This looks like an inductor on each wire of the DC motor. Why would they do that externally?

 

To reduce high frequency noise radiating from the wires.

 

Ditto. RF choke. Probably an afterthought for a particular application.

 

Ah. I read #12's post and thought, yea but why would a motor care about high frequency noise. I think you're right, my motor was used when I got it, it was probably there for protecting whatever is not attached anymore. Thanks guys.