^^ Here is my 94 ST (reason for the pic…it is set up to tour on demand)- I also have never owned a GW (rode one in the past but it was a 2001 and it felt very big to me). My wife doesn’t join me too often these days 2-up, so I’m primarily a solo rider. That said, I’ve taken both STs on longer distance rides (maybe max 400 miles in a day) - if it’s set up right (bar risers, highway pegs to change the leg position from time to time, main peg lowering brackets, and in my case the mesh seat cover to increase airflow under your bum), I do feel it can be a long distance hauler. I honestly haven’t yearned for a GW, or any other larger bike due to the fact I have these 2 STs and the Silverwing (which with the CVT is like a comfy office chair that is effortless to ride). So I have the 2 bikes and the scoot, so I feel the collection is complete.
I had rented last year a BMW K1600 GTL in Colorado (so GW similar)- great bike, loved the ride and the power, but realized it’s too much bike for me- ST type bikes are just right for my needs.
I took a longer ride yesterday on the 94 as it was nice in SC (high ~ 64F or so). Before I knew it, I had gone 200 miles round trip (from home back to home) and wasn’t beat up or having numb butt. To me, as nice as a GW is (and they are VERY nice), I have no need for one as I don’t do cross country riding as much (maybe once a year for the Cherohala/ Tail of the Dragon trip), and for me, the ST’s fit the bill. YMMV.
Lastly, I am 58+ years old now, so not old and not young either…I don’t want something that’s really heavy that I might have to sell sooner- I had mentioned the BMW above- if I was to ever buy a BMW cycle, I would likely opt for the R1250RT and not the K1600.
One last thing for the OP…I have added a BT controller as well as GPS on the bike, so it is well set up such that I have the comforts offered in a factory bike (like the GW) on the ST, and I use a BT Plugfones as my speakers (truly hate it when I see people with speakers on their bikes blaring for the world to hear what their music tastes are). If you really love the ST, just upgrade it vs plunking down at least $20K for a used 2018+ GW, and again, this is use one of many opinions.