 Next Bike advice
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690 |
My 2005 America is starting to show signs of being done in it's life, as it seems to be one thing after another now, and she's just tired at 73,500 miles. Had ALOT of bikes that once these things start happening, it's just gonna continue until it DOES die....Right now, the starter pin boss is cracked, but we re-modeled it by modifying it several thousand miles ago, but now starting to make that terrible metal to metal sound again when starting. It's developed a distinctive "cough" when accelerating, and I'm about done fooling with it....
A co-worker rode in an older Harley Heritage Soft Tail, that was simply nice as he!!, and I got to thinking...With Triumph parts nearly impossible to get, and very expensive ($81 for a pair of plug wires), I've about decided to pursue an older Heritage Soft-tail. Very nice bike, and parts are abundant. Been a good ride on the Triumph, but parts availability and price was the downfall for me...
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Used Hardly Riddins have been going fairly cheap as of late, I was fooling around in Florida recently and I couldn't believe what I could get for $3500-4000. Only brand loyalty saved me from making the jump to the dark side. Maybe someday if I find the right one....
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
A decent second hand America/Speedy at a good price?
Stick a new engine in?
Wait and see if they DO make a new model cruiser in 2017?
Just thinking out loud of options
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 220 Likes: 2
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 220 Likes: 2 |
You gotta go with whatever puts a smile on your dial and if thats a Harley then do it. I would stick with the Triumph, just because its a little broken doesnt mean it carnt be fixed..
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17 |
Follow you heart. Makes me feel lucky with my find last fall. I just rolled over 4000 miles this past weekend on my 2005 America. 
Last edited by BillyIndiana; 06/21/2016 9:47 PM.
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
HD makes a quality product, tons of aftermarket accessories and as many independent shops around here as all other dealers combined. They ride nice but the handlng isn't as crisp so there's that. You should at least ride a soft tail and a dual shock model to feel the difference, I think it's a pretty large gap in the handlng but you'll know what you like.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3 |
Indian scout? Or the Victory Octain ? Same bike almost but read the reviews and decide? Hd is the last bike I would consider and that's saying a lot when you consider the Bullett!! Lol 
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,683 Likes: 20
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,683 Likes: 20 |
I am a large fan of Victory. They just don't break.
Used Kingpin or Vegas with lots of life for under 5 grand. And lots more power. The Heritage ST is a real pretty bike.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,175 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,175 Likes: 55 |
For me a low mileage engine for about $1,000 to $1,500.
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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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690 |
Parts are just STUPID expensive for Triumph.....
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 592
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 592 |
I have three brands of bikes. Harley,Triumph,Yamaha. To me they are all about the same. Too expensive!
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
I am a large fan of Victory. They just don't break.
Used Kingpin or Vegas with lots of life for under 5 grand. And lots more power. The Heritage ST is a real pretty bike.
Agreed on the Victory machines. Bulletproof and great performance. My two Visions have over 100K miles. I've done about 140K miles on my Victory bikes and had only one OEM part fail - a $105 clutch slave cylinder.
My cousin just picked up a used HD as a first bike. There are a bazillion of them out there if you want a Harley.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,175 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,175 Likes: 55 |
Quote:
Parts are just STUPID expensive for Triumph.....
Try HD then get back to me on that.
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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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Sure, HD makes a good LOOKING bike, but that's about it. Everybody I've ever talked to says that Victory's are bulletproof. And they make some good looking stuff. And they aren't Japaneese, if that's a consideration for you. I bought my Indian for the engine upsize and it's fantastic good looks. And the reliability has been fairly good, but I think it's too early to tell for absolute. I guess it depends on how much you're gonna ride it. Again, HD is my last place if you're gonna ride it and it sounds like you DO! There are only three bike companies that will get you respect out there, if you care about that. HD, Triumph and Indian. And HD is always gonna be last for me for two reasons; they are as common as cockroaches and their reliability is suspect, even with their "modern" bikes.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
I agree with Rich on the Indians. Based on what I've experienced and noticed with other owners experiences is that the Indians will be just as bulletproof as their Victory cousins. If price is a concern a Scout or Octane is a lot of bike for the money. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 874
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 874 |
Quote:
Quote:
Parts are just STUPID expensive for Triumph.....
Try HD then get back to me on that.
Not much difference in either brand,I know because I own both.
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Hey now, let's up the ante here...who's buying BMW parts, eh? It's like they're platinum plated or something...
