I have the service manual for my CTX1300 and there are owners who are still able to get it currently. I also do much of my own maintenance and find oil changes rather easy to do on this bike. No plastic to remove. I had to remove the bottom pan on my ST1100. The battery is located in the upper left "cheek" on the CTX and it not really hard to replace, though I haven't needed to do that yet. I bought mine in April 2014. That price of $7000 is more likely the standard version new with only test ride miles on them. The Deluxe version is slightly more usually and only a few dealers have that price. Careful that they don't tack on extra charges as some do (advertise 7000 but add on another 1000 in prep and setup charges!). No real issues with either bike as mentioned. Most mentions of "new" ST or CTX models after 2012/2014 are likely false if in the USA. There are reports of "newer" model years of these in other countries. Don't know for sure if there are any changes from the last known models but doubt it. There are some aftermarket items for the CTX: shields, seats, top cases, saddlebag liners, foot pegs, grips, etc. Exhaust is VERY unique on the CTX so very unlikely any aftermarket vendor will touch it. A member of the CTX1300 forum makes saddlebag guards and forward highway peg/driving light mounts on his own time for owners. Of course there are a lot of aftermarket items for the ST as members of this forum will attest.
I consider the CTX a very relaxed ride with foot neutral posture and ergos very similar to a Gold Wing (I used to own a GW). The ST is much more spirited with foot under posture and aggressive ergos. I also think the stock seat is absolutely the most comfortable stock seat of any bike I've been on. But that's just me. We're all different so YMMV.
ps- not trying to sell, just inform.
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