I just finished reading 6 different test reviews of this bike from a Honda presser in Sugo, Japan last Friday. Every single review concurred on 4 points:
1- The DCT (auto transmission) works flawlessly. It has two auto-shift modes, and a manual paddle operated interface. This feature has been engineered to perfection, and every review raved about it without reservation.
2- The motor is strong and smooth, plenty of real world power down as low as 4000 RPM. The exhaust/intake sound signature was a unique tone and several reviews said it sounded like a radial aircraft engine.
3- The event was held at a race track, kind of unusual for a sport-touring bike debut. However, all of the accounts I read claimed that the bike felt great at track speed, with the 600 lbs weight having less influence on handling than expected. The shaft drive system did not display the usual "jacking" effect of other bikes using this type of final drive.
4- Styling opinions aside, every journalist noted the quality, fit and finish of the final product. I know that some individuals don't care for the large exhaust can or the layered fairing application, but that is to argued elsewhere. The estimates I read say a MSRP around $18,000 USD is pretty accurate, with a March 2010 release.
The only issue I want to resolve is the riding range from the 4.9 gallon tank. If the VFR1200 can get at least 40 MPG during highway use I will buy this bike.
Here's what I'd rather have: "Another Yamaha first: a computer operated clutch and electronic shift actuators eliminate the need to operate the clutch. Yamaha Chip Control Shifting snaps off clean up- and downshifts every time using either the left bar-mounted paddles or the low-effort foot shifter." (from the FJR1300AE "Features" section).
