I sat on one a few weeks ago as well at Frasers in Newcastle.
It is bearable to look at from the tank back but the front was pig dog ugly. Actually I think I have just insulted pig dogs. What is mister Honda thinking!!!
I did love the exposed engine and the chrome pipes. Made me wish the ST came with a bikini fairing.
It looks a lot better from the back than the ST.
Seat height was great for a stumpy leg like me. Riding position was more relaxed than the ST but no where near as comatose as a cruiser.
Instrument panel was more appealing. The ST's reminds me of something out of an 82 Honda Civic
It made me think how could the ST be with a few changes. Maybe that is a new thread. Here my list.
Change the faring to expose the engine. Add chrome pipes and details to the engine
Lower the seat about 25 mm
Update the barge arse rear end. The CTX doesn't look too bad in that department
Make the bike look ok without the panniers so you can ride it without them and not look like something is missing.
Change the instruments to something which harks back the the instrument pod on the 750 four. Still have the electronic dash but keep it low key.
Make the bike a lot less top heavy.
Fit a set of pipes with a slightly more aggressive sound
For me that would just about be the perfect bike.