1. Gather tools and materials: You will need a set of wrenches, sockets, and a screwdriver.
2. Disconnect the battery: To avoid any electrical accidents, disconnect the battery by removing the negative terminal.
3. Remove the rear seat: Remove the bolts holding the rear seat in place and take off the seat.
4. Remove the rear shocks: Loosen the nuts on the top and bottom of the rear shocks, then remove the bolts that hold the shocks to the frame.
5. Disconnect electrical wires: Disconnect any electrical wires that are routed through or attached to the rear fender.
6. Remove license plate bracket: Remove the bolts that hold the license plate bracket to the rear fender and take off the bracket.
7. Remove tail light assembly: Disconnect the wires and loosen the bolts that hold the tail light assembly to the rear fender, then remove the assembly.
8. Remove rear fender struts: Loosen the bolts holding the rear fender struts to the frame and take off the struts.
9. Loosen the turn signal bolts: Loosen the bolts that hold the turn signals to the rear fender, but don't remove the bolts completely.
10. Lift the rear fender: Carefully lift the rear fender up and off the bike.
11. Remove turn signal bolts: Once the rear fender is lifted high enough, remove the turn signal bolts and take off the turn signals.
12. Remove rear fender: Completely remove the rear fender from the bike.
Always refer to your specific Harley-Davidson Sportster model's service manual for detailed and accurate instructions.
