I see a lot of custom bikes with no the belt guard removed. Is there any reason that it shouldn't be removed? With the 2 to 1 it would look a lot cleaner if I took it off.

 

Help keep debris out of the belt/spockets

 

Yep: only takes a pebble between the belt and pulley and you will wish you kept it on.

 

It can keep miscreants from putting stones in the grooves of your belt so they tear it up when you try to leave the mall. Ask me how I know. Now before someone says a stone could have got in there on accident let it be known there were many stones in multiple grooves.

 

All I need to know, that's guys!

 

Friend of mine bought a new Buell Firebolt and came round to show it off. The belt guard on them is much more visible and he had taken it off. By the time he reached us he had a large sharp stone through the belt and serious damage to the rear pulley!

I've been riding belt drive Harleys for over 20 years and had belt damage just once, despite using the guards. But they all stay on!

 

There are a few sellers on ebay that offer chrome covers for the rear section of the belt guard. I run a 2-1, and the chrome cover definitely makes it more attractive on that 'bare' side of the bike.