So… I got it.

I worked around the edges with a flathead screwdriver, finally just deciding to go for it. Up it popped.

it appears that the dipstick and bezel weren’t lined up. I took the dipstick off Mrs’ 2012 1200C and tried it. Sure enough, the bezel was hanging the dipstick on the inside edge.

No problem me thinks. Let’s pry that bezel a bit. (snap).

Even with the bezel off, the cap won’t pop up like on Mrs’ bike.

So…..

New black bezel and temp dipstick ordered.

 

It could be that the 'O' ring is simply too thick and it is holding the dipstick in, here is a short video on the subject.

 

The metal ears, protrusions, in the oil tank neck, that ride on the cap, have sharp edges that do not slide easily on the plastic cap.

 

The dipstick is badly designed using cheap materials.

A metal dipstick would have been much better, it could have been lockable to prevent vandals from putting a contaminant into your oil tank. I remember in 1964 the engine of my father's AJS 500 cc single was wrecked when a disgruntled neighbour poured iron filings into the oil tank.

At that time my father couldn't afford to have the engine rebuilt, so it was abandoned outside the kitchen window, in 1965 we moved to a different area of Scotland, the AJS wouldn't fit into the removal truck, so my father gave the machine to another neighbour, we never found out if it was ever repaired and ridden again.

A lockable fuel cap would have been a good idea on the Evolution Sportster's, H-D claim to be a premium brand and they certainly charge premium prices for their machines. They should fit them with premium parts to warrant the purchase cost. With a non lockable fuel cap it's all to easy for thieves to syphon out your fuel and steal it.

 

While character assassination is in full flow there is also the insecure screw that holds the seat on.

The non locking clips that hold the screen on and the same for the docking sissy bar / rack side plates.

Leather bags without locks.

 

Character assassination?

Thieves and vandals do exist, with the right tools and enough time a dedicated thief can strip a motorcycle down to it's separate components, they aren't very secure machines.

By the way, 80% of my black and silver stainless steel anti-tamper seat mounting screw kits are bought by people in Greater London and the Home Counties areas. They can be broken but it can deter the opportunist thieves, but not the professional ones. The stock seat screw can me removed simply by using a 5p piece.