"How do you talk to people about the cost of your nicer bikes without setting off any alarms? "
I guess that would depend on the situation...most often I'm vague,if it's another rider whose obviously into bikes (which that could be vad too,I suppose,LOL),I generally tell them,but deduct a few percets off what I actually paid. I normally ride (walk,drive,sleep,etc) armed (permitted),if it'sa "shady charactor",I make sure the see,or at least know I'm armed and that I'm an old hill billy