I have the AltRider bars and like them. I can also remove both side panels without removing the bars as well as the battery on my 2013. I do not know if you can do this or not with the bars you are looking at but this may be something you want to consider.
The
right side panel is easy to remove, just slide it towards the back of the bike.
I hold on to the left and right side and pull back as I slide it to the left. This way you can control the panel and keep from scratching your tank. The panel will be rubbing against the AltRider bars but if you put a soft rag over them that will prevent scratching the panel.
The
left side panel was not so obvious to me, there were some restrictions but it came off easy enough. I just slid it upwards.
Put a soft rag over the horizontal AltRider bar to prevent scratching the panel. Start off by grabbing the bottom left and right corners of the panel and pull back on the corners to get them over some restrictions as you raise the panel. After that, the raised part of the panel will rub against the bar as you raise the panel upward. That's where the rag over the bar will help it to slide over and to prevent scratching.
The
battery comes out easy too but it will not pull straight out, it is too wide to pull through the two upright bars. I just did this a couple weeks ago but have a short memory so may not remember the exact sequence but;
- Pull the battery toward you some so you can rotate it within it's space. Rotate it along its vertical axis so that the side you were looking at (side with the labeling) is now facing forward. It is tight, but easy enough. The thin plastic edges of the box it sets in will flex some.
- Rotate it along the horizontal axis so now the battery posts are on the top of the battery. Now It will slide out between the upright bars.
Just be aware of the exposed battery posts.
I had no problem keeping the posts from touching metal, especially at the same time (short circuit).