It's all personal preference. You don't need to run radiator protection.. You can repair or replace radiators if they get damaged.
They simply offer some structural protection and support to the radiator. Different brands (AXP, P-Tech, Force, etc) offer different setups. Mostly you want the side protection to stop the bananaring as seen above. I like some protection across the front too (more than just plastic louvers).
Same goes for the pipe. Personal choice.
A big enough impact will still break things, even with protection. The force needs to go somewhere. I'd rather dissipate what I can though.
Depending where you ride I'd probably factor in a 50/52 tooth rear sprocket as well!
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