 Too Cold?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,628 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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OP
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,628 Likes: 7 |
Last night I was talking with a neighbor and he asked if I was getting ready to put my bike away for the Winter. Thus far this year he has put almost 2,000 miles on his Harley, a big year for him, and he's about to pull the battery, put fuel stabilizer into the tank, jack it up and cover it until Spring.
I never do any of those things. In fact I'll ride it until there is likely to be ice on the road and I keep it ready for any warm day during the Winter.
How many of you Winterize your bikes for storage and how many don't?
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: Too Cold?
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 407 Likes: 2
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 407 Likes: 2 |
I don't "winterize", as my America rarely sits more than a couple of days between uses. While I am in Lower Alabama (well NW Florida actually) it does get cold enough for days that I will not ride. But it does get back up above 40F in a day or 2. Several people I have worked with would not think about riding in temps much below 60F. They do store their motorcycles for the "winter".
09 America, some modifications
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,152 Likes: 12
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,152 Likes: 12 |
I don't put the bikes away until the week of thanksgiving. usually that Friday is my last ride for the season. Not being an HD guy I can do that.
as for the winterizing; full tank of gas will stabil added. the carbed bikes are run dry. All get plugged into battery minders. Mirrors removed and side stands blocked to get more straight up to take up less space in the shop. Then covered up until spring.
05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Mine goes into heater storage for the duration of our Canadian winter. I don`t do anything to it, just park and leave.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,066 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,066 Likes: 1 |
I've never winterized mine. It may sit for a a week or three, but there's usually a warm spell here when riding is OK. Sometimes in Dec. or Jan. it will get 60 ish.
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Quote:
Mine goes into heater storage for the duration of our Canadian winter.
Is that also referred to as your living room Keith 
jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Pretty much. 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39 |
i never winterize mine i normally ride into november and until recently usually take a long ride on thanksgiving.i only dont ride in snow cover or any chance of ice.no battery tender no addatives.this year will be different as i hit a deer and i am recovering and the america needs a bunch of work.
Where the Hell do all these parts go. 04 America,73 Daytona,85 Rebel
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
well i guess i am the odd man out, i do put the battery tender on it and cover her up for the crazy canadian winter, non heated garage. I used to be able to put the SM on a lift but the T-Birds don't have a fram under them so not sure i guess i will make sure the tires are filled and park it on some pieces of sheet wood i have laying around to keep the tires off the concrete.
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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Re: Too Cold?
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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 try to ride year-round although it gets tough between Christmas and St. Patrick's Day at 41 degrees north latitude.  Since I started riding in November, 2005 there was only one calendar month that I didn't get out at least once. That was in January a few years ago. Once they salt the roads for snow & ice, the Indian doesn't come out.  Ride safe and stay warm guys. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Arizona resident here, and so I'll just check the "Not Applicable" box to this question.
(...though I have to add that up here at 4500ft in elevation, there are a few days in mid-Winter when I'll let the occasional 1-2 inches of snow melt for a day or two and the temps return to the 50-60 degree range before hoppin' on the bike and gettin' in a good ride)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,133 Likes: 52
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,133 Likes: 52 |
I pull mine in my unheated shed and put the kickstand down.
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: Too Cold?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
I just store mine in a heated garage. I'll occasionally ride if temps are above forty / no ice. I use a Trender all year round. I don't use a gas stabilizer, just drain the skank gas in the spring.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
Man i am thinking me to fancy! :-)
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,628 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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OP
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,628 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
Man i am thinking me to fancy! :-)
A few years ago we had a Canada style winter. Every few days I'd go down to the garage, sit on the bike and go "Vroom, Vroom." Worst three months since I've had the thing.
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: Too Cold?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485 |
Used to jack up and winterize, but as screwy as the weather's been the last few years ya never know when it's gonna be 60 in January or February...or -20 for that matter.
"Despite all the amputation, you could dance to a rock 'n roll station..."
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,175 Likes: 47
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,175 Likes: 47 |
Dump the old oil put in cheap oil for the winter, centre stand Fog cylinders cover openings bring battery in the house. Put a big soft cover over it and kiss Crantini goodbye for as long as it takes for the snow to go away and the salt on the roads to get washed down the sewer. I'll ride til my birthday and beyond if weather permits but usually about mid Nov it gets put into cold storage.
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883 |
I've never winterized either. There is usually a day or two every couple of weeks I can at least ride to work. It may be cold but I think it's good to the engine running. 
~Brent
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"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
Mine sits in a heated garage on batt.tender for the seven months of crap weather.The dust gets wiped off a couple times, fresh fuel in spring.Snow on the ground this AM so I guess I'm done for 2014.I often wonder why I have it.
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Re: Too Cold?
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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 |
Quote:
Quote:
Man i am thinking me to fancy! :-)
A few years ago we had a Canada style winter. Every few days I'd go down to the garage, sit on the bike and go "Vroom, Vroom." Worst three months since I've had the thing.
