Thing is, I have a device on my XT which serves this purpose very well indeed. It's called a mudguard. Radical, I know, but it's the way I roll.

Thanks to everyone for amusing responses. I think I know more than I did, but I can't be certain.

raaah
 

i just removed the beak off my 2001 f650gs that i've had for about a month. allways just looked goofy to me. 4 bolts to remove, the horn looks a little exposed but i haven't noticed any more dirt and salt off the road behind the fron wheel so it looks like it wasnt doing much anyway. i did notice that the steering feels a little lighter now without that extra weight on the front forks. nothing really note worthy though. i heard tell that it keeps the rain off you? i will get a good test of that in the next few days. i'll just see how it all goes