IMO no problem in taking them off if you're riding most of the time on road.
If off road I'd just make sure the forks are well washed and cleaned after any mud gets on them. The outer first seal is there just to trap any crud that may arrive...these can be cleaned by running around them with a feeler gauge to extricate any small bits of grit that may get lodged there....consumable item...when oil leaks change them..no great cost and no great hassle.
BUT......at the end of the day....they do keep the forks clean and will also,if off roading,protect against any small stone 'dings' thrown up from other motos ..thus leading to pitting of the forks...which in turn will lead to wearing of the fork seals sooner rather than later....and having to replace fork legs in extreme 'dings'.
{My Gas Gas 300 has the Ohlins expensive fork option(albeit used in an off road enduro environment at all times thus different application)...I run protection at all times with these,to stop the above mentioned occurring. My forks have no 'dings' since I bought the moto....don't fancy paying to replace Ohlins fork legs lol. Maybe for the 'look' it's possible to to get moto cross type guards for the XTZ...like TTR 600 ones????}
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__________________
The Suit:What would you consider to be your greatest weakness?
Me: Honesty.
The Suit: Honesty? I don't think honesty could be construed as a weakness.
Me: I don't give a f**k what you think.
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