bobert_FSO wrote on 03/21/20 at 14:22:07:I remember seeing some earlier posts about this. It was mentioned that without the rails, people have seen the tail of the fender "wag" side to side quite a bit under acceleration. I would consider them structural. If you don't like them chromed, maybe you could scuff them up and paint them the fender color. Or maybe chop the fender and move the tail light assembly elsewhere to get the weight off the tail of the fender.
That's a really interesting point! I've already moved the tail light and turn signals ... but I moved them to the licence plate holder under the fender. I probably added weight with the bracket I made. I, and other members of the forum have had the licence plate crack across the bolt holes. Actually mine once broke right off. I assumed it was due to vibration.
The Savage is essentially a budget bike, so I assume Suzuki wouldn't be putting two big chunks of steel on there for no reason.
Given the comment above from srinath, and what you've just pointed out, perhaps they're there to prevent lateral movement.
Or as JOG put it, so succinctly ... they basically make the fender stiffer.