I own a P1000-3 and I removed the cover that you are referring to and the heat was 10 times worse with it off. I am running a roof, full windshield opened as far as it will open (Honda Windshield),Hard rear panel. I rode with the cover on then came home and took it off leaving all other variables the same. Drove the same speed and took the same route through the same terrain. I can say with my setup removing that cover is a no no. Heat was pouring in from places that I have never felt get hot before. The holes around the shifters in the dash were puking out more hot air than ever before and the air coming out of them was hotter than before. Not to mention when I was done riding I felt the bed to see if having the cover off would heat it up and I can tell you If I rode around for long with the cover off I believe that it would melt or warp the bed. You could not leave your hand on it for long after riding with the cover off. With cover on the bed gets warm not hot. Maybe drilling the holes is the better way to go. Let me know how yours does when you get a chance to ride it .