Keith,
If you're real careful you can pull the cover while the bike is on the side-stand and only lose a tablespoon of oil on the header. If you're thinking of doing it on a lift you'd better drain the sump. And, don't let the strength of the rotor magnet throw you off, it'll give a good tug on the side cover while you're removing it. A gentle tap on the four ears (each quadrant of the cover) while assist you in the removal operation.
