May 24th, 2009, 12:23 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: jack
Location: london
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 kawasaki ninja 250 Posts: 34
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Finally went down
So after putting 1500km on the bike and feeling like i needed to upgrade to a 600cc the ninjette put me back in my place.
I was coming around a sharp curve and noticed a lot of lose dirt and gravel on the side of the road extending out 3 or 4 feet. Instead of leaning harder to take the corner sharp i let off the throttle and applied some breaks which had the effect of standing the bike up, so now i was heading straight for the crap i was trying to avoid. The next thing that happened was a locked up rear wheel and i started to low slide but recovered just in time by throwing my weight to the other side of the machine. I couldn't save it the second time though and it went down on its right side, it all happened so fast. I don't even know how the bike ended up on its right side but i had rash on my left side. The right blinker smashed and there is some minor rash on the side and exhaust. I'll try and upload some pics. I felt like a complete idiot but at least it was a learning experience without too much damage, other than my ego. |
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May 24th, 2009, 12:25 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org member
Name: jack
Location: london
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 kawasaki ninja 250 Posts: 34
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May 24th, 2009, 12:25 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Becca
Location: Clearwater, FL
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 03 Ninja 250, 02 CBR600 f4i Posts: 253
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Stuff happens, dude, and it has nothing to do with bike size or experience much of the time. Glad you came out ok- don't feel like an idiot. My MSF instructor said he had just taken a fall on some wet leaves the day before the class.
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May 24th, 2009, 12:33 PM | #4 |
ninjette.org member
Name: jack
Location: london
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 kawasaki ninja 250 Posts: 34
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that reminds me, at my msf course one of the instructors was showing us how not to ride and he ended up wiping out. i just feel like this was a stupid mistake that i should have avoided.
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May 24th, 2009, 12:35 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Aaron
Location: Wildomar
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, 2009 KTM 690 SMC, 2001 Suzuki GSX-R 750 (track bike) Posts: 172
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Crashing will happen. I am glad to hear that it was relatively minor and that you did not get hurt.
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May 24th, 2009, 02:17 PM | #6 |
So slow I'm first!
Name: Sunny
Location: San Jose, CA
Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 06 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 10
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It is not if... it is always when..
Glad your okay and it is just minor damage.
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Learn from the mistakes of others, you cannot make them all yourself. Save yourself the trouble and Learn. |
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May 24th, 2009, 02:35 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org member
Name: jack
Location: london
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 kawasaki ninja 250 Posts: 34
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yeah it for sure could have been a lot worse i guess, i just noticed a new spot of road rash on the plastic. is there any easy way to fix this to look unblemished without buying a whole new piece of plastic?
where can i get a replacement turn signal? maybe i should try for some flush mounts now that the opportunity has presented itself, lol. |
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May 24th, 2009, 02:39 PM | #8 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Lil One
Location: NB Canada
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Black Posts: A lot.
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I got way more damage that by just dropping it on the garage floor. U are very lucky. Glad your ok.
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May 24th, 2009, 02:41 PM | #9 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: jack
Location: london
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 kawasaki ninja 250 Posts: 34
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Quote:
now that i just washed it down i noticed there is rash on the back of the right mirror, on the end of the right handlebar and along another piece of the side plastic but still minimal for what it could have been. |
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May 24th, 2009, 02:54 PM | #10 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Lil One
Location: NB Canada
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Black Posts: A lot.
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What i like most about the black bike is they hide the cracks and scratches well...on my bike anyway.
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May 24th, 2009, 02:59 PM | #11 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
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Quote:
Glad you're OK! I'll give you $25 for your bike.
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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May 24th, 2009, 03:30 PM | #12 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Aaron
Location: Wildomar
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, 2009 KTM 690 SMC, 2001 Suzuki GSX-R 750 (track bike) Posts: 172
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Quote:
CC Cowboy, I sincerely hope your theory holds true for you. Yes, crashing shouldn't happen, but it does. |
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May 24th, 2009, 03:56 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Chris
Location: Georgia
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 09 ninja 250(red) Posts: 193
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Glad your okay Jack. Doesn't look to bad. Maybe few hundred pounds and she be good as new.
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May 24th, 2009, 04:31 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Becca
Location: Clearwater, FL
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 03 Ninja 250, 02 CBR600 f4i Posts: 253
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In an ideal world, sure- crashing shouldn't happen. However- gravel, wet leaves, crazy drivers, unexpected anything- that does happen, and crashing is something even insanely experienced riders deal with. I have a friend who's pretty experienced, does track and so on, and had a wipeout due to a *flipflop* in his lane.
