Ok, I know a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but let me be clear on the experience I had: to remove and replace the covers
without damaging them requires the stem lowering. I
almost got them off without messing with the stem, but just couldn't quite finagle it.
If you want to remove the covers and
aren't worried about breaking them, I'm guessing it's a pretty easy job. I don't remember exactly, but I think a few strategic swipes with a dremel-like cutoff wheel or even a careful hacksaw application would free them. Not sure about all this, but if your goal is simply to ditch them, b.sheets, you might want to consider a "destructive procedure".
Once they're off, I don't know how easy it would be to fit gaiters; forks off, I imagine, but at least you won't have to mess with the steering...