This is why when I had to reduce the fleet size, the little Elite 110 went and the Honda Deauville stayed as my commuter bike, as the latter demands more attention and respect from the rider, particularly in stop and go urban riding.

I do miss the scooter, and at some point, likely retirement, I see myself leaving behind the conventional motorcycles and riding just twist-and-go scooters.

Aerostich fanatics are annoying – at least that is what people tell me. 😉

But the gear is really that good, as one can tell it was developed by people who used the prototypes long-term. Oops, I am proving my own point.

As I get older and see the beginnings of limitations due to arthritis I can really see the advantages of not being locked into any particular machine or style. The step through feature of many scooters is a welcome feature for anyone with joint issues. And less weight is a gift as well. The MP3 has additional advantages. Hopefully I won’t have to think a lot about them for awhile…

Swinging a leg over a tall motorcycle, especially one with side cases, is probably a mobility test that’s particularly telling. Hopefully our Department of Transportation will never use it as a requirement for riding and a license…

I fear the same dying flames. I wish I knew when the fire was going out so I could plan accordingly…

When winter comes most two-wheeled machines go into hibernation as requested by their riders. Probably not a bad idea all things considered.

Scooters are different but not as much as most motorcycle riders think. But there is an image issue that turns a lot of would be scooter riders off — the decidedly non machisimo image. Oh well…

You’re right about personal image — it certainly drives some of the culture around specific brands. And then there is a rider culture which drives allegiance to things like Aerostich which is brand neutral. I can see myself with a motorcycle or a scooter. As long as I can ride…

There is one thing that seems to be the case with every scooterist I’ve had the pleasure of rubbing shoulders with. There is a shared gentleness of spirit, and a light-hearted nature that tends to not take ourselves too seriously. This is, I think, a good bit of what sets us apart from the power-rangers and the bar pirates.

Of course, this is all anecdotal opinion and farting into the wind, but hey. 😀

I think we have each others commiserations!
Thanks for replying.

As someone who has more titanium joints that calcium, my options for a “real” bike are limited by my need to sit strait and get these conceptualized knees over the gas tank and the my seat in the saddle. But there is a part of me that yurns to shift gears, and travel further. For now, my Stella will have to do.