Thanks guys! I'll try that way. I thought I'd have to remove the whole top in order to replace the air filter. After unclipping the six metal clips, it felt like something was still holding on to the cover even to slightly open and slide the old air filter out. Also I didn't want to force the cover up and open since I didn't want to break off the link(10 on the pic) between the muffler and the rubber boot. They look fragile.