Timing Side Cover Shape?

I feel stupid asking this question, but I still want to know. I think the best feature of the Norton engine is the contoured timing side cover. It looks like form follows function and the case follows gears, etc. But there is nothing up in the left hand corner. Why is it shaped like that?
Thanks,
JD75

jaydee75 said:

But there is nothing up in the left hand corner.

Click to expand...

The empty space originally contained a second chain drive for the magneto (or distributor/points housing on coil ignition models) mounted behind the cylinders on Dominators and later twins including the 20M3 Commando, until around 1969 when the points housing and chain drive were deleted and the points assembly moved to the end of the camshaft, initially on the 750 S model, and eventually on all Commandos.

I think Norton removed the ignition magneto and later contact breakers out from under the carb ticklers d/t fire hazard which almost burnt up my '69 P!!. Now its a good spot to put on one way breather gizmos.

Thanks, that make sense. I'm glad they kept the sexy shape.
JD