Bought my first motorcycle in 1960 because I wanted to go where I wanted, near or far, when I wanted, right now or whenever, get back when supposed to and not have to wait on a San Diego bus! It was the original personal transport. Touring southern California was an eye-opener! Mount Palomar was something read about in Popular Science magazine was JUST UP THE ROAD!
Later, a motorcycle became like a second car for hunting parts, honey-do's, etc. The thirst for easier touring was satisfied by a bigger engine and that was financially possible by restoring a 1955 BSA. That was a daily rider until replaced by a company car.
Working on bikes, talking about bikes became as much fun as riding. Some years back, I was a pilot and self-taught aircraft mechanic and sheet metal craftsman. Found out most general aviation mechs were hot air generators! That all today is in scooters where most dealer techs seem to be BS artists!
The scooter today is way different from the 60's. They rangevall the way from small, light and really simple to quite large, comfortable, sophisticated and powerful! Low weight and low center of mass/gravity allow creaky old guys and gals to ride into their sunset years. I still ride just for the fun of it, to places I have never been and to get a haircut 80 miles down the road!