That is correct you would still have to cut the zip ty, but it doesn't look like it would be a big job. As far as the head stay, you could probably get by without it but you may ge more vibration, I just don't know. As far as the head stay, it could be made from steel rather than aluminum if your more comfortable with steel, not a big job to make. I did find a pipe in europe that was made for a 500 motor in a 250 chassis, it was a company in italy called Jolly Moto, but the price was $1400 US, that didn't work for me. SPES used to make a pipe, but now there all under the DOMA umbrella and they don't list one in the US, perhaps they do in Europe.