G'day Roadrunner, welcome to the forum
Like many of the guys here I have ridden many different bikes over the years and have found the ST1300 to be by far and away the best bike I have ever ridden. It is great for touring, has great handling and plenty of grunt.
The only things that need to be changed (in my opinion) are the seat and exhaust.
I say the exhaust because I find the bike to be too quite and I like people to be a little more aware that I'm around.
Anyway as has been said, go and take one for a ride yourself and I'm sure you'll love it
Cheers
Shiney