I'm an idiot. Please help.
For help, you might want to try the Tech section. The Tutorials section is for completed How-To threads about maintenance, etc. You can move the thread yourself without the need for a moderator. Just scroll to the bottom of the thread and there's a link to move it.
As far as the substance of your question, I don't have any info. I haven't taken apart a 696. Sorry.
To get to the battery you will have to do the follow things.
Remove the 'million' bolts holding down the tank covers. there are the ones on top that you can see, two on the side, two under the seat and two in the front.
Slide the covers off the bike. be gentle, the side cover have to slide forward (or backwards-don't have my bike right now to tell) then off.
you don't have to take the cover off where you belt buckle hits.
next you will have to remove the 2 to 3 bolts holding the plastic fuel tank. there is one underneath at the rear and 1 or 2 on the sides. I say 1 OR 2 because some dealers have put the second bolt on the side as from what i've heard there was only one from the factory.
on the bottom of the rear of the tank there is a clip holding the O2 sensor cable. move that cable off of it.
at the top of the tank remove the vent and overflow tubes.
gentle lift up the rear of the tank then slide it backwards. it will take a little shifting side to side as the front has inserts into the rubber mounts.
it helps to have a second person there to ensure you aren't pulling any cables or fuel lines. and to hold the tank out of the way.
you will see the battery now.
does it not describe how to remove the tank cover in the owners manual?
Raux nailed it.
BUT, a couple of additions...
Do this with an almost empty fuel tank. The tank is a total pregnant dog to move if it's full of gas.
The tank, once removed, can be kind of rotated off to the side to expose the battery. You don't have to disconnect anything other than the vent and overflow hoses.
lubricate the rubber tank holders with some spit or something when you're putting it back together or you'll never get the tank back in place.