question on these shocks

[Super]

Bought these shocks for my 550/650 project bike. Showa shocks from Japan. However, they have these plastic "inserts" inside the springs. Has anybody seen this before on shocks? I'm not sure what they're there for. Are these supposed to be there? Seems to me they should be taken off. It doesn't make sense to leave these on, exposed to the weather because over time, they will get brittle and break. I would rather take them off before I install them.... that is if they're supposed to come off.

Hope the picture turns out ok. If not, just go to my profile and click on it and it will be full size. Thanks for any help.

[fastbysuzuki]

can only think they are there to stop the spring touching the body, keeping it central thus protecting the chrome.

[Super]

I understand that concept and it was what I was wondering too...BUT....I've never seen that on other shocks. Also, like I previously stated, that plastic is going to get brittle out in the weather over time and basically break apart. Thanks for your input.

[Nessism]

The plastic piece is to eliminate scraping between the spring and the shock body which creates noise and finish damage. Showa knows what they are doing for the most part so you shouldn't have any issues.

[Fjbj40]

Both my progressive shocks have the plastic pieces, as stated it protects the shock body.

[Super]

Thanks everybody for your help. I guess I'm just a little behind the times in regards to shocks. This saves me from having to take them apart and pull that piece off. Now I can move on the bigger and better things!