Valve cover removal

[three season]

Hi folks, gonna have a go at the valve clearances, bikes at 28odd K. I know i dont need to remove the carbs (thanks to PieEater) But just wanted to ask if i still have to remove the fairing and thermostat housing (as per Haynes manual) to get the valve cover off? AIS has been removed.
Also, my feeler gauges are not tapered, will this matter?
Thanks in advance guys.

[PieEater]

You don't need to remove the fairing just the right hand side infill. I took the thermostat off with it attached to the pipework going to the cylinder head, just a bit of juggling to get it all out in one piece. Depending on how narrow your gauges are I would say you may need to invest in some tapered ones but they're not that expensive.

[three season]

Thanks again PieEater

[Falcon 269]

Never removed the thermostat doing mine.  Be careful to clear any dirt and debris out of the spark plug recesses and those around the coolant pipes, though.

[teecee90]

I'm going to tackle mine as well. I notice the two coolant pipes look a bit ropey so was going to remove them to clean up and re-paint. Any tips? Will I need any new gaskets / o-rings?

[three season]

Ok thanks Falcon