Early 2005 (10/2004) LH Cam Chain Tensioner R1200GS Question

[JetSpeed]

My 40k mile 05 R12GS developed an oil leak on the left side I traced to the cam chain tensioner, the bike also has some valve-train noise at idle when the motor is hot, there is an updated tensioner so I decided to just change out the whole deal while I'm at it.
I read every post I can find on the procedure and it appears to be straight forward and relatively painless, however on my bike, once the tensioner is unscrewed it cannot be removed, the telelever shock strut is in the way so much so that ally-oop maneuver will not work, I monkeyed with it for a couple of hours and had a friend give it a try, no joy.
I'm wondering if the later model R1200GS's don't have a cutout or some other form of extra clearance designed into the bottom of the telever mount to facilitate the removal of the cam chain tensioner on the left side?

The bike is back in the garage and the job is on hold until I can figure out how to get it done.