grab bar - structural?

Hey guys, I've got a kz650 that is missing one grab bar/ frame rail and I'm thinking about just taking the other one off. I may even shorten the back end up to where the angular fender bracket is and have someone weld a little structure on the back. Does that bar need to be there, and would a little shortening be a bad idea?

No, the bar is there to aid in liffting the bike onto the centerstand, and also tying things off to it when your running errands. Shortining it a bit shouldn't be a problem as long as you re inforce it. Hope this help's