Yes, easy off. You need to unbolt the right side foot peg to get enough clearance to remove the cover. Mine came off without totally removing it...just loosen it enough to move it out of the way. You also need to remove the exhaust pipe (2 bolts) and of course the exhaust pipe guard.  Also--when removing the little bolts around the cover---pop them into a piece of cardboard, in the same pattern as they are on the cover. You want to make sure they all go back in the same place they came off from. Some of them are different lengths, and some have a small gasket on them. (looks like a little washer) Those need to be on there in the right place, or you will have oil leaks. Some folks say to replace them with new gaskets. Your choice. The cover may not come right off--you need to TAP it some with a plastic hammer, or GENTLY pry around the edge to break it loose. And be careful--there are locating pegs...2 or 3, I forget. You don't want to snap them off. Work it back and forth and it will come.
I have never had the left side cover off, but I assume it is similar to the right side. If nothing else, check in the TECH section, and I'm sure there is something in there about all of this. And good luck with the shine job. I wish I had the tools and the time to do mine.

The one on the left side might fight you a little coming off. The flywheel and strator love each other and never want to part. But wiggle while you pull and the cover will come off.