Well surgery has been done, the mudguards have been removed (so don't look if you're squeamish). I didn't just hack them off I ground/cut the stitch welds and they fell off so if I really wanted to put them back on I could. Just to illustrate what the problem was I knocked up a quick and dirty engine model, I apologise profusely in advance for its crudeness, which shows not only how the oil filter clashes but also the exhaust and fuel tank clash with the guards and more importantly the actual mounting points. So I didn't see any other option, I sure more resourceful and creative people out there could've found a way to make it work. It also makes for better access to the starter etc and hopefully easier cleaning/air flow.