> Here's an article from the Dayton Daily News.
> It made me think of Howard.

Thanks for calling that to my attention. I found it rather interesting, because I own two vintage Vespas. The reliability and durability of Vespas is legendary. Add electronic ignition and a few other modern improvements and they should be absolutely bullet proof.

Mr. Strehle has a few strikes against him, such as the climate in Ohio and Dayton's traffic. Also the three to four grand you would pay for a modern Vespa, would buy you a real eye-catching vintage scooter.

But I see several things in his favor. Those motor home people love scooters for scooting around campgrounds, up and down the beach, and through National Parks. And gas isn't getting any cheaper. While scooters are rather dangerous in heavy traffic and winter weather, they are ideal in many localities. Modern scooters are also easy to ride. A vintage Vespa has a clunky hand clutch and twist grip shifter that is operated left-handed. It works, but it takes a little getting used to. I'm betting the new ones are either automatic or foot-shifted. Scooters are extremely handy at an airport, on a farm, in a resort area, or in small towns in mild climates.

But the best part of scooters is the "Wow!" factor. As in "Wow! There goes an Old Coot on a Vintage Vespa!" Or, "Wow! That's the first Cushman Eagle I've seen since I was a kid!" And sometimes, "Wow!. . . . Uh, what is it?"

I know a lot of scooter collectors who won't feel like their collection is complete without a new generation Vespa. I'm sure some of them live within scooting distance of Dayton.
Howard