I'd be tempted to get rid... mine cost me quite a bit of money when....
I rode over a bolt in the road... the tyre picked it up, and gashed a feckin huge hole in it,,.... The bolt then proceded to rattle its way round the coal skuttle and fling itself directly towards me nads, taking out the under seat cover and the wires to the ABS.... Huge bang, flashing red lights, i thought the world had ended.... Goin home on a truck wasnt much fun either !!
But then again... it might protect you one day if someone takes you out from behind
They don't interfere with each other., but ISTR various comments on here blaming the "coal scuttle" for creating the turbulance which soaks the pillions legs