i mean i could get my hands on it to remove it without removing anything, but the op states its impossible for him to reach. if he cant reach it, the only real option he has is to make some more room so he can reach it.
i suppose there is some slight variance on individual 954's. because on mine, the top bolt that held in the oem cct was so close to the frame that a socket couldnt go over it, let alone a socket and ratchet. it was so close that the head of the bolt was touching the frame as it reached the end of the threads upon removal.
my only option was to use a very small box wrench and approach the bolt from the top. admittedly, i already had the airbox off when i fit my ape because i was doing the spark plugs at the same time.
i could reach the ape to adjust it through the left side of the bike, but using the ole listen and feel method to adjust was a little cumbersome from the left side of the bike.
ive used ape tensioners on multiple bikes from multiple manufacturers. my 954 was the hardest, by far, to get a confident adjustment on. further, i like to mark the ape locking nut with a mark so i can visually inspect that it hasnt backed off or loosened. not necessarily before every ride, but often enough to keep my thoughts off it while i ride like my hair is on fire.
the problem was i couldnt even lay eyes on it without pulling the left fairing and looking through between the frame and engine. let alone place an easily spotted mark to check.
in the end, it became more of a hassle than i felt like dealing with. i wasnt comfortable getting it adjusted with 100% confidence, and keeping my eye on it was a chore. so i just bought a new oem cct, installed that and deal with the idea ill have to likely replace it at some point in the future.
popping the throttle bodies lose was as simple as loosening the four screws on the boots. then pulling them up and pushing them over a little opened up a lot more clearance for me to get a purchase on the top cct bolt with my wrench.
ive the flapper mod and smog block off plates done, so pulling the air box and velocity stacks is short work. twelve screws, two hoses and two electrical connectors.
for me, thats a quick way to make room in that area if there is something i cant get my hands on.