I just rode an 1100RT for 6000k in Europe. Even though it was an older model, I found it very comfortable, handled well, and just enough power. I think it could use one more gear. In the switchbacks, first was often too low and second too high. At the top end on the Autobahn, it was working pretty hard at 150KPH, but still OK. The steering with the paralever setup is a little funny. Very well behaved, but took a fair amount of pressure on low speed tight turns. It was wearing PR3's and that was outstanding all the way around.
All that said....and not to take anything away from tour operators.....but I would just rent and ride. Unless you really want to pay the thousands of dollars for guidance, it could easily be done on your own. The difference will cover your airfare. Fuel prices were a bit of hit, paying somewhere around 8-9 dollars per gallon. Makes our current $4 look pretty good here.
Thats enough......don't want to take the thread completely off track.