I had them removed from my xt660x and had the acerbic had guards I never had a problem at all with them removed. And I have another xt660r with some on with no bar ends and that rides spot on ,In fact I have just ordered some from China for �23 and will put them on my new xt660r ( I have two) never had a problem with the bar ends removed and I do take the bike fast. If you can ride an xt fast ��