A lot of good advice here. I just bought a ST1100 after riding a honda V65 sabre for a few years. I had my sights set on a ST1300, but when I got a chance to ride it, I didn't like it. When I rode the ST1100, it just fit me better. The point I am making is that just sitting on various bikes you are interested in can help lead you in the direction of what works for you. I have found when I analyze everything, then go look, and ride a sample bike if possible, I may gravitate to something I didn't expect. I guess you learn better what you like. It is hard to do it all with one bike. The dilemma these days is finding a shop that has some of these bikes to try. I ended up checking out different models on craigslist, as there are not many ST's around my area. The newer bikes mentioned above you can probably find. Try as many out as you can.....you will be happier with what you get in the end.