See Maintenance and Lubrication → Electrical Protection: Sportster Models → Left Side Cover: Sportster Models (XL Model Shown). The left side cover provides access to the main fuse holder, battery and fuse/relay block. No tools are required to remove or reinstall the side cover.
Opening
NOTE
The left side cover does not need to be completely removed from the vehicle to access the battery or fuses.
  1. Place a shop cloth or other clean, dry cloth over rear brake master cylinder reservoir and left passenger foot peg (if equipped). This will protect left side cover from damage.
  2. Grasp left side cover at upper corners and gently pull away from frame.
  3. While rotating top of cover out away from motorcycle, slide cover down slightly so mounting slot slides down from mounting tab on battery tray. Side cover will now rest on top of rear brake master cylinder reservoir and left passenger footpeg (if equipped) with slot hanging off bottom of mounting tab.
Closing
  1. Raise the left side cover.
  2. On the XR 1200 model, align the locating pins with the grommets on the frame. Press the left side cover to secure.
  3. On all other models, align the slots in the top of the left side cover with the clips on the frame. Press the left side cover to secure.