I'd say the guy at the shop is right on. Looks like a good hit would break the extention bracket right off. You could always cut your plastics after you scratch them if you bike ever goes down. That way you wont feel so bad cutting into new undamaged ones.

 

Just dont dump your bike on the left side , the no-cut sliders can bend and break the waterpump elbow requiring you to drop the motor to replace it.

 

i did drop mine on the left side, not moving thankfully, and the slider and bracket held up just fine. i don't know how theyll hold up once your up to speed, but hopefully i wont find out firsthand. just a note, make sure to put some locktite on the bolt holding the slider to the bracket, i just noticed one of mine fell off.

 

I've got the R&G set - OK they need the fairing to be cut but they are a direct bolt into the engine mount - I looked at all versions but the guys at Honda and the UK British Superbike team reckoned the straight-attach type are the best as all the others would bend on impact.

They sell them as FRAME protectors not as fairing protectors - guess the fairing would be pretty much mashed if you had an off but cheaper than replacing the frame.

I have R&G frame protectors and fork protectors - about to order the swingarm protectors for next season.

Just my 2d worth.