Run old sports bike without body panels?

'87 CBR600. The body panels I'm talkin' about are the huge plastic covers
that enclose the entire engine compartment.

The one on the left side has never fit properly, is a severe PITA to mount. I
ran half of last season without 'em. I'm thinking of leaving both of them off
for the duration.

Aside from aesthetics, is there any reason to mount and run 'em?

Prost,
P

"Take Yo' Hand Out My Pocket (I Ain't Got Nothing What Belongs To You)!"
- Rice Miller, who probably never even _heard_ of GW Bush, Paulson, etc

 

No.

 

The fairing lower panels do block the wind a bit and direct warm air
back towards the rider in the winter.

 

Do a Google search on "rat bike". Leaving the side covers off is the least of
the mods you'll see.

 

But likely the only such mod I'd consider (at least for now).

It was an interesting peek. Some of those fellers'd paste most
anything on a bike.

P

"Take Yo' Hand Out My Pocket (I Ain't Got Nothing What Belongs To You)!"
- Rice Miller, who probably never even _heard_ of GW Bush, Paulson, etc