Fork ring purpose on Husqvarna Vitpilen 250?

[dirttuned63]

I've been using a 2022 Vitpilen 250 for my daily rides around town. It still has the fork protection ring on it, but I haven't added any fork guards and haven't taken it off-road at all.

Do you think this ring actually serves a purpose, or is it just leftover hardware from parts that are used on other models?

 

[Hufflepud]

Do you mainly want to know if the fork protection ring is functionally protecting your seals on paved roads, or are you more curious whether it's just a carryover part from other Husqvarna models?