Yes, you do have to separate and remove rear exhaust pipe . I didn't replace the gasket and it's fine but would of definitely replaced it if I had one at the time. Also have to remove rear passenger peg mount. I just replaced my original belt and rear pulley on my Cross Roads at 80,000 miles. Belt still looked good other than a rock had gotten caught in between it and the pulley and punctured thru it. Rear Pulley had the metal surface of the teeth flaking. Front pulley looked fine. I don't think you would have any issues with belt or sprockets after only one year. If belt and rear sprocket look good I'm sure front sprocket is fine.

The problem you describe sounds more like a torque compensator. Also, Replacing the front sprocket with the aftermarket underdrive one may lessen your symptoms.

 

Great, thanks Lou. Bikes actually a 2011, with 35,000 on but I've only owned her a year. Even so, should be fine. If I can get the exhaust off I think il take a peek inside the pulley area, just for a bit of insurance. If the front pulley looks ok, I can live with the symptoms. Just wanted to check nothing was clanking around inside there! Will probably need a good clean out anyway. Thanks