Winston66
well for my money , here is my thoughts on the matter.
I am lucky in that I now have two ST1300's with which to indulge myself.
One is a 2003 without ABS and the fixed screen, at purchase 2 years ago was 105,000 Klm Call this No.1
The other is a 2006 P model with the ABS and the electric windscreen and has 91,000 Klm. on the speedo. Call this No.2
The differences between them that are apparent to me are as follows.
I feel that No2 has several advantages and if you were to compare the different models and restrict the comparasion to the same year,you would find that bike No2 in my case would have as extra stuff the following.
1 Handle bar risers fitted as standard , in order for the extra switches to clear the tank when on full lock
2 I believe that the front suspension has different rate springs fitted, It seems somewhat softer and consequently more comfortable to me.
3 The height of the rear suspension appears to be a little lower than the 2003 model the best measurement that I can get is about 2 and one half Cm. less .
4 It is fitted with a single seat ,and has no rear , (passenger) foot pegs.
5 There is a kit available to modify the seat to a dual set up if required.
6 There are extra electrical options available via the Police style switch and extra stuff (relays , connectors etc.) in the wiring loom under the rear pod.
If you want to figure it out and use that stuff.
7 Most important, for me anyway, is the P model does not have that overly complicated HISS ignition system which I figure is a total overkill, and can and will only cause anyone one who has the misfortune to loose or mislay their keys an extreme amount of grief and an exorbitant amount of expense to rectify.
8 The tip over bars have extra plates and fastening points attached.
9 My P model has an extra key operated ignition isolater switch added , ( I still have to figure out how it is supposed to work)
10 The speedometer is calibrated at 2 Klm. increments and is correct at its stated speed.
11 it also was fitted with the optional rubber Faring kit.
12 You might be lucky and get the operational log book that details the daily usage etc. of the bike.
13 I get the impression hat the rear suspension is better (slightly more comfortable) than the 2003 model , but this might be because I am running a Kumho 205 section car tire on the 2003 bike. There is no noticeable difference in stability at speed on the older bike.
14 the P model motor seems a little quieter and perhaps a little smoother than the 2003 bike, but essentially there is nothing to choose between them, I am unbiased and happy to ride either of them.
15 This P model has an inbuilt speed limiter incorporated in he ECU of a maximum of 120 MPH. or in our language at a rough calculation of approx. 200 Kilometers per hour, ( that should be fast enough ). Don't you think?
I do stress here that my comparisons are based on two different years of manufacture of what is essentially the same motorcycle and I can only reiterate that I would be happy with either machine.
I purchased the 2006 P model because it was there and was available at a very reasonable price, also as I have mentioned it had the following features that I felt were an advantage if I was to virtually trade up.
1 The ABS system
2 The uncomplicated Ignition system.
3 The electrical adjustable windscreen.
4 The much sort after Police light mounting brackets for mounting those extra running or driving lights.
I do not know if any of this will be of any help , but a you asked the question I thought that I would give you some of my thoughts on the matter.
hope that it helps ,
Cheers , Winston66, Northampton , Western Australia.
