I haven't priced the VFR1200 side by side with the K1300S. I have glanced at the K1300S and yes, that is one kick ass bike and it's not bad looking either. You can also load it up with all kinds of luxury items that the VFR doesn't offer. If the K1300S, similarly equipped, comes in at least $2k less than the VFR1200 then Honda will have some problems and/or they need to adjust its price.
My thinking is Honda is pricing the VFR1200 as a totally brand new machine with all the R&D costs right up front. There is no "aggressive pricing" involved. They are that confident. BMW meanwhile has had a few years of amortizing many of the development costs of the K1300S so they can come in under the Honda price. Now we will find out if Honda's reputation for building very reliable machines (for the most part), as well as their superior number of dealerships will be enough to overcome any price difference.
As for "value".....that depends on who you ask. I think the value is in the 6th Generation VFR800, the Sprint ST, and the BMW F800ST. These bikes are in the $10k range, have hard bags, plenty fast enough, and just as much fun without the weight. I'm not complaining about the price of the VFR1200S. It is what it is because that's how much it costs to bring such a model in with all the stuff everyone thinks they must have on a bike. However, $18k for a motorcycle just so it can have hard bags, shaft drive, and lots of power? That kind of coin has crossed over to new to Certified Used Car pricing. Okay they won't be really fast cars but close enough. Personally I would rather just get a Mini S or a Mazdaspeed 3. They are more $$ but they are all weather, all the time, lots more comfortable, no need for hard bags, and none of them can split lanes!
I prefer my motorcycles to be relatively lightweight, can split lanes even in touring mode, and doesn't have car-like monthly payments (preferably paid off). Honestly, I try not to expect my motorcycle to be as comfortable and convenient as a car because it isn't one. If I must have all those comfort and convenient items along with the high price and weight, then it becomes harder to justify why I'm riding a bike in the first place.
