I have a 2017 1200C and want to remove the side cover (that hides the battery and electrical connections) to route the battery charger pigtail for easy access. Removing the cover is proving to be a b!tch. I feel I might break it. I heard it's not a cheap replacement. Any suggestions on how to remove would be appreciated. I found a picture doing a google search to show you the cover I am talking about.

 

I'm not aware of any recent changes regarding the plastic snap retainers, so it should be as simple as grabbing the top two corners and pulling sharply like opening a door hinged at the bottom. Is your owner's manual not helping?

 

I tried following the instructions, but the amount of force I was using to no avail made me wonder if I would just end up breaking the plastic cover. I'll try it again when I get home. Thx for the reply.

 

Plastic?
Maybe we're talking about different things.
Thought it was metal. Are we talking about the battery cover on the left side of the bike? If so maybe try pulling front a little harder first and 'walking it off'

 

The cover is metal. Sometimes mine is hard to get off. I have to give it a good yank at the top.

 

Sometimes I have to yank mine harder than others but I always get it off.

But onto the topic of your cover, maybe post a pic of what you're talking about. If it's what I (and others) think you are referencing, a little tough love should getter. A phrase I have repeated my whole life goes, "if it can be broke, it can be fixed". I wouldn't be affraid of breaking anything, my friend.

 

Here is a pic of the back of the oil cover....the back of the battery cover is similar (not the same)...I think its wider

 

So, it looks like we're all thinking of the same part.... Strange, mine was just falling off from time to time. Had to zip-tie it in place. Hard to believe it's as difficult as OP makes it sound. Not saying I don't believe OP, just wondering what's going on.

 

Try your year on you tube with the phrase servicing battery or checking fuses, someone must have a video. You could remove your seat for a better view of the top 2 clips and slip a hard piece of plastic in to pry the clip apart, a flat screwdriver would scratch the paint on your cover. Watch for someone with a similar bike and ask them if they could pop their cover off. You have to pull on the top of the cover, there is a slot at the bottom to help you position cover when reinstalling.
Dave 04 XL1200C

 

I believe the only way it will go through the hole is if you twist the cover vertically and slide out....but that is by memory and my memory could be failing...lol. Just open and look...you will figure it out.