While not a direct comparison to the VFR, I like the F800GT and it has been on my short list since it came out a couple years ago (only bagger on my list actually). It is extremely light weight for a touring rig. It is BMW reliable. It is no maintenance belt drive. I rented and rode the GS version of this bike with the 2 cyl motor in AK for a week. The motor won't set your hair on fire but it is dead reliable and smooth running. I had no complaints regarding the motor (caveat: I weigh 120 lbs in full riding gear with rocks in my pockets).