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,204
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,204 |
VICTORY AND INDIAN ARE OWNED BY THE SAME COMPANY SO THEY SHOULD BE RELIABLE VEHICLES
1200CC BIG BORE, W/WISECO PISTONS,.250 STROKED CRANK, PORTED/POLISHED HEADS AND LARGER VALVES, CUSTOM WELDED EXHUAST, DUAL 42MM MIKUNI CARBS.
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 374
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 374 |
You can steal a used America around here, low miles and low cost. I prefer the low end grunt of a Harley, but the TRump is a nicer bike overall. Victory's are also a steal.
Tin Man 2
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
You can steal a used America around here, low miles and low cost. I prefer the low end grunt of a Harley, but the TRump is a nicer bike overall. Victory's are also a steal.
As a general rule, Triumphs are stupid-cheap & a great value on the used market.
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 708
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 708 |
Quote:
For me a low mileage engine for about $1,000 to $1,500.
I think this is when I mention that I have a spare engine for sale...
Justin Calkins - Iowa Falls, Iowa USA
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,175 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,175 Likes: 55 |
Quote:
Quote:
For me a low mileage engine for about $1,000 to $1,500.
I think this is when I mention that I have a spare engine for sale...
It's just parts unless that starter boss gets fixed though.
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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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690 |
Quote:
Quote:
For me a low mileage engine for about $1,000 to $1,500.
I think this is when I mention that I have a spare engine for sale...
Excellant!!! How much for your used engine? I would be very interested! Is it a carbureted 790? (404) 444-6077, I'm in Atlanta and can come get it if your not too far away....
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690 |
Got my bike running like new again (clogged jet). Have been looking at Harley's on the interweb, seems the lower the miles, the higher the price around here. 24 to 36 thousand miles on a typical Heritage is gonna be my price range of around $8000. That's ALOT of miles to me. One with below 10,000 miles is just too much.
A used Thunderbird is looking like the number one choice for me now. America and Speedmaster a bit small, but very affordable. I have my trusty Triumph dealer here in town, been there forever, will visit tomorrow.
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
You'll find a fair number of used Victorys at a better price point in our area, HDs just have an intractable value around here.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 141 Likes: 11
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 141 Likes: 11 |
My 2006 TA has 84,000, it does cough as you put it on take off sometimes, I would like to get another TA, real dream is a Thunderbird, but with wife NO WAY. I hope the TA gets another 30,000 miles. Is this a pipe dream?
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 708
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 708 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
For me a low mileage engine for about $1,000 to $1,500.
I think this is when I mention that I have a spare engine for sale...
Excellant!!! How much for your used engine? I would be very interested! Is it a carbureted 790? (404) 444-6077, I'm in Atlanta and can come get it if your not too far away....
PM sent!
Justin Calkins - Iowa Falls, Iowa USA
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,175 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,175 Likes: 55 |
Quote:
My 2006 TA has 84,000, it does cough as you put it on take off sometimes, I would like to get another TA, real dream is a Thunderbird, but with wife NO WAY. I hope the TA gets another 30,000 miles. Is this a pipe dream?
Not at all, I personally know of a few well over 100,000 still going. I think there were a couple members here over 100,000 too. Main and most important thing is to change the oil and keep it tuned. Run a high quality full synthetic motorcycle oil rated for wet clutches. Amsoil and Mobil 1 motorcycle oils are the 2 best out there.
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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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
What Ian said. Regular maintenance of oil and filter plus the routine valve clearance check and these motors should be good for well over 100K.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,175 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,175 Likes: 55 |
I hate to admit it but I am way over due for my 2nd valve check. I could have gotten away without adjusting them the first time even though I did to bring the clearances back into the middle of the range. Not sure when but I'll get around to it. I am not advocating not doing those adjustments, results vary. I should have done mine just no time to do so.
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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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690 |
82,500 miles now on Frog, my 2005. Runs like new, but still "clanking" metal to metal when the starter button is pushed....
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Re: Next Bike advice
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
Personally if you feel like your bike is getting a bit
long in the tooth I would just buy another low mile 790/865 Speedy or America . There are plenty of low mile, like new ones for sale on Craigslist. I personally don’t believe that there is a better bike for the money than a low mile used Speedmaster/America. Two years ago after the accident that totaled out my 2003 Speedmaster I seriously looked at Thunderbirds and Harleys. I couldn’t find anything that I liked. After 4 months of daily searching I drove almost 4 hours and bought a 2006 Speedmaster with 6700 miles on it for $3200. Bought the 03 back from the insurance company for $333 allowing me to keep a number of accessories that weren’t damaged and to have plenty of spare parts if need be.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
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