Leaving off fork covers?

[PuttPutt]

Thinking removing the fork covers. What would be the cons of removing and leaving them off exposing the tubes? Not all bikes run the covers. Bike is a 1996 Royal Star. Thanks all!

[Snaggletooth]

Every thing helps when protecting those inner fork legs from damage. Road debris, sand grit and even dead insects can build up and cause excessive and damaging wear on the seals as the fork seals move over them.