[jyl]

Okay, so I'm thinking about getting a scooter, like a vintage Vespa or one of the new Vespa clones. Here in Portland, commute distances seem short enough (depending where we settle, probably under 5 miles), enough surface-street-only routes exist, and traffic is sane enough that I could actually commute by bicycle. Not wanting to arrive at work all sweaty and healthy, I'm thinking about the scooter alternative. The main goal is to spare the 911 from getting all dinged up in a downtown parking lot, and secondarily to save money on gas and parking.

Why not a motorcycle? Cause the wife is cautiously approving of a scooter, but would divorce me (or make me wish I were divorced) if I bought a "real" bike.

Anyone ride a scooter? Pros and cons? Will I lose my self-respect on a mod Vespa, will gangs of rockers beat me up, and will my PP BBS membership be revoked?