I e-mailed DNA and asked if they knew what it was. They told me it was a bracket for "distributional material". Thay said that instead of explaining what a Ducati Monster was to every person that asked if it was "a division of Yamaha" or "if it was french" or "didn't they go out of buisness in the late 70's?" You can carry the FAQ's with you at all times. And when a question comes along, it will be easily accessed to give to the ignorant questioner. I still believe it is a mount for a gatling gun. But what do I know.