mine(a 98 600)has exactly the same maybe yam uses the fender for another model and its prob for a speedo cable 'holder',you can get fender extenders (from ebay and good bike shops)that fit at bottom of fender with a couple of holes needed these help stop muck and stones flying up onto engine and rad etc ,had one on my last bike and they work great and will be fitting one to my fzs600 soon