Defining Difference between a Scooter and a Motorcycle

First topic message reminder :

I know that this has been discussed before on this forum - but with technology improvements many of the prior noted differences between a MC and a Scoot seem to be disappearing - except for one.

The defining difference - IMHO - is that there is nothing between your legs on a Scoot while there is a lot between your legs on a MC.  The Scoot is like sitting on a 'barstool' while the MC is like sitting on a 'horse'. Having something between your legs helps to get your through corners a bit better and the entire bike seems to be more rigid and stable which is important when turning/cornering - IMHO.  

BTW - I love my SWing and am not giving it up for no-stinken-motorcycle!

Coming very late to this wee debate gents but here's my tuppence worth anyway.

I rode a variety of motorcycles since the early 80's, the last few being wonderful, characterful old airhead Beemers retired from police service. Cheap, very cheerful and very, very reliable.

Then came a time I read about Burgman's and became interested. While later rode an early Burgman and was disappointed but still liked the 'super scooter' idea and decided to find one to suit as I was also hankering for a new type of motorcycling adventure, plus SWMBO no longer liked swinging her lady legs over the old Beemer!

Bought a 2003 Swing cheap. Thought mmm THIS is VERY different and loved it from the get go. Now have a 2010 model. been on plenty of runs with others on traditional motorcycles and taken plenty of slagging but when they see what the Swing can do, the respect is immediate and genuine.

getting used to the small wheels was the hardest bit. I fairly quickly got used to no clutch lever and both brakes up front, even though my left foot twitched for a while seeking a gear lever! I love the feet forward position, I ride it like its a motorcycle, don't think of it as a scooter and it's about the best motorcycle I've owned so far. And SWMBO is very pleased with the new sitting arrangements!

I love the look of the Swing except from one angle when I can't see the wheels. The step through design is very useful though I still find myself swinging the leg over. When I put my neat little tank bag in the step through it looks very traditional motorcycle like.

So what's the difference? I think the earlier engineering definition is valid but surely a big part of whatever difference there is beyond that is in our minds. So what if it is technically defined as a scooter (which I don't believe it actually is) if we enjoy riding them and it suits our two-wheeled needs. No need to feel inferior and any other motorcyclist who views it as inferior can be given a demonstration of the wrongness of their thinking!

Happy riding chaps and chaplettes!