Say Matt - I had been wondering what was in those ovum cases, so now you've answered the question for me. I have photos of the Thunderbird that is being shipped to me, and, of course on it they are chrome, so even less subtle than the painted covers. If I'm not mistaken, the Machismo uses the same frame as the t-bird and your bike, but has covers more in keeping with the Classics, because the Machismo is sold as a retro appearing bike. For your sake, what I'm wondering is whether the Machismo side covers are different that those of the Classic and perhaps, if they are, could replace the ovum and side cover/air filter box, battery box, or whatever is on your bike. It could possibly just bolt into place, but there could be different mounting tabs. Do you get what I'm driving at and, if so, what do you think? Maybe you could order in some Machismo side covers and whatever it is they are lids to.
It seems to me that whoever thought up the idea of the ovum cases was thinking that they would appear as leg guards for the pillion passenger. I have seen such things on high exhaust pipes...You aren't going to quit until you get rid of them is my thinking; you want to go to a more Classic look - right? Can't blame you for that.. good luck, Larry