Shocks
 

Can I take the plastic thing off my shocks without actually harm my bike over time?

I don't know what it does, it's loose, I can take it off from both side but maybe it's to protect from dust or anything else like that?

http://www.canstockphoto.com/thumbs/canstock0032614.jpg

Once they're gone, you'll have two exposed sliders, with a light coating of grease. The technical term for this is "Dirt magnet".

Most higher end shocks dont even come with the rubber boots. But they have better seals, so i would leave them on

Ok, thank you!

When mine don't come with them, I usually add them. Even though the seals are better now, I still like the idea of having grit and scratch protection(considering this is the east coast after all).

Just make sure that your aftermarket ones aren't trapping grit in there that would otherwise not get trapped.


Note to Whitey - they're forks, not shocks.

Maintenance practices always apply. I deal in races where if there is a scrap of fabric or paint NOT covered in muck, it is amazing. So I think trapped mud is the least of the concerns. Flying gravel and dangling branches are high on the list.
Correct on the fork definition. Shocks are components of suspension. Fork is the front end assembly in question.