 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 32
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 32 |
Greetings to all. This is my first post and you mods are welcome to relocate it at your descresion... I ride a Heritage Softail :0 but here lately, my wife wanted to get her motorcycle endorsement so; after this weekend's safety training course she'll now have a new bike:  (that's my son standing with her; he's taking the course as well) I "think" I got this pretty cheap. The bike has for starters, 27k miles but (I only paid $3800 for it) and I have no idea what someone did to get that kind'a mileage on an 07 but there it is. I've owned several bikes over the years but nothing with a British marque so this is a first for me. I've always admired the Triumphs though. First off, as tires go, it has an almost new (1k miles maybe?)Metzler 100-90-18 M/C "ME-880" on the rear, and a completely worn out (no center tread whatsoever) Metzler 170-80 B-15 M/C 77H on the front. I don't find that to be a common size... so what's up with that? What IS a good size front tire for this bike? I found these... [URL="http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/28/394/29999/ITEM/Avon-VP2-Supersport-High-Performance-Front-Tire.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch"]http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/28/394/29999/ITEM/Avon-VP2-Supersport-High-Performance-Front-Tire.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch[/URL] Since tires are so incredibly important, I'd like to hear of what kind of tires you good folks run on your Americas. Since this was a second hand purchase, I have no manual so; can someone tell me if the clutch is wet? or dry? (please be wet). I don't much care for the sound of the engine/exhaust so I've read with great interest the "remove the baffle" DIY thread. I want a better sound without ruining the factory tune. It seems yawll are divided as to whether it might cause a problem for lack of back pressure but I'm all ears. The front rotor is fairly worn. is there a good aftermarket one? I found this one: http://www.bikebandit.com/ebc-standard-brake-rotor?mg=46007&t=1&td=1The bike of course to me, isn't loud at all. This acutally interfers with how and when I shift. And... it makes a kinda "whirring" sound when its running; is this common? I can I suppose post (elsewhere) a small vid of it running. I've never had such a FAST quiet bike  I'm going to need a windscreen. How about (since OEMs come along so seldom) one from Memphis Shades? When you turn loose of the handle bars at between 70 and 40 of course, you get the dreaded "wobble". I really don't know the scientific term for this physics phenominon, but it seems much worse than my Harley; is this common to this machine? When you let off the throttle, then accelerate, it seems to jerk a little, could that be chain tension? It has been adjusted out some already but there's room for more so's to take up slack. Or, should I remove (can you??) a link or just get a new chain (expensive! no?). I have lots'a questions so I hope I don't bore yawll with things you already know the answer to... I gota start somewhere! regards, m So far I like this machine, just need more info and help to make a really great rider out of it.
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 Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I think you got your tire sizes reversed front to rear. The 100 is a tad small compared to the stock 110/80-18. That rear tire IS the stock size and I can't recall anyone using anything different on the stock wheel.
People, myself included, generally think very highly in the Metzler ME880 and the Avon Venom. Bridgestones and Dunlops seem to be crap, unless you want white walls then you have to go Dunlops. Other than the stock 110/80 on the front, I've run 100/90, 110/90, 120/90 and the 130/70. IMHO the last one looks the best but handles the heaviest. The 120/90 requires changing the front fender bracket in one of about 3 ways. The 110/90 handles probably the best IMHO, but they all do okay.
Clutch is wet.
EBC floating rotors, available from FastEddySports.com, are great. Get the matching sintered brake pads.
With the wobble, make sure the rear axle is perfectly straight when adjusting the chain, for one thing.
If the chain and sprockets are original, they are likely overdue for a replacement. Haven't heard of many people running much over 22k with one.
Hope that gets you started.
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 32
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 32 |
Hey thanks John! so; where would be my best bet for sprocket and chain? What would you buy?
Montgomery,Texas!
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,731 Likes: 6
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,731 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
The bike has for starters, 27k miles but (I only paid $3800 for it) and I have no idea what someone did to get that kind'a mileage on an 07 but there it is.
 That's no Harley you got there, we actually ride our bikes!
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 32
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 32 |
Was that too much for this bike?
I mean I still gotta buy a tire, sprocket, chain etc..... I looked around but couldn't find anything for this money of course, now I'm gonna be spending money on it! Always a trade off I guess.
m
Montgomery,Texas!
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
If it hasn't been laid down and the oil has been changed a few times it's a killer deal.
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,731 Likes: 6
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,731 Likes: 6 |
even after the tire chain and sprockets, you're only out a few hundred bucks chain and sprocket settire optionsfasteddy is a member here and a hell of a good guy. You order, wait a couple minutes, then your goodies show up 
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 512
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 512 |
By the way Mitch, welcome to the site.What part of the country are you in?
