Now the low beams won't come on but the high beams do. I can make that work but have any of you had this problem before?
So one issue fixed, one more to go... ;-)
Since your ST is a US model with hard wired low beams, I suspect:
- an issue with the starter button, rather with the contacts behind it: one closes (starter solenoid) whilst the other opens the feed to the low beam relay, to reduce the load on the system while cranking
- an issue with the contacts of the HIGH/LOW switch
Depending on age, conditions and storage/parking of the bike, those switch-sets can get prone to collecting dirt and/or corrosion.
Take them apart (not completely, only spilt the cases so far to get access for the spray nozzle, and place a rag underneath to not mess up paint and other body-panels), and threat them with dielectric contact cleaner/lubricant (see to get one rated to be safe on plastics); put them back together (note the stub that has to go into a bore in the handlebar, preventing the housings from rotating/slipping), should work then...
There could be other causes, like corroded connections, faulty LOW beam relay, corroded fuse box, broken wire, etc... but switches seem most likely and easy to fix.
hope this helps