Motorcycle manufacturers can create (or invigorate) market segments based on an appropriate dedication of resources. The ST Series (Honda), FJR Series (Yamaha) and Concours Series (Kawasaki) exist because of this dedication. Maybe Honda sees the ST market as flat because they are allowing it to be so. Yamaha and Kawasaki obviously see their models as flagships, treat them accordingly and invest in upgrades. Honda, for some reason is marching to a different drum and has chosen to walk away from the realm. Sad, since the ST platform is a perfect canvas (IMO) to evolve to the state of the art by a wave of the modern electronics wand + a few chassis improvements.At a semi-private motorcycle-related meeting last year, some upper-level Honda management were in attendance. When asked about a replacement for the ST1300, they replied that the current market for sport-touring bikes was even worse. They suggested not to expect anything new, anytime soon.
To me, Japanese motorcycle manufacturers have always been tough to figure out. After following Honda during the amazing International Grand Prix run during the 1960s I fully expected Honda to come out with a DOHC, 4-valve world killing four cylinder motorcycle that emulated the fabulous competition engines of the era. Not to be, the CB750 was introduced as a SOHC 2-valve of somewhat odd design. Nice motorcycle, owned two of them but I was always hoping for a leap of technology that Honda had so effectively demonstrated on the track. Not to be.
Yamaha stepped out in front in the late 70s with their XS750 (which moved to the XS850) and XS1100 lines. Crude by modern standards, they had features nobody else had at the time (cast aluminum wheels, triple disk brakes, shaft drive, solid low maintenance drive trains, good looks, etc.). They were well received and Yamaha made a name for itself. The XS1100 line evolved to the FJ line and eventually to the FJR line, a pretty good lineage.
Honda could do the same if it chose to. They are big enough to dictate the market rather than have the market dictate to them (which is what it seems like they are doing).
Dan