M696 Timing Belt Cover Removal

[DBEng]

Hi all,

I am considering replacing the belts on my 2010 696 myself.
I have read all the stuff about pulley markings (or lack there of) and tensioning, but my question preceeds all that....

What do I have to remove to get to the belts?
Can I get the belt covers (stock) off just by lifting the tank out of the way (not removing the hoses)?
Do I need to remove the horizontal cylinder exhaust?
Is there anything I haven't considered?
Can I think of any more questions!?

Thanks!

[Raux]

the vertical cover does need to come up past the tank, but just moving it to the side will work.

the horizontal, I THINK, needs to horizontal header at least moved a bit, you don't have to take it off off, but may  have to loosen it and move it around to get to the tensioner bolt.

[DBEng]

OK, thanks Raux.

[alibaba]

If I recall, I was able to remove both covers without removing anything else.  But it was a PITA.  I watched an expert (Speedog) do it a few days back and it appeared a lot easier to remove the exhaust to access the vertical cover.

[DBEng]

Yeah, I am just worried about how much of a PITA R&R of the exhaust will be. It looks to be a tight fit behind the sub-frame.
I also have a great dislike of sliding exhaust joints after working on cars - they should all be flange joints!

I am waiting to see how much the dlr quotes to do it.

[Raux]

seriously you don't have to fully remove the exhaust.
just loosing up the front header.

if you want to remove it, it's a lot simpler than you think

unhook the O2 sensor wire below the tank. unbolt the header at the head and the slipjoint (you can get in there with a long socket and flex joint.

the wiggle it out towards the front of the bike, leaving the midpipe in place.