it's a PITA. i just took off most of mine yesterday and my bike is brand new. heat is the best way to make it easier, took me forever doing it in the garage so i took the fairings off and ran hot hot water over them and they peeled off really easy (i didn't have a blow dryer and didn't want to buy one for just this purpose).

To get the residue off go to Advanced Auto Parts and get the 3M Adhesive Remover, takes that shit right off really easy. Just be sure to wash it off and wax over the areas afterwards