Wow guys, I almost feel provincial I live in the North East of England and am a little taken aback by some of these comments. I know that I haven't shipped a bike overseas before but I have spent some 14 years driving in mainland Europe, especially Germany. I have driven in both the States (Montana) and Canada (Alberta), so I accept that there are some differences between our road networks, BUT, we even have electricity and flushing toilets in Europe now

Parking up and small inner city roads can be harder with a Wing, but in UK and western mainland Europe, you will certainly see loads of the bigger bikes on the major roads (motorways) and there are loads of rallies around in 'season' where bigger bikes are plentiful. Bike garages are usually plentiful too, especially in Western Europe, so you shouldn't have to worry too much maintaining the bike. If anything, because our major cities are probably far nearer to each other than your own, you will often find a garage closer to you here than at home in the States.

As for language, I think that most people appreciate it if you try to speak a little of their language, even if they don't expect you to be a linguist. Apart from anything else, it's also polite (in my view). Just think, if you were heading into South America you would probably take a few Spanish phrases with you to help you communicate with the locals. It will certainly add to your overall experience