my 99 warrior i bought used didnt have a shield. It was ok with pants on, but on those hit summer days with shorts on, i would definately have to ride with my foot at the end of the peg and sometimes completely off the side...just lifted off the ground. If i were you, id definately make sure i had a heat shield. IMO, it makes a big difference. My raptor has a heat shield and heat?? what heat? theres no heat coming out of the pipe, i dont feel anything? get a SHIELD!