I washed the bikes this afternoon and took the lens off of the Road Glide to dry inside. I don't want to put it back on, it looks a lot better without it and I am curious if there are any adverse effects from running without it. I have seen threads of people getting the headlight bezels from the newer bikes but is it necessary? Here is a couple of pics just because...

 

If my memory serves me well from my RG daze,I believe the lamps in the older RG's meant to be behind a clear plastic cover are not as shatter resistant as the new newer (more expensive?) lamps that are made to be exposed.Hell I'd run 'em as is and if it takes a hit & cracks replace it with the same type.

 

I'm having a hard time seeing your bikes from staring at that lush green weed free lawn.
LOL

 

I would look for a DOT branding or label on the lenses and if found then go for it.

 

Thats funny.
A homeowners wet dream?

 

It looks more finished off with the bezel & it seals the fairing off better, the one for the 2010 & up is only around $10.

 

The Bezel gives it a cleaner look and it really helps to keep the bug juices from working their way into the light housing. Even with the Bezel you might get a few bug parts, but it can be pretty bad with all the gaps without the Bezel. I have the SE bezel and it costs a bit more, but I feel it looks a lot better.

 

Take it off and don't worry about it unless you often ride in gravel. I've run with only the black trim piece for about 5000 or so miles and so far so good.

 

And that's an interesting spray pattern on the fence across the street.

 

Just buy the new trim piece. It has a nice finish look and only costs $40