So you got it in?
I went thru the same thing a month ago. Next time wouldn't take 1/4 the time.
I didn't take the hole covers off, I just rotated them around out of the way.
Then I decided I had to take the pipe off, to get at the bolt that holds the starter ground wire on. The bar wouldn't go by it. I turned the bolt around so the long end was pointing the other way.
So that led to making an exhaust spring puller. Needed one anyway, just wasn't planning on the time to make it right then.
Had to unbolt the LHS shock, and tie rod end, so the thing would get in the right place. I think that was all.
Tipped sled way up on RHS, managed to wiggle it thru, last little bit needed a hammer tap.
Then bolted it all back together.
Killed most of a good Sunday.
Sure handles better, but also can't throw it around like before. But I've only been out on 2 rides this year.