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May 24th, 2009, 05:41 PM | #15 |
FORMER MOTORCYCLE RIDER
Name: Steve
Location: On a Trek SU200 or in my CRX
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): Rode an 08 250r then rode an 08 ZX-6R until i totaled it on 7/10/10 Posts: 758
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May 24th, 2009, 05:47 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: don
Location: Port Elgin NB Canada
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 blue ninja 250R Posts: 742
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Glad you're OK. The worst enemy out there is our complacency. The more experience we get, even if it means a bit of road rash, helps to keep us alert for the times when there's a big pothole up ahead with our name on it. Take care.
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May 24th, 2009, 05:56 PM | #17 |
ninjette.org member
Name: jack
Location: london
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 kawasaki ninja 250 Posts: 34
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what does everyone think about using these flushmounts to replace stock turn signals?
http://www.newportcycleparts.com/cat...sigs-flush.htm 2 flushmounts would be about the same price as getting a new stock assembly. |
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May 24th, 2009, 06:01 PM | #18 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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May 24th, 2009, 06:14 PM | #19 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Jack, As long as they are legal--go for it. You do want good visibility. Sorry to hear about your crash. I have been extremely lucky/fortunate to not having had the experience of crashing in 50 years of motorcycling and 46 years of driving a car. I have over time developed some techniques that have helped me a great deal. I have, however crashed three times on my bicycle and gotten messed up pretty well.
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May 24th, 2009, 07:03 PM | #20 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Lil One
Location: NB Canada
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Black Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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May 24th, 2009, 07:05 PM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: jack
Location: london
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 kawasaki ninja 250 Posts: 34
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May 24th, 2009, 07:08 PM | #22 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Lil One
Location: NB Canada
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Black Posts: A lot.
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U from London canada or London england?
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May 24th, 2009, 07:09 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org member
Name: jack
Location: london
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 kawasaki ninja 250 Posts: 34
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canada
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May 24th, 2009, 07:13 PM | #24 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Lil One
Location: NB Canada
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Black Posts: A lot.
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Cool. If all goes well with my suv i should be in mississauga around the 13th of June and going to the North east rally from there on the 19th.
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May 24th, 2009, 07:45 PM | #25 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.
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May 25th, 2009, 07:12 AM | #26 | ||
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
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Quote:
To be asinine about the theory, if you went on a ride and only rode 5 to 10 miles an hour the entire ride, do you think you would crash? Unless some jerk rear ended you for going to slow you would probably have a safe ride (boring but safe). Now apply this to all rides. Most people don't crash from going too slow. Hopefully this is your last crash. I'll still give you $25 for the bike. I'm talking cash. Quote:
Wet leaves, must be after a rain (or during) = ride slower expect wet surfaces. Gravel or dirt roads = know your surrounds (if you don't, ride carefully). Crazy drivers= carry a gun, I mean ride defensively. Riding a bike is like flying a plane, always look in every direction (including up and down). If riders think that it is only a matter of time. When that time comes they won't think of how to NOT CRASH but they will think that it's their time.
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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May 25th, 2009, 09:28 AM | #27 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Becca
Location: Clearwater, FL
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 03 Ninja 250, 02 CBR600 f4i Posts: 253
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Yeah, understood. I just think the attitude that experience and care will keep you out of all trouble can lead to a feeling of superiority/invincibility that can be very dangerous.
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May 25th, 2009, 10:00 AM | #28 |
ninjette.org member
Name: jack
Location: london
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 kawasaki ninja 250 Posts: 34
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May 25th, 2009, 10:04 AM | #29 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Aaron
Location: Wildomar
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, 2009 KTM 690 SMC, 2001 Suzuki GSX-R 750 (track bike) Posts: 172
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May 25th, 2009, 10:10 AM | #30 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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sorry... it's called confidence in being able to handle a motorcycle in an emergency situation that comes with experience. Also with experience comes the fact you and you alone are in total command of the bike you ride. If you aren't able to see as much as possible of potential hazards on the road, perhaps you just need to gain more experience to gain that confidence?
