I got to see the new VFR for the first time today at a dealer while I was having my tire re-mounted. They put it on back wards the first time. I have to agree with Chris Parker on some of his points. I didn't walk away with that "oh man, I gotta have one of those".
I, too, noticed right off the bat the quality of the plastics. Very cheap looking in my eye. It was like comparing the dash board in a Chrysler product to a Mercedes.
There's been several comments about fit and finish being very good. It is good but I can't honestly say it is any better than my 2006 ST1300. The dash is a real let down for me. It may have all the needed info available but it just looks unfinished and under developed for such a techno-masterpiece.
I sat on it briefly. I think Honda is finally figuring out they can't use that Walmart foam for the seats. This new seat feels more substantial. I don't know that I could click off 200 miles but it felt firm enough to support me. The seating position is fine. I didn't feel all that hunched over if I closed my eyes. If I look at that big heaping tank in front of me it gives the illusion of being all bent forward. Not to mention my table manners rubbed the tank heavily.
I am very biased toward Honda. I think you will never go wrong buying a Honda product of any kind. Lawn mower, gen set, car, bike, weed eater, etc. But as far as flash content the competition has them beat. If I bought a new VFR it would be because of the mechanical aspects not aesthetics.
I'd have to find a way to sell myself on the VFR. It so close to a crotch rocket why not just buy a CBR. It's not a "touring" machine by my standards. Don't mis-understand, I'd love to have one. CycleTrader is listing some at $13,800 OTD.
Also sat on a NV700. Not for me. I'm looking for more Horsepower not less. After riding an ST1300 with cast handlebars seeing the chrome tube bars really is a turn off. Funny how something so inconsequential can ring that loud in my mind. That machine is almost all plastic. It's more a big scooter to me.