The importance of side covers?

[StampBear]

as i move through this site and my bike another question that comes up is the importance of the side covers.

are they important?

do they serve a purpose other than cosmetics?

for the record my intention is to get the bike functional and on the road 1st and work on certain cosmetic features down the line.

 

[gggGary]

They don't matter but can help in heavy rain if you have pod filters.
Don't worry about them.

 

[Paulrxs650]

Just cosmetic as far as I am aware - tidies up the airboxes etc

 

[StampBear]

thanks guys!! one thing i am not in a rush for LOL...