I just recently removed and lubricated my rails, cables and gear on the motorized windshield on my 08 ST1300. I do see where you might have to rotate the cables to start wearing on the opposite side of the cable, but didn't do it on this job. Mine showed some character where they have been running against the gear , but still in good shape. I used some marine grease and greased every where I could. I removed the spiral cables from the tubes and coated them lightly too.
My gear is in great shape so far , though there was lots of dried up gunk everywhere that probably wasn't lubricating very well. I wanted to buy some white lithium grease to do this job, but didn't have any on hand. I'll see how the marine grease holds up for next years maintenance.
Great instructions too....was a big help ! Thanks!