yes the cylinder does have to come off to get the tensioner out, but before you pulling everything aparts. Take the fuel tank and sheild off, there is a hole through the cylinder fins for a long screwdriver to go through for raising the tensioner. You cannot move it by hand, you will need a long phillip and flatblade screwdriver to raise the tensioner. This will tell you if it is still working proper, before you start spending money on something that is not needed.