Please tell me what this is

[Goldelite]

I just bought this 1990 SE for $700 with 82000 miles. It was a gamble because I wasn't able to hear it run. Not worried though I'm sure I can part it out and get my money back. Its a gorgeous bike with what I think is custom paint job.

I need help to identify something on the right side of the bike. It has two cables but one has been disconnected. Can you tell me what this is? Will the bike function with it disconnected? Why might someone want it disconnected?

Also attached pics of my bike. Is this custom paint or was it an option?

Thanks

[Rambozo]

Those cables are for the reverse gear. No idea why someone would disconnect. They are tricky to get adjusted properly, but the procedure is all in the service manual.
Looks like stock SE two tone paint with added airbrush paintings.

[Goldelite]

Thank you I suspected it might be for reverse. Yea the paint is original but I wasn't sure about the airbrushing. I didn't know if that was a factory or dealer option or if someone just had it done.

[joeincalif]

air brushing is after market. 2 tone paint on thew SE is standard

[Swagonmaster]

If you look on the bottom rear of the side of the left saddlebag I think you will find that the artist signed the painting. I have almost the same artwork on my 90 SE and it is signed Bottier Hill City SD. I think the original owner blinged the bike up and took it to Sturgis that year and the artist was selling his art there. I am going to go out to the garage and see if I can take a decent picture.

[Swagonmaster]

I think that you can make out his signature in this pic pretty well.

[DenverWinger]

From that closeup shot looks like he uses Bob Ross technique....