All the pipe does is get cleaner, cooler air into the air filter .. if you leave it off you're going to get warmer, probably dirtier air from the engine bay in so the air filter will work more and clog up quicker. Shouldn't hurt the engine much, if at all .. just make sure the air filter is in good shape and pipes/connections from it to the engine are good.
Dunno the 200 well but can you turn the filter so the inlet is raised and takes in cooler, cleaner air?