Ok so I have to replace my 96 softail tire. So i am taking it off myself. Well it has the axle cover with Shˇtty screw that strip out. Here my question do you need the axel cover and bracket? Noty bike but this is what the cover looks like

 

You don't have to use it but, things won't look as slick. I had these on my Heritage. They were never an issue on my old bike.

 

No you don't need them.

 

Can you run those w bags though? Ebay listings say no

 

The only issue I have is some one torque the **** out of the out of them and I stripped the alien head so I had to do some redneck removal. I'll look into a replacement for it thanks yall for the help