oh and Phil your bike (s) are a constant inspiration and also a constant source of jealousy (in a nice way of course) :D
cheers

Neil

jeez, I've just noticed your number board !!! my panels are at the painters now, I need to call him to have the carbon fibre show through to make the number - it looks absolutely fantastic.
I just hope he hasn't started to lay primer yet - aaaarrrgh....

Thanks for the compliments Neil, I appreciate !!!

Phil911

Neil, you said :

"I only say this as I've never seen any action shots / complete bike shots with the tank open like a sharks mouth !

Now have a look on the following pics.
This shark mouth started on 851 models till 1992 and some 1993.
In order to modify the air intake, the mechanics fixed some adhesive tapes.
According to the shape of the tank, the carbon plate were different between 851 and 888 generations ...

Phil911

For exemple, Roche's 851 N° 3 fitted a normal tank ...

Compare to Falappa's bike ... (with the carbon plate)

Or Polen's bike !!!

Convinced ??????

Phil911

Here's a very interesting solution, regarding foam filter ...
May be your solution ???

Phil911

yes - heated agreement !! they are all closed with the plate, this agrees with all of my photographs also.

Neil

Otherwise, you can use individual foam caps, like 916 mods ... ???