As a prospective ST owner, the hassle of panel removal (especially after the ease of a 748) was one of things putting me off the bikes. Thanks for a very useful thread, Rushjob.
Rushjobs write up had encouraged me to get round to doing mine this winter but alas Desmotimes have discontinued the ST stainless strips. Looks I'll have to make my own (it doesn't look difficult) or do the job without them.