This has happened three times

[Mr. White]

I stop at the same local ice house/convenience store for gas. At least three times in the last four years a man has come up to me and asked me "How much does this cost?", pointing to my Spyder. In each case they have been construction type men, dressed for the hard work they do. I generally say around $20,000 depending on the optional equipment you get. I don't tell the truth so as not to hurt their feelings and it is really none of their business. I forgot and told the man last week it was $30K and the look on his face said he did not believe me. None asked how I liked it, or is it fun to ride.....just a rude "How much did you pay for this.....?" As I said, I forgot and said 30K (the truth) knowing this is about what he makes busting his axe a year. Odd to me.

:spyder2:

 

[BoilerAnimal]

He should live better and work union. You did nothing wrong. If anyone was rude, it was him.

 

[cuznjohn]

i always told the truth about how much it was. i don't see it as a big deal

 

[blacklightning]

Whenever I am asked how much, I tell them what the MSRP is, and then tell them that i would never pay that. If they ask what I paid, I ask how much money do they have in the bank? When they look at me surprized, I say, it is none of my business, and personal. Just like the price I paid for my bike.

 

[jegarh]

I have had similar reactions from people when I told them how much my URAL Gear Up cost. ($16,000). One thing nice about the URAL is that you can fix it with a hammer. As far as my 2014 RTS SE6 cost, I am a piker. I paid $18,000 used with 4K miles on it. It looks like it will take a tech with an advanced EE degree from MIT to fix the RT.

I am also a piker when it comes to age. I'm 78 and not retired. My "hobbies" keep me working every day just to keep up with the "farklemania".
I am working on my curmudgeon skills but the Spyder keeps me too happy to be properly curmudgeonly. :yes:

Jerry Rhodes

 

[jcthorne]

I gave up worrying about the response to that question when I was driving a Ford GT. I just answered matter of factly and honestly. They either did not believe me or knew what they were worth and acknowledged that it was worth far more than I paid for it at that time.

The best odd response I ever got was a question...Why did you put FORD badges on your lambo?

Folks are just curious. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Just answer. Its not your position to protect them from what they have not been successful enough to afford. Being honest just might inspire them to be more successful. You did it so it can't be THAT hard.....

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: Folks can be so rude... :gaah:

I never address the "dollars and cents" directly... nojoke
I just tell folks,that what I get OUT f it; is worth way more than what I've got IN it! :thumbup:

 

[Chupaca]

Simple...

I just tell them "as much as those big Harley's "....They seem to all know those prices...:thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

I usually turn the question around and ask them what they think it cost? Surprisingly, most come in at about $12K. :roflblack::roflblack:

That's when I like to drop the bomb on them. :yes::yes: I usually say something like that's just a little low. This one cost $30K, but you can get them for around $20K.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

I just answer the question with the truth ....................... people usually appreciate the truth.


Cruzr Joe

 

[bigbadbrucie]

Yeah, I usually answer with the truth, although I usually tell them what a new one without the Farkeling would cost. Then I tell them that I bought it used, so didn't pay that much. I'm finding that most of the time it's the women who are asking and seem to be interested in the Spyder itself and wondering if they could ride one. They're also wondering if a normal DL is all that is required.

 

[pegasus1300]

"I am also a piker when it comes to age. I'm 78 and not retired. My "hobbies" keep me working every day just to keep up with the "farklemania". " I find myself in the same situation. At 70 I hold down a full time job to support my hobbies.

I usually tell people what the new price is but then give them a wink a say"you don't have to buy new, I didn't".

 

[jaherbst]

My response is a knee replacement, $25,000 and a Divorce. Two of the three are correct.

Jack

(hint) I've been married forty one years

 

[Sam Mac]

He should live better and work union. You did nothing wrong. If anyone was rude, it was him.

Please explain why "He should work union" what does that have to do with anything?

 

[robhowen]

I just point them to my dealer

I know what you mean, it always startles me as well to be asked the price, particularly if it's the first question and/or nothing else follows. I just direct them to Sierra Cycles and encourage them to go look at them, test ride, etc. I also tell them it's the most fun I've ever had on a motorcycle.

Rob

 

[Peter Aawen]

Gee, only being asked something like that just 3 times in four years!! That's amazing!! :shocked:

Pretty much EVERY TIME I stop I get asked that sort of question, or one of the other sillier questions out there!! I've had my 2013 RT Ltd for a few years now, & wherever/whenever we go ryding, the Missus & I have learnt to ALWAYS allow 15 minutes of 'Spyder Time' whenever we stop for more than a few seconds anywhere, cos the adoring fans pretty much ALWAYS cluster around & start asking questions - & the 'How much do they cost' question is always pretty early in the list of things they want to know!! If we are travelling with my 'Support Dog' Max (he sits in his harness on the tank bag on top of the Glovebox!) then we hafta allow at least 30 minutes - 15 mins Spyder Time, & at least 15 mins 'Max' time, even when we tell them he's working!!

Still, I see no reason to tell the questioners exactly what mine cost, but instead I tell them about the range of Spyders & their general costs; & not too many seem surprised or dismayed. I guess most are just interested, regardless of whether they can afford one or not, & they don't really see their questions as trending just a little into the 'none of your business' arena, however much they actually do!! :sour: But it's not usually that hard to tactfully skirt or avoid those questions....

All that said, these days I ride fairly often with some new Spyder Owners & friends who saw their first Spyder when I stopped somewhere & then took the time to respond to their interest & tell them about how much we all enjoy riding our Spyders!! :thumbup:

 

[kngfsh27]

I get asked all the time. I live in Missouri. These people want to know everything. Instead of the "Show Me State", it should be called "I Want to Know All About You State". After 27 years of living in this state I am not at all surprised at what people will ask.

 

[BoilerAnimal]

Please explain why "He should work union" what does that have to do with anything?

In the OP it was said that the construction worker he was talking to probably only made $30000 a year. If he belonged to a union, his earnings would be substantially higher. Hence, the "live better, work union" statement.

 

[Geoandkay]

As a new owner, the most common question I have been getting sounds like one long word . . . "How-da-ya-like-dat?" But, "What does one of those cost" is a close second. I give them MSRP and tell them they can often get a good buy if they pick up one a few years old.

 

[gkamer]

Just tell them

Just tell them "As much as those big Harley's, but this holds itself up."