Front Brake Rotor Cover?

[bornTofly]

Hey I was wondering if you guys had any opinions on keeping the front brake cover on, or just tearing it off. Allot of my buddies tell me it looks bad and just ruins the bike, but I always say its not like honda put there for show, its their for a reason. Im guessing that reason is to keep mud and dirt out. What do you guys think? Do you leave yours on or take yours off?

 

[dirt bike dave]

IMO, without the cover, you are more likely to throw grit and mud from your brake disc onto your fork tube. This can lead to seal failure.

The cover might give some minor protection to the disc against getting nicked by rocks.

I've had bikes with and without a cover, and it does not seem to make any difference in brake pad life.

 

[bornTofly]

If the disc gets nicked by a rock, will that ruin the disc? Will it not slow the bike down as quick?