Removing valve cover

[PaloAlto]

I'm all set to check my valve clearances at their 12,000 checkup and am stopped at how to break the seal on the valve cover.

Air box is off, coils removed, etc. All six bolts holding the valve cover are removed. But I can't pull the valve cover off. There's nothing to grip and the manual gives a strong warning against trying to pry it off (i.e. with a screwdriver at the gasket joint).

Any advice is welcome.

[TrackerOldGuy]

I have not taken mine off yet. Having said that , the manual
states" 10. Ease the water hoses to allow the cover to be removed from the left side of the motorcycle." I don't know
why/how that the water hoses make a differance but maybe
they are giving us a hint.
Let us know how it goes. ( some car manifolds need a slight wack from a rubber malet----but don't say i told you to
do it)

[PaloAlto]

Tracker,

It took quite a few gentle wacks to break the gasket seal. Once that was done, actually removing the cover was easy. I don't know why the manual says ease it out past the radiator hose - you can lift it pretty much up and out.