[gadget]

If you have a way of supporting the motor so the front wheel is just of the ground, that would be a huge help with the next procedures. So... motor supported, wheel off the ground, calipers off, front axle out, wheel out. Centre steering nut just undone, top fork caps just loosened, top fork clamps undone, undo nut that locates the clipons on the underside of the top clamp, then undo bottom fork clamps, then slide each/both fork leg out (assuming you can separate the legs from the mudguard in situ). If you don't have enough room to get the legs out before they are clear of the clamps, undo the fork caps n take the springs out first and then compress the legs ... so shortening their length for easier removal.
I have a curvy but the procedure should be pretty much the same tbh. Access to the triple trees isn't great and the fact you cant separate the legs from the mudguard isn't helping so you may have to enlist a mates help with fork removal.
Once they're removed though it should be a lot easier to get at the mudguard bolts.
Having said all this, if it was me... I would persevere with the mudguard bolts first as although a right royal pain in the ar#e it lestens the risk of completely mullering the mudguard.
Hope you get it sorted without any further agro.