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The Aprilia Tuono 457 was also launched at EICMA 2024, filling the gap between the Tuono 125 and Tuono 660.

The Tuono range is based on their larger sportbike siblings, thus the Tuno 457 is based on the Aprilia RS 457 sportbike. As such, the engine is the same 457cc parallel-twin which produces 47.6hp at 9,400 RPM and 43.4Nm of torque at 6,700 RPM. 82% of the peak torque is available from as low as 3,000 RPM. The Tuono’s shorter final drive contributes to the extra 2% of torque at those RPMs.

Also sharing the same chassis as the RS 457, this model uses an aluminium frame. This makes it as the only naked motorcycle in its class to sport an aluminium frame. As such, Aprilia claims the same dry weight of 159kg.

Suspension duties are handled by 41mm upside-down forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. Both ends are adjustable for preload. The monoshock is mounted to an asymmetricla steel swingarm, just like the RS 457, too.

The brake system consists of a single ByBre four-piston caliper up front, which clamps on a single 320mm disc. A single 220mm disc is at the back. The front brake lever is adjustable. A two-channel Bosch ABS is standard. Tyre sizes are 110/70-R17 and 150/60-R17, front and rear, respectively.

A new 5-inch TFT screen with smartphone connectivity also allows the rider to choose his preferred ride modes namely Eco, Sport, and Rain. A bi-directional quickshifter is optional.

The Aprilia Tuono 457 is offered in two colour options called Piranha Red and Puma Gray. Aprilia has not released the price of the bike.

The Fantic brand is still very much under the radar here in Malaysia, but it is gaining some traction, especially with the Caballero Scrambler 500’s success in Rimba Raid. Now, the company shows off the production ready Fantic Imola sportbike and Fantic Stealth naked bike at EICMA 2024.

Both are powered by a new 460cc single-cylinder engine which was developed in-house in partnership with the engine maker Motori Minarelli. It had been developed over three years and meets the Euro5+ regulations. This is a clear move from using engines supplied by Zongshen.

The engine is said to produce 44.4hp at 8,250 RPM, weighs less than 40kg, and incorporates a slipper clutch besides ride-by-wire throttle. There is a smaller 125cc engine which produces 15hp.

The engine is houses in a frame which combines steel trellis up top, with aluminium side plates below. There is 5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity, multi-level traction control, and cornering ABS.

As for the variants, the Fantic Imola is a sportbike complete with winglets, while the Fantic Stealth is a naked sportbike which includes a Ducati Streetfighter-like headlight unit. Both also feature a high-mounted exhaust muffler.

We expect these bikes to be launched in the first half of 2025.

Suzuki did produce some real fun (and bulletproof) adventure bikes, in the DR range. Many Suzuki fans shed tears when the maker stopped producing the DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM. Well, we can now live fulfilling lives again with the launch of the all-new Suzuki DR-Z4S and Suzuki DR-Z4SM, because they look FUN!

As you can see from the photos, the “S” variant is for off-roading, while the “SM” version is shod with road tyres for supermoto duties.

Engine:

  • New 98cc, single-cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC, four-stroke, Euro 5B-compliant engine which produces 38PS (37.5hp) at 8,000rpm, and 37Nm at 6,500rpm.
  • The new engine is up-to-date, as expected, featuring titanium(!) intake valves and hollow sodium-filled exhaust valves, new cam profiles, dual spark-plugs for smoother and linear power delivery along with low RPM torque.
  • There is also a new airbox and exhaust, along with an assist and slipper clutch.
  • Suzuki claims a fuel consumption figure of “over 3.5 litres/100km (80mpg)”.
Electronics:

  • The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System provides a package of electronic rider aids including the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) with three power modes.
  • There are also two standard traction control modes, with each variant equipped with its own specific G (Gravel) mode.
  • G mode aims to maintain maximum off-road performance by allowing a certain amount of wheel spin. On the DR-4S it focuses on enabling riders to enjoy off-road riding with confidence. On the DR-Z4SM it is tailored more towards flat-dirt surfaces.

  • The ABS system allows the rider to tailor it to his needs and riding conditions. On the DR-Z4S, the rider can disengage the ABS at the rear, or at the front and rear. On the DR-Z4SM, the rider can disengage the rear ABS.
  • All rider information is displayed via a compact LCD dash.
Chassis:
  • A brand new, twin-spar steel frame was developed for the new Suzuki DR-Z4S and Suzuki DR-Z4SM.
  • It is then mated to a new aluminium subframe and an aluminium swingarm.
  • The new chassis is rigid, yet supple, meaning it can absorb impact and bumps on rougher terrain, and reduce rider fatigue.

