There's two schools of thought on whether to use sealer or not. I personally use it but do not use too much because it can clog oil passages. Most times however you can go without it because the gasket itself does have a bit of sealer on it already impregnated if I remember correctly.

As to torque, apparently my Clymer's manual does not list a torque value for that cover. I just usually snug it up hand tight then go around it in a star pattern giving each bolt a sharp quick twist. I kind of do it by feel so I can't give any real data on it.

Welcome aboard the Savage train!