Just an old Hippie and I don"t know what to do.
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 32
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 32 |
I'm in Montgomery Texas, down here by Houston. I see at least one member here hails from Houston! It's so godawfull hot out right now to ride, but, we ride anyway.
roadworthy, what do I want? the 17, 18, or 19 front sprocket? What is the factory spec. one I (apparently) have on there now?
And again, what about the sorta, "whirring" noise? is that just how these 860cc carbed engines sound?
Montgomery,Texas!
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
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Greetings to all.
back at ya!
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...I ride a Heritage Softail :0 but here lately, my wife wanted to get her motorcycle endorsement so; after this weekend's safety training course she'll now have a new bike...
Won't be long before you trade bikes with her.
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I "think" I got this pretty cheap. The bike has for starters, 27k miles but (I only paid $3800 for it) and I have no idea what someone did to get that kind'a mileage on an 07 but there it is.
27,000/4.5 = 6,000 miles per year. Just about average for yankees. 
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First off, as tires go, it has an almost new (1k miles maybe?)Metzler 100-90-18 M/C "ME-880" on the rear, and a completely worn out (no center tread whatsoever) Metzler 170-80 B-15 M/C 77H on the front.
the good Friar observed that you reversed the order of rubber. however, you mentioned a wobble at speed. Usually, this is due to cupping of the front skin. So, if it is the rear tire that is almost showing cord, and the front tire is new, replace the rear tire and then see if you get rid of handling issues. Inflation pressure is a major factor in premature tire wear. Usually the tires are inflated front/rear 36/40 give or take due to the brand.
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I don't find that to be a common size... so what's up with that?
18" tires are indeed uncommon. The newer models did away with that size.
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What IS a good size front tire for this bike?
Usually you have two choices in 18" tires: 100/90-18 or 110/80-18 due to Manufacturer decisions. Either works fine. You want a bias ply tire. DO NOT get a Radial tire. You do not need W rated tires.
for example: http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/tire/p...tId=&mmyId=
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The front rotor is fairly worn. is there a good aftermarket one?
ditto purchasing a rotor and pad 'kit' from fastfreddy. BUT measure the thickness first. Just get new pads if the rotor is in specs. So what if there are grooves. The new pads will bed in. Your wife is not going to race it eh? and LOOK AT THE REAR PADS. these are the first to go.
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I'm going to need a windscreen.
You? or your wife! Once you opt for a windscreen, you will realize the true meaning of buffet. Then you'll need lowers and, well, shields are for those who don't wear full face helmets. (I'm being polite) 
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When you turn loose of the handle bars at between 70 and 40 of course, you get the dreaded "wobble". I really don't know the scientific term for this physics phenomenon, but it seems much worse than my Harley; is this common to this machine?
see above
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When you let off the throttle, then accelerate, it seems to jerk a little, could that be chain tension? It has been adjusted out some already but there's room for more so's to take up slack. Or, should I remove (can you??) a link or just get a new chain (expensive! no?).
Cush Drive or worn chain. With the chain properly tensioned, try to lift the chain off the rear sprocket while grasping the chain at the 9 o'clock position. If you can lift it off the sprocket an appreciable amount, then the chain is shot. If you adjust the chain then ride the bike and have to adjust the chain again: the chain is shot.
Cush drive. Grasp the rear chain ring. Rock it back and forth to measure the play. There should be little to no play for a tight cush drive. 27K on the bike? Well you have to be on the second chain. Hum, average 20K/chain kit. look for a riveted link. if you chain doesn't have one, you sir, have the original 'endless' chain and you better get your ass a new chain kit. Order an oem chain kit. http://www.hermys.com/ has a good price.
Change your oil and filter. Check the condition of the air filter. Check the header pipe to jug nuts. Have fun and congrats to your wife for getting her endorsement!
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Get used to her bike being the center of attention everywhere you go. Usually from guys in the their late 50's thru the 70's and 80's. I call them geezer magnets.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 538
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 538 |
Quote:
Quote:
The bike has for starters, 27k miles but (I only paid $3800 for it) and I have no idea what someone did to get that kind'a mileage on an 07 but there it is.
That's no Harley you got there, we actually ride our bikes!
here are a few GREAT sites to help, welcome NICE looking and the bike!
http://www.fasteddysports.com/
http://www.newspeedmaster.com/
Are we there YET? I gotta go pee!!
08 SpeedMASTER, Black and Red!
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
The bike has for starters, 27k miles but (I only paid $3800 for it) and I have no idea what someone did to get that kind'a mileage on an 07 but there it is.
