I've just bought one, and I'm pretty sure no-body removes the tappet covers etc to do it. Just wondering, what is YOUR method in doing so? Hand tight then back off 1/4 turn? Engine running?

 

I did my ape yesterday. I just removed both sides of the lower fairing, removed the coolant hose right in front of the CCT. Removed the oem unit, CAREFULLY removed the gasket and put it on the ape. Use a little bit of RTV on both sides of the gasket. Back the bolt all the way out and install the ape (don't overtighten the 8mm bolts down). I tightened till it was hand tight. After that I started the bike and backed out the cct until I heard the rattle again. Ran it thru the revs and adjusted until there was just a very faint rattle (much less so than with the oem unit). Tighten down the locknut while holding the bolt in place, and your done.

I've read from various sources to ensure the engine is at TDC. I don't think this is necessary if you are careful installing the ape for the first time. If you back the bolt out a bit before starting you should be fine. The reason they suggest TDC is it takes the most tension off the chain.

It really is quite easy, it is just a little bit of a PITA to access the unit (some modern bikes you can access it without removing anything).

Take the bike out for a romp without the fairings on (and take your 2 5/8'" wrenches with you). Stop after 5 minutes and inspect for any oil leaks, or if the bolt has backed out at all.

After about 20 minutes of riding after installing the CCT, I had a terrible noise coming from the engine. Sounded like the exhaust cam may have jumped a tooth! (lots of popping coming from the exhaust). Turns out my header nuts had loosened off a bit causing an exhaust leak. Bad timing I suppose! (but at the same time, the timing stayed good )

 

I installed mine, didn't bother removing the pipe. Tightened it by hand as far as it would freely go, started the engine then adjusted in until it stopped going in freely, then backed out a quarter turn! So quiet now!