What am I looking at?

I uncovered the Silverwing today (50 deg. In Minneapolis).I purchased this 03 model with ~2500 miles on it last fall.
When looking it over today I found what appears to be a missing/broken corner section on a piece near the rear hub...see attached image. I am guessing this is not supposed to be this way. What am I looking at and is this going to cause any problems for me?
Thanks in advance for your help.

Scott

Not exactly sure what that is, part of rear differential/gear assembly, but I can show you what it looks like on my 2003 Silverwing. From your photos looks broken off or cracked, hard for me to tell in photo. Any fluid leaking out? here are images of same area on mine:

It appears to be a chunk out of the speed sensor protector. See item 16 in below link: http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Honda/Scooter/2003/FSC600D+AC/SWINGARM/parts.html

If it's only a chip or chunk out of it then it shouldn't be a problem. The protector is inexpensive and easy enough to replace --once the rear wheel is removed.

The real question is, how did that hole get there and, after being covered up for a Minnesota winter, why is it shiny when the surrounding area is dirty? Check for something abrading that area when the wheel turns. Or maybe a critter had been chewing on that piece. I can't recall whether that protector is plastic or not.

Please let us know what you find out. We all benefit from shared knowledge.

Tim

It looks like it's a older damaged area, even worn a bit, but then again it's better seen 1st hand. Is there anything that could do that other than a foreign to the area object? i.e road debris.

OP here. So, I took the scooter into a local independent mechanic to have tires put on, brake fluid changed, new belt and 26 gr Dr Pulley sliders installed as well as to have them look at this broken cover while they had the rear wheel removed. Long story short, he is having a hard time getting the correct part. Apparently, he is ordering the part from the diagram attached. Part #26. He is ordering the part number listed but receives a different part..? He had the scooter for two weeks; he and I talked and agreed he would try and use JB Weld as temp fix while figuring out the part and part no. issue. The JB Weld attempt did not work well and he removed it prior to it hardening. I have picked the scooter up and will bring it back for the part install once he receives the correct part. I know, I could do it myself but have limited time available and am not super comfortable removing the rear wheel. I appreciate the input to the question asked.
On a separate note, while riding the scooter home from shop the V(ariator) light came on. The 26 gr sliders provided a noticeable improvement in the smoothness of the acceleration. Reading about the causes for this light to come on show either reaching the 16k mile mark (I am under 3k), or a speed that does not match with pre-programmed rpm's. I don't know where the rpm's were running prior to the belt (Honda oem) and slider replacement but here is what I am currently seeing for rpm's, all of which seem to me to be in normal ranges -
40     4,000
50     did not take note
60     4800
70     5000
75     5500
Am I correct in thinking these numbers are OK? I have re-set the light and it has not come back on. I am hoping for some sort of fluke or anamoly that triggered the light.
All of that being said, this thing is a blast to ride. I have an ear to ear grin each time I get home from taking it out. Have the Givi Airflow adjustable windscreen and mirror extenders to put on when I find some free time away from the family, dog and work.

Scott