...Totally get wanting a smaller, lighter bike. ...
Not trying to take anything away from the VFR. They are incredible bikes, and I fell in love with the two versions a fellow commuter had who parked next to me at work for years.
Another one that is largely forgotten is the BMW F800GT. Like the VFR, it was (is) expensive if you buy new. However, you can buy them used for a lot less. If you're looking for a sport-touring bike that is very light (@470 lbs wet), this should be on your short list. Belt drive. All day comfortable. Eats away miles on the freeway, and is easy to flick through the corners. Top speed is supposedly 140 mph, yet it can get me over 60 mpg at times.
If anyone is interested, I'd be glad to start a thread on the bike.
Chris