If you don't like the APE for some reason your only recourse will be toi put in the old CCT or you could use a modded ZX-12 CCT purchased from Bill Eason like dogo did.

If you put in a ZX-12 CCT or the OEM ZX-14 CCT, it is true you do need to remove the head cover. The CCT is like a mouse trap spring. You lock it all the way open, install and then spring it against a moveable chain slide inside the Cam Chgain Tunnel. That way, the CCT will hit the chain slide and the spring tension will hold the chain at the right tension.