Helmet on, Earplugs in at the Gas Station

[MudBug]

And... somebody strikes up a conversation while I'm putting gas in the tank. I always try to be nice and answer questions, but last time it was difficult. I was freezing, and this guy was asking me how much he'd have to put down on a new Ryker. Ummm... can't help you there. Plus, I can't hear half of what you're saying. There aren't that many Spyders or Rykers in my area yet, so I'm still looked at like a zoo animal a lot. I've only seen 2 on the road in the 14 months I've had it. Regardless, I've known about Spyders for years and years, so I don't know why others haven't noticed them and treat my appearance like Close Encounters. Maybe it's me I don't mind being friendly to people, but the helmet, earplugs, and my old ears make it difficult.

[MNF3]

I hear ya- well at least part of it!

[2dogs]

I do the same. But I also keep my radio on and listen to it while I'm filling up with gas. (Sena wireless headset.) I'll look up and notice someone standing there looking at me like I'm deaf. Not real good. You're (I'm) supposed to be aware of our surroundings at all times.

[Little Blue]

I know the feeling. Sometimes the 'Cagers' mean well but it might be tuff to hear them.

I usually do a 'Hand Sign' a thumbup or a friendly wave.
Also I nod my head. Anything to show something positive.

So far all is going well, no worries about it. ......

[Navydad]

I get the non-riders attention on the Spyder and the riders attention when on the Guzzi or the vintage Suzuki. I figure I have two choices. Be friendly and talk a minute or throw the bird and ride off. So far I've chose friendly. No matter what we ride we need to promote a positive image. Even in this day and age a lot of the public doesn't like us.

[milryder]

When I fuel it's usually been almost 2 hours so I take the opportunity for a break anyway and remove helmet, ear plugs, etc., listen to the surroundings or socialize if there's the opportunity. Once when I was taking a brief break at a road junction a guy pulled up in a pickup about 25 feet away while still in the roadway asking for some kind of local directions. I pointed to my ears and he finally got the message. Obviously he had no idea about helmets.

[Bangorbob]

For me it depends. Most of the time I leave the helmet on with music in my ears (sena 20s). If I have been riding for a while, the helmet comes off to let what hair I have left breath. I'm mostly friendly to people.

[RayBJ]

When that happens to me at gas-only stops, I tell them I have earplugs in and can't hear them very well. That usually works. However, if it's a good looking woman, I'll remove the lid and plugs and have a conversation.

[ARtraveler]

And... somebody strikes up a conversation while I'm putting gas in the tank. I always try to be nice and answer questions, but last time it was difficult. I was freezing, and this guy was asking me how much he'd have to put down on a new Ryker. Ummm... can't help you there. Plus, I can't hear half of what you're saying. There aren't that many Spyders or Rykers in my area yet, so I'm still looked at like a zoo animal a lot. I've only seen 2 on the road in the 14 months I've had it. Regardless, I've known about Spyders for years and years, so I don't know why others haven't noticed them and treat my appearance like Close Encounters. Maybe it's me I don't mind being friendly to people, but the helmet, earplugs, and my old ears make it difficult.

I feel your pain. We had the first Spyder sold to a customer in the state of Alaska. Then we bought an 09 for the spouse. Wherever we went people gathered around and we had to tell them what we were driving, where we got them, and how we liked them. We answered as many questions as we could. We were like unpaid ambassadors for the product. To this day, Linda and I still get questioned about our 2019 and 2020 F3L's. I am guessing it goes with the territory.

[hypurone]

Aaaaand, try all that with little to NO voice (Bi-Lateral paralysis!).....

[MudBug]

Aaaaand, try all that with little to NO voice (Bi-Lateral paralysis!).....

I'm sorry to read that!!

[MudBug]

When that happens to me at gas-only stops, I tell them I have earplugs in and can't hear them very well. That usually works. However, if it's a good looking woman, I'll remove the lid and plugs and have a conversation.

I might try that, but she'd likely be scared away when I pulled the helmet off.

[hypurone]

I might try that, but she'd likely be scared away when I pulled the helmet off.

[pegasus1300]

My gas stops are always also potty stops so I already have my helmet etc off. I am fine as long as I don't move but as soon as asI get off thr urges begin

[hypurone]

I'm sorry to read that!!

Thanks! It has been a life altering change....