Kept the upper, took off the lower. No issues.

 

Both mine are gone many miles, no issues. . .

 

Does it look better without it, yes, does it perform better, no difference. The question is are you willing to take the chance on picking up a stone and pushing it through your belt? Does it happen, absolutely! After going through the same scenario and removing my belt guards for looks, and then picking up a stone, snapping my belt and replacing my belt (which is NOT a simple procedure, remove rear wheel, swingarm, outer primary, primary drive, clutch, inner primary), I'll never run without them.

 

without looking at my bike, isn't there tabs on the frame that hold the guard and would show......giving a "something fell off that bike" look?

 

I understand the issues with rocks and other objects. But what about guys running open primary belts, are these sames issues possible for them?

 

Yes, which is why you'll rarely see an open primary on a bike that gets ridden a lot.

I understand that it's not the best idea to run without the belt guards, but it really does look better.

 

22,000 miles and no problems. I check my belt every time I clean my bike. I put my bike on a lift to clean my spoke wheels and I check the belt every time while rotating the rear tire. Could it happen? Maybe!!! I could also win a million bucks or walk across the street and get hit by a truck.

 

Werd! Guards look like crap...but to each his own.

 

I've had mine (top and bottom) off for about 5k now and no problems.. Course now that I said that I'll probably shred a belt.. lol

Had to take mine off.. Had the plate mounted to the top swingarm belt guard mount and some dumbass busted it walking by.. Didn't feel like pulling the swing, having it welded back on, powder coating it again, etc..

 

No guards on mine for the past few thousand and no problems.