While cleaning and welding new mount tabs on mine, I came up with a question about the "tin" - the sheet metal shrouds and covers on and around the waterboxers, to be specific -

  First off - Why are there any at all? It ain't air cooled no more. Is it only to protect the push-rod tubes?

  Second off - Why are the ones on the engine made of TWO layers of stamped metal? This construction method is a recipe for rust damage! Extra cost, too, because of extra processes, and handling during manufacturing...

  Confused, curious, and enquiring minds want to know!

  Evan