I bought this used and it has these crash bar type things in front of the bags. What useful purpose do they serve and should I remove them?
Marsh

 

Well, mainly I think they look good and add some chrome to the bike.

Functionally, if you drop the bike over at low speed, it will protect your saddlebags and contents somewhat. But that's about it.

I like the looks though, and have even thought about them for my Heritage. I thought they might be a good grab bar for the lovely young wife to hold onto, but now I think they are too low for that purpose.

 

If you put a crash bar on the front, it could save a lot of damage to the bike, in the event that you laid it over. If you are planning on keeping the bags on there permanently, I would get a crash bar for the front and put some highway pegs on it as well. Good lookin' scoot!