No effin way! I have just ordered a replacement and I am doing it myself. I have consulted my manual and it has no mention of tank removal. I have to remove the seat that's it I think. I had planned on attempting your idea Slice.
Hopefully the job will go smoothly.
They said my excess is £950 and if I pay the extra £8 a month it will be nothing and I will also have a guaranteed NCB for 2 years even if I have an accident.