I finally got around to check the cam tensioners and have removed the exhaust and all the bolts that attach the cam cover, but I am having trouble getting the cover off. Anyone have any advice as to how this is done w/o damaging the cover. I tried tapping it with a hard rubber hammer but it won't budge. Any suggestions?

 

Try prying on the bottom edge of the cam cover where it won't show or try to insert a couple of small screwdrivers approximately the same diameter as the bolts to pry with. There isn't anything holding the cover on except the gasket, I would have thought the hammer would have worked.

 

I'd whack with a dead blow alittle bit more. Sometimes they can be stuck pretty good.

 

Put an old rag or something on it so you don't scratch it up.

 

Just took one off this weekend, the rubber mallet wouldn't get it off so I took a small screwdriver and on the back side (towards the rear of the bike) on the bottom, put it between the cover and case and give it a little hit, that will break it loose.

 

mine was also stuck pretty good so I did what another member here had suggested and placed the blade of a pocketknife parallel with the cover, got it started into the gaskt and popped it with a mallet and it cam right off. Make sure you got some rags handy