What am I thinking about currently and perhaps to abandon tomorrow? The idea of getting a Honda Ruckus scooter! It's a scooter with very little body work and bugeye headlights. Has a little of a utility dualsport aesthetic. The good part is that it is great on gas, cost $2500 new and in certain states, does not require a license or insurance to drive. Huge plus! Also there is aftermarket support to make it faster and more fun to drive. The negative part is that it is only 50cc and top speed is about 40mph. Can't drive it on the highway. But I think it could be a decent replacement for a car for local driving around. The other bad part is that car drivers will have no respect for you on the road.
Ideal modification list: suspension upgrade, change from drum brakes to discs, handlebar/ mirror upgrade, saddlebags maybe hard aluminum cases like you would find on BMW motorcycles, wheel upgrade, gps mount (directionally challenged and need to avoid highways), engine upgrade.
Then again, some Korean guy drove across the US in a stock Ruckus so probably don't need all these modifications. go check it out.
