Capacitor in loom - why?

[Wildstarstu]

Hi Gurus, I found a capacitor/condensor in the wiring loom of a motorcycle. It's connected between the switched power circuit and earth. It has a broken connection that looks like it broke many years ago (rusty) but the bike runs perfectly well. I was wondering if anyone knew the purpose of such a capacitor?
Thanks

 

[James]

Depending upon exactly where it is connected, it may be to reduce electrical interference that comes from the points when the engine is running.

 

[Wildstarstu]

Depending upon exactly where it is connected, it may be to reduce electrical interference that comes from the points when the engine is running.

Thanks James - I should have said its a CDI ignition - no points - but it is in the same circuit as the voltage regulator and the lights so you may be on the right lines with smoothing.