Hah! I've done that! Sharing winters with ya is one of the few things that we enjoy together, although, since you're way more north than I am, I'd say your enjoyment runs a little deeper! We Iowans are a practical lot, generally. I just park it in the carport and on a warm winter day, (which we get occasionally), I start it up and run it a while. If there isn't any ice on the roads, I bundle up and go for a ride through town. It it's above 40 degrees, town riding is plenty good. I did laugh when you mentioned your local HD rider. I know a lot of those cats. They spend the summer months going from home to the tavern and back. When I see them around, I suggest we ride a century or two. They look at me like I'm nuts. Two thousand miles last summer? Heck, I did that the first month after I bought the new bike. But there are "owners" and there are "riders". It's all good.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Mine sits in a heated garage on batt.tender for the seven months of crap weather... I often wonder why I have it.
I know you do, Marty. You have it so you can enjoy the mountain roads out here, but more so you have it as an outlet for your creativity. I love the way you morphed your bike into something totally unique, oozing with good taste and quality. It's a masterpiece both physically AND mechanically. Don't ever stop working on bikes!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Too Cold?
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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 |
I have a battery tender I hook up.It gets to -6 deg Celsius here at times overnight in winter but there's normally at least an hour or two in the middle of the day that a least a short ride is possible.
In Brisbane where I used to live it never got cold enough not to ride but I'm inland now.
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,066 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,066 Likes: 1 |
Funny these Florida folks hain't chimed in yet, I thinks 'cause they feel guilty
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
Quote:
Quote:
Mine sits in a heated garage on batt.tender for the seven months of crap weather... I often wonder why I have it.
I know you do, Marty. You have it so you can enjoy the mountain roads out here, but more so you have it as an outlet for your creativity. I love the way you morphed your bike into something totally unique, oozing with good taste and quality. It's a masterpiece both physically AND mechanically. Don't ever stop working on bikes!
 OMG you two...get a room! 
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,628 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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OP
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,628 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Man i am thinking me to fancy! :-)
A few years ago we had a Canada style winter. Every few days I'd go down to the garage, sit on the bike and go "Vroom, Vroom." Worst three months since I've had the thing.
Hah! I've done that! Sharing winters with ya is one of the few things that we enjoy together, although, since you're way more north than I am, I'd say your enjoyment runs a little deeper! We Iowans are a practical lot, generally. I just park it in the carport and on a warm winter day, (which we get occasionally), I start it up and run it a while. If there isn't any ice on the roads, I bundle up and go for a ride through town. It it's above 40 degrees, town riding is plenty good. I did laugh when you mentioned your local HD rider. I know a lot of those cats. They spend the summer months going from home to the tavern and back. When I see them around, I suggest we ride a century or two. They look at me like I'm nuts. Two thousand miles last summer? Heck, I did that the first month after I bought the new bike. But there are "owners" and there are "riders". It's all good.
I invited him on a quick trip up to South Dakota last month. About 550 mile round trip. He looked at me like I had two heads. He did go to Sturgis last year. Trailered his bike up and back with several others.
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: Too Cold?
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 83
Member
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Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 83 |
Too Cold? I plan to man up this winter and ride the year though. As long as we don't get snow, which happens once or twice a year I'm going to ride it through the rain and cold and all. Now off to find some cold weather gear.
14 America LT 19" EMGO Turnouts AI removed
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382 |
I stop riding when the salt goes down. After that I just park it in the garage then crank it up and let it run at least twice a week.
'06 TBA - Black, AI and Snorkel removed, K&N Drop In, Gutted Stock Pipes, 145/42, 2 turns out.
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,133 Likes: 52
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,133 Likes: 52 |
I used to ride every day no matter the weather, rain, snow, ice, no matter what. The bike was my only transportation back then. Used to ride from Bethlehem , Pa to Mt Pocono, Pa all winter long. One hand on the bars the other defrosting on the jugs and switch. I knew how to dress to keep warm and dry, hands were the tough part to keep warm. Only thing I ever had that did the trick were Navy shearling mittons used above the arctic circle. After all that I only ride when it is warm and comfortable now, most of the time. Couple new guys couldn't believe how tough my friend and I were on our trip to Laconia in 05, cold and driving rain all the way, we only stopped for gas. In our eyes it wasn't tough but a desire to get where we were going.
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: Too Cold?
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,053 Likes: 6
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,053 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
After all that I only ride when it is warm and comfortable now,
Ian,
They call that, getting old.....
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: Too Cold?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847 |
Quote:
I stop riding when the salt goes down. After that I just park it in the garage then crank it up and let it run at least twice a week.
Missed our ride this year, also stop when salt and slurry go down.
Warren 
Warren
04 Caspian Blue and Silver America
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