I did a tour in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic on a rented Beemer. Nothing to be scared of. Although it was summer, we had a bit of bad weather --rain and fog -- for one of our Alpine crossings. Slow going, but nothing too hairy. On days of good weather, it was just spectacular. The roads were in great shape and the car drivers tended to be competent and aware. The Czech Republic was a bit more rustic, but still very navigable. All in all, it was a great experience.

One caveat. On the Autobahn, you might be tempted to get in the fast lane and go 160 kph (100 mph), but be aware that 160 kph is chump change on the Autobahn: car drivers will come up behind you and blink their lights for you to get out of the way.

I was stationed in Germany back in the 1970s. Instead of shipping my car over I sent my old Harley. That was four years of the best riding I've had. During my tour I rode to France, Spain, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.

At that time I never tried to rent a bike, but according to some of my friends in Germany have said it is very easy to rent a bike there. Easy, not inexpensive.

If you mount up in Vienna make sure you ride through to the Zugspitz area, Bad Tolz, and on to the Garmisch-Partikerkin area. Great ride, friendly people and good food.