Just a guess, but I think they did what the bike was built to do, they rode it.
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 32
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 32 |
Moe... (et. al.) what do you mean by "cush drive" (tension?) I get the 9'oclock pull it off the rear sprocket idea but what is cush drive. BTW to all; BOTH sprockets are good! look good with no rounding of teeth. I "think" what I need is a chain! Good point about the rotors; the rear one is hardly used! As usual "someone" is front brake heavy. That's good I suppose. I still think I'll go for a frontend kit; after all, Traci is riding it. Moe gave a link to this tire: http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/tire/p...tId=&mmyId=No doubt a good one but I like the Metzeler one here treadwise, http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/2...WT.ac=SLIsearch So could I use either one or is the Avon a better tire? Lastly as I said; I think what I need first is a chain. So what chain from Eddie's should I get? and, what tool do I need to secure the masterlink? I've seen some that are $100 or so and if that's what I need, then so be it. I intend to do it myself .... or is that stupid? I've a good wrench just down the road from my house and for the most part he works on Harleys but no doubt he'd do a Triumph. Money's money eh?
Last edited by rynegold; 07/24/2011 8:07 PM.
Montgomery,Texas!
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 282
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 282 |
Hi Mitch, welcome to the forum. I'm down the road from ya in Seguin. For the tires, Avon's usually carry the favor, but I recently went with the ME880's. A great tire. My front was giving me the wobble and new kicks took care of the problem. I got about 11K out of the original Lasertecs (a tire that won't get my recommendation). The MEs are a little cheaper than the Avons and I am diggin the handling. Sounds like you need rubber anyway, so I'd do that first. If you still have the wobble, look to the other details. As the owner of an America (09) and an Ultra (03) I can tell you they both have there place. But the America is for the wild ride. Once you get her up to speed (health wise), you'll have to take it out for a spin to know why we love these bikes. Finished a Hill Country ride today, beautiful (and fast  ). My 2 buddies ride 1200 Loboys. I know they had fun because I could see them smiling in my rear view (sometimes  ). Enjoy.
Pacific Blue/White 2009 America in the TX Hill Country
Not all that glitters is gold. Tolkien. Hmm Must've seen the chrome on my TA coming down the road.
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647 |
Memphis Shades is a very good aftermarket option for a windshield. And the noise you speak of, if it sounds like George Jetson's car, it's normal. Some nice pipes will diminish it, but you get used to it. Congrats to your wife for making a good choice! Have fun, and welcome!
06 America 904
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
I think you got your tire sizes reversed front to rear. The 100 is a tad small compared to the stock 110/80-18. That rear tire IS the stock size and I can't recall anyone using anything different on the stock wheel.
People, myself included, generally think very highly in the Metzler ME880 and the Avon Venom. Bridgestones and Dunlops seem to be crap, unless you want white walls then you have to go Dunlops. Other than the stock 110/80 on the front, I've run 100/90, 110/90, 120/90 and the 130/70. IMHO the last one looks the best but handles the heaviest. The 120/90 requires changing the front fender bracket in one of about 3 ways. The 110/90 handles probably the best IMHO, but they all do okay.
Clutch is wet.
EBC floating rotors, available from FastEddySports.com, are great. Get the matching sintered brake pads.
With the wobble, make sure the rear axle is perfectly straight when adjusting the chain, for one thing.
If the chain and sprockets are original, they are likely overdue for a replacement. Haven't heard of many people running much over 22k with one.
Hope that gets you started.
what he said with one addition... I had that wobble and after replacing the front tire most of it was gone but seeing as Im an overachiever and like working on the bike I replaced the head bearings with a set from AllBallsRacing.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
the whirring sound...like the jetsons right... yeah, thats a stock bike! Normal.
One more thing that has not been mentioned yet. These bikes like to be revved up. Power comes in about 3-3.5K and will keep coming to about 6-7k. Redline is about 7.5 to 8k. Rev that sumabitch and have fun.
Last edited by Zmilin; 07/25/2011 8:19 PM.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: 07 America: tips and recommendations.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,236 Likes: 63
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,236 Likes: 63 |
Quote:
the whirring sound...like the jetsons right... yeah, thats a stock bike! Normal.
One more thing that has not been mentioned yet. These bikes like to be revved up. Power comes in about 3-3.5K and will keep coming to about 6-7k. Redline is about 7.5 to 8k. Rev that sumabitch and have fun.
+1 and I have run a couple IRC Wild Flare rear tires and love them. They are fairly inexpensive and have a cool flame tread pattern. But that isn't all, they also perform very well wet or dry! Running a Dunlop up front right now and so far so good just put it on after 26,000 out of my stock Metz. Lazertech.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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