3 questions w/pictures
 

1. what are the 2 holes for at the bottom of the tank?
Attachment 23188
2. PO notched the chain guard, is my tire larger than stock?
Attachment 23189
3. Is this mud guard a stock part?
Attachment 23190

1) Sometimes tanks are used on multiple bikes and the hawk tank may have been adapted from another tank (or they could have planned to use it on another bike). You can make bikes cheaper if some parts like fuel tanks, fuel pumps, ect. are interchangeable. Those two holes are actually mounting points like the two holes on top of the tank

2) what size tire is on your bike? stock is 180/55/17, it looks like you probably have a 190 on there

3) I have no idea :)

To answer question number three, yes it is...:)

#1) I have no idea. Kind of curious myself now.

#2) With a 190 tire, you have to notch the chain guard, like has been done.

#3) Yes, the guard is stock. If you get a tire hugger, you can remove the ugly guard.

1. The holes in the back of the tank have no function on a VTR1000F.
2. The chain guard is held on by two bolts and is kept in the correct position by a small protrusion on the swingarm that fits into a corresponding recess near the front of the chain guard. The chain guard can rub against a 180/55 tire if the protrusion is not in the recess. That's how mine got notched.
3. The mud guard is a stock part that protects the rear shock from road debris. It's just another example of Honda showing us how much they care.

#1 might be holes from tank manufacturing

my chain guard was notched too and I have a stock size rear tire. I couldnt tell if it was cut that way or if it was rubbed down by the tire. I took it off to change the chain yesterday and was wondering why the hell it was. Maybe the PO had a larger tire on at one point? who knows....

#1 the holes in the tank, are for alignment- in the jing in the press, while production.
#2 I realize that the 190 tires is the typical reason for the worn place in the chain guard. Yet check the front of the chain guard- there is a notch that sets on a block of the swingarm.. If it moves off the notch..
#3 you got the answer for..
Honda Parts #80115-MBB-010 -Splash guard B, $6.81 in Honda Parts Direct(REAR FENDER) section.
:D