Will I have to remove the exhaust pipe to get the cam cover off. I want to inspect my chain tensioners. If exhaust must come off, I'll wait until I have more time.

Exhaust is V&H Big Shots Long

 

just look at it and see..............some you can and some you can't

 

It it doesn't have to come out much before I lift up it should clear the pipe. Just don't know how far it must pull outwards before it can go up

I forgot to attach the picture on the original post...

 

It looks like you could but it may not be enough clearance to pull out.
How long does it take to remove the exhaust? Another 10 mins? I wouldn't risk scratching the exhaust chrome shield. What about oil spill on the exhaust? Just a mess!

 

from the looks of it it should clear, will require soem careful manouvering and i would recomend putting a cloth on the pipe so idf it bumps it theres no dinging or scuffing.

 

Looks like you might be able to get it off. My biggest concern would be properly torqueing the bolts when you replace it, having minimal clearance for the wrench.

 

Just drop the front pipe. Gives you more room to play. Just had mine off swapping cams. Not that big a deal.

 

Getting ready to do the same thing (check the tensioners on my 01) while I wait for my fat-bob trees from surdyke.com.

I thought I could squeeze it by the stock pipes - but why bother no hurry - it's snowing again here on Long Island.
George

 

Take the pipe off. It will just make things easier.