If you want to clean up the look remove the side rails but leave the guards in front of the bags, My GF and I went down last year when my rear tire slid out as we were taking a right hand turn. She went off right away and tumbled a couple times I slid with the bike about 20 feet and the bike slid without me for another 30 feet or so. The engine guard, floorboard bracket and the saddlebag guard kept the bike from any further damage. We got dinged up a little but fortunately it was cold so we were bundled up. The guards saved me a lot of money.

 

I have two sets of guards...

One set with side rails, one without. I switch them out depending on how much chrome I want or not...

I'm going to get a set off of an '07 SG, that are just for supporting the bags, eventually. Then I can appease my multiple personalities 'disorder'!

 

Thanks for serving, stay safe. I was with III Corps in 75-75 working out on west fort. loved it. anyway, i like others would recommend at least keeping the front guards on. why, because they help with the critters too. i've hit two deer, both running right at me at 90 degree angle and i clipped them with my saddle bags getting almost past them. no damage, the guards probably kept my bags from getting ripped off. also, agree with others in a slow drop or one from a stop, the guards along with the crash bars are meant to protect the bike. jmho.....keep your head down. come back safe.