I have just completed the following upgrades: Race Tech springs, gold valves and fork caps up front. Race Tech shock rebuild at rear. Michelin Pilot 3's at both ends. All of the work was done myself and it was a substantial challenge (given my average mechanical skills and limited tool box). Much technical advice was gleened from this forum (and I am grateful). It is my great pleasure to better understand this machine as a result. As to the results.....? I am thrilled. The bike is substantially more nimble/easier to handle (it was not a slouch before upgrades). My first ride on an ST1300 last October impressed me. I finally understood the notion of a bike feeling like it "was riding on rails". Now after upgrades, that feeling is improved with less effort required to induce a turn and practically no effort to maintain one. I have not yet completed the dialing in final adjustments but it can only get better. I ride like the average 53 year old who has been riding off and on most of his life, never getting to carried away with speed, but loving to taste the adrenalin as I learn what the bike can (and I can easily handle in the twisties). I now have as good a machine as I have ever dreamed of and riding it is such a pleasure. My cost on the suspension upgrades was about $1100.00 (just parts no labor). It was a lot of work but manageable during out cold mountain winter. The folks at Race Tech were great. Good support and fast service. And a nice discount for members of this forum. If you got the bucks, go for it! We don't own these motorcycles because we are trying to save money.
Again, many thanks to the folks who shared their experiences to help make mine better.
