I don't know much about R vs SE, thought it is part of the serial number on the frame like other Honda RC30, RC31, etc

I have a dry clutch on my Ducati, it has an open cover but it provides some protection so my boot does not get shredded if I'm not paying attention. Never seen dry clutch on NSR (my NSR is the first MC18 I ever seen) so I can't say weather it needs a cover or not, if it does not stick out it's not a problem. On Duc's its common issue that with a CF or some other flimsy cover when bike gets dropped with engine running clutch springs get smashed and brake the posts out of the basket.