If I ever crash on a street bike, I would rather it be me trying to control the bike to that very last instant instead of giving up in my mind because I've resigned myself to the "fact" that crashing is done by everyone that rides a bike and it's "my " turn. That is only an excuse/belief for those that have crashed. Better still... avoid situations that put you in potentially hazardous conditions/positions and don't become a factor in an accident. I learned that an accident is the culmination of a series of events leading up to it. Eliminate any one of those events and you break the path that led to the accident. Being able to "see" that event as one on a path that will result in an accident is something one must develop to recognize. Unfortunately, the most common way to develop that skill is through experience. http://www.oshatrain.org/courses/pages/702m4.html Don't get me wrong, I crash all the time on my dirt bike... but that's because I do push past my limits to find out where that "edge" is and how to react to possibly save it. I highly recommend a dirt bike for anyone thinking of getting a street bike.... in fact, I think it should be mandatory to ride dirt bikes for a year or more before applying for a street bike license, but I don't make the laws. |
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May 25th, 2009, 12:55 PM | #31 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
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I agree master Kelly.
__________________________________________________
If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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May 25th, 2009, 12:59 PM | #32 |
ninjette.org member
Name: jack
Location: london
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 kawasaki ninja 250 Posts: 34
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so i called a local cycle shop and they want $46 for one oem turn signal, rediculous. i opted to go with these instead,
http://www.importationsthibault.com/...&page=202&ac=1 the 04 Oval Toxic lamps, clear with black backing, they look a lot shorter, the guy said they look good on the bike, we'll see in a couple of days when they arrive. $20 for 2 is a lot better than $46 for one. they also could order these oval L.E.D. lamps which look great but $60 is a lot for turn signals (oval II super led) http://www.importationsthibault.com/...&page=200&ac=1 |
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May 25th, 2009, 05:06 PM | #33 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Becca
Location: Clearwater, FL
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 03 Ninja 250, 02 CBR600 f4i Posts: 253
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May 25th, 2009, 05:11 PM | #34 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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May 26th, 2009, 11:38 AM | #35 |
3 for street, 2 for dirt
Name: Katlyn
Location: San Francisco Bay Area (California)
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Can Am Spyder PE #1344 / 2009 Kawi KLX140L Monster Energy / 2009 Kawi Ninja 250R (RIP 8.23.09) Posts: 586
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Glad to hear you are okay. I also crashed on the 24th. I tried not to, but the wind won. Must have been a bad day for Ninjettes.
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Feel free to look me up on facebook. |
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May 26th, 2009, 12:09 PM | #36 |
Live Life
Name: Don
Location: Lincoln, NE
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
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Katlyn - you go to explain that a little more or leave it hanging there like the elephant in the refrigerator?
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- ATGATT - Scorpion EX700 Hi-Vis Helmet, First Gear MeshTek 3.0 Jacket, TourMaster Transition 2 Jacket and Flex Pants, Sidi Doha boots |
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May 26th, 2009, 12:18 PM | #37 | |
3 for street, 2 for dirt
Name: Katlyn
Location: San Francisco Bay Area (California)
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Can Am Spyder PE #1344 / 2009 Kawi KLX140L Monster Energy / 2009 Kawi Ninja 250R (RIP 8.23.09) Posts: 586
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Quote:
We met the ride group at the ride start (which was about 6 or 7 miles from where the crash happened) then headed back home. After a 1/2 hour of trying to load the bike on the trailer in the high winds and cars flying past us less than 5 feet away at 60 MPH+, we had to call CHP for assistance. I'm working with the insurance company now, but don't know anything yet.
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Feel free to look me up on facebook. |
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May 26th, 2009, 01:14 PM | #38 |
Live Life
Name: Don
Location: Lincoln, NE
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
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That is just so bad - glad you are OK though. That had to really be some gusty wind to toss you and the bike around like that. Where were you the wind finally got you?
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- ATGATT - Scorpion EX700 Hi-Vis Helmet, First Gear MeshTek 3.0 Jacket, TourMaster Transition 2 Jacket and Flex Pants, Sidi Doha boots |
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May 26th, 2009, 01:16 PM | #39 | |
3 for street, 2 for dirt
Name: Katlyn
Location: San Francisco Bay Area (California)
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Can Am Spyder PE #1344 / 2009 Kawi KLX140L Monster Energy / 2009 Kawi Ninja 250R (RIP 8.23.09) Posts: 586
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Quote:
I was at the top of the last hill (Vasco Rd - about 6 miles north of the 580 junction). I just couldn't take it and it seemed like the safest place to stop and pull over as the shoulder was the widest here and it was at the top of the hill. The turbines all around me were spinning like crazy. I should have known not to go that way... it's always windy up there.... which is why the turbines are there.
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Feel free to look me up on facebook. |
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May 26th, 2009, 01:33 PM | #40 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: bogdan
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Kawasaki Z750 Posts: 244
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Quote:
All of my mistakes are caused by overconfidence, and not being enought carefull.
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Please, excuse my English, I am a foreigner, we even do not use the same alphabet around here. |
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