm missing some mounting plates?

[Oscarthecat]

I think I've answered my own question, with this picture found on the Internet:

http://w2.bikepics.com/pics/2006/10/...10099-full.jpg

Honda didn't use that engine mounting hole when they put the RFVC engine in the SLR. Either because the big wide bar of a frame member under the engine made it unnecessary, or because they couldn't be bothered.

It looks quite feasible to add mounting lugs to the frame at that point, knock up a couple of spacers and put a bolt through. I wonder if it's worth doing.

[Rubberchicken]

Probably not.

I'd have serious thoughts about not weakening the frame with holes before picking up a drill.

[Oscarthecat]

Probably not.

I'd have serious thoughts about not weakening the frame with holes before picking up a drill.

I was thinking of welding a couple of flanges, upwards from the sides of the lower frame rail - the holes would have to be in the flanges to line up with the mounting hole. Then a couple of spacers, as per the other 500/650cc RFVC models. I don't suppose I'll bother though - the only reason would be to reduce vibration, and real singles riders don't worry about that kind of thing, especially once the sensation has gone from our fingers.

[Mervinh]

Mine has not got any brackets there and does not seem to suffer, engine seems pretty solidly mounted
merv

[Oscarthecat]

Mine has not got any brackets there and does not seem to suffer, engine seems pretty solidly mounted
merv

I think the difference is that other RFVC-engined models (NX650, GB500, XBR500) have two frame rails under the engine, and the bolt through that engine plate helps pull eveything together. The SLR has a bl00dy great rectangular girder, so it's probably unnecessary. Looks untidy though