Yup - I had to cut a little slot into the LH lower fairing to accommodate the gearshift. I also noted that that the shifter peg is no longer horizontal, which I thought would bug me - but after about 9000 km (5500 miles), I am used to it and don't notice it anymore at all. The small distance that my feet have been moved outwards from the centreline of the bike is similarly not noticeable and certainly doesn't affect my riding in the least.
The modification to the fairing was done with a hacksaw and a pair of tinsnips. It took about 5 minutes and the modification is invisible from any angle.
Overall, I have found the MCL peg lowering kit to be an excellent product (this is the fixed one - NOT the adjustable unit which apparently is quite flawed because it doesn't fold). I am 58 and was having pretty severe hip pain when bringing my legs up to the stock peg position but these little lowering units cured that instantly. The difference was remarakable.
As as for touching down, yes, I went out to a traffic circle (roundabout in the UK) and went roaring around and I could get the pegs to touch if I really tried - but they do fold (the adjustable models do not fold apparently) and in any event, the speed was higher than I would normally ever use and the comfort makes it well worth that very small limitation. Frankly, while the ST1300 is a great handling bike - there are better choices than this huge, cushy and rather top-heavy 730 lb, 127 HP locomotive for scraping pegs out there, and so I wouldn't be too worried about it.
I must also also put in a plug for Shock-Tek motorcycle gloves which have cured a numbness in my palms that was threatening to get me to sell my bike. They are designed by a physician to address carpal tunnel injuries and work great! They aren't even expensive: I got a pair of summer weight mesh-top gloves and a pair of cold weather gauntlets - ALL leather for about $110 US (for BOTH pairs). I have used the, for about three months now and they are standing up very well, look good and remain very comfortable. They are made in Detroit and the company is nice to deal with. Excellent product - highly recommended. (
www.shock-Tek.com)
Between the MCL fixed peg lowering kit, the MCL handlebar riser and the Shock Tek gloves, my ST1300 is now just about as perfect for me as any other bike has been - and those earlier ones were ridden 25 or more years ago when I was much more flexible (and less arthritic) than I am now.
Pete