Thanks Monty. That is a help, honestly.
It seems that both bikes are cracking in their own right, but at slightly different things, and I am looking for a combination of both. Typical eh !
If I can overcome my reservations about the exposure and performance of the MS then I think I've made my mind up.
As you say, the test ride will be the decider. Well, the wife will actually

but I'll have my say too...
Another couple of ST4S questions for you lot.
I see in the brochure for the 04 bike that the exhausts haveto be lowered when the panniers are fitted. Is this the same on the 03 bikes too, and does this reduce the ground clearance by much ?
Who if anyone makes front mudguard extenders for them ?
Cheers,
John.