A long time ago, I took a trip to the Calbot trail with a friend in my car. I saw a tonne of bikes there, and that planted a seed. I thought of getting a bike several times soon after, but didn't do it due to living at home with parents very unsupportive of riding, high insurance rates, and a decision as to what to do with my money (move out or buy a bike). I took the motorcycle course though and had my M2, but didn't get the bike. I did, however, buy a place soon after.
Fast forward a few years. I went to Italy. Everyone and their grandkids had bikes - mini motos, motos, scooters, dirt bikes, sport bikes, you name it. I was financially stable, moved out, and insurance rates were much more reasonable. I came home and immediately bought a scooter. Had a great time with it, but quickly realized that I needed/wanted more power, and bought my 696.