  • Long-travel suspension on both the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM comes from KYB, specifically tuned for each model’s intended application.
  • There is 280mm of front fork travel and 296mm of rear wheel travel on the DR-Z4S.
  • The DR-Z4SM has 260mm of front suspension travel and 277mm of rear wheel travel.
  • Both have compression and rebound damping adjustment at the front and rear. There is also preload adjustment on the rear shock.

  • The DR-Z4S is fitted with a 21” front and 18” rear, fitted with IRC GP-410, dual purpose, tubed tyres.
  • The DR-Z4SM uses 17″ rims front and rear, shod with Dunlop SPORTMAX Q5A tyres.
  • There are disc brakes all round, and an aluminium under guard as standard.
  • Ground clearance is 300mm on the DR-Z4S, and 260mm on the DR-Z4SM.
  • Seat heights are 920mm and 890mm and they weigh 151kg and 154kg, respectively.

Styling:
  • Lighting all-round is LED, from the single assembly headlight, rear combination lights, and indicators.
  • The DR-Z4S is available in Suzuki’s signature off-road Champion Yellow, and Solid Iron Grey, both with black rims. The DR-Z4SM comes in a new blue/grey colour scheme, dubbed Sky Grey, plus a Solid Special White, equipped with blue rims.

The manufacturer has not confirmed the prices of the Suzuki DR-Z4S and Suzuki DR-Z4SM yet.

The 2025 Yamaha YZF-R3 has been launched overseas, following several teases through October.

It is obvious from the pictures that the new bike’s design has been completely overhauled to look even closer to its YZF-R7, R9, and R1 brethren with a strikingly aggressive take.

Gone are the dual headlamps, their positions taken by dual LED DRLs. The headlamp is now a single projection LED er… headlamp placed in the what used to be the faux central air intake. The rest of the bodywork features sharp lines compared to the previous bulbous look. The panel of the rear seat has also been redesigned to more closely resemble that of its bigger siblings, and the taillight of the YZF-R15.

Yamaha says the ergonomics have been revamped for a close to 50/50 weight distribution and that hints at a more aggressive riding posture.

Several new features include a new LCD screen with Yamaha Y-Connect, a USB charging port, assist and slipper clutch.

But that is as far as it goes. The engine remains the same 321cc parallel-twin, the frame is the same, and even the exhaust muffler is unchanged.

The 2025 Yamaha YZF-R3 will surely become the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R25 when it gets to Malaysia.

The 2024 Aprilia RS 457 has finally arrived and launched in Malaysia, bringing the promise of a high performance, lightweight sportbike to Malaysian enthusiasts.

Although it shares some of the design cues of the bigger Aprilia RS 660, it is not scaled down from the RS 660. Instead, it is a motorcycle packed with features on its own.

Highlights:
  • New 457cc, parallel-twin, DOHC, eight-valve engine which produces 35kW (47.6hp) at 9,400 RPM and 43.5Nm of torque at 6,700 RPM.

  • 82% of that maximum torque is delivered from as low as 3,000 RPM, with a good spread of 2,700 RPM between peak torque and maximum horsepower. This would give the bike a power everywhere in the RPM range performance.
  • Granted, the horsepower could be higher but 47.6hp is the limit for countries that have the A2 license regulations.

  • Several steps were taken to reduce frictional losses in the engine including offsetting the cylinders by 6.5mm from the crankshaft’s centreline, the water pump and counterbalancer shaft rotate on needle bearings, and the piston pins are DLC coated.
  • The gearbox also runs on roller cages instead of bushings.

  • The engine is housed in a twin-spar aluminium frame. The spars are bolted to the headstock.
  • However, the swingarm is steel instead of aluminium and pivots on the engine casing.

  • The forks are 41mm and adjustable for preload, as with the rear monoshock.
  • Braking up front is handled by a 320mm disc which is gripped by a ByBre four-piston caliper.

  • ABS is standard, utilising a Bosch two-channel system. Rear ABS can be turned off by pressing and holding the Riding Mode button.
  • The rims are fitted with 110/70-R17 and 150/50-R17 tyres.

  • On the electronics front, there are three riding modes, namely ECO, SPORT, RAIN.
  • Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) is standard and can be adjusted through three levels on-the-fly.

  • The Aprilia Quickshifter (AQS) is standard for clutchless up and down gearshifts.
  • A 5-inch backlit TFT is also standard, and the owner can opt for the Aprilia Multimedia (MIA) platform to connect his smartphone for phone calls, music streaming, navigation, and data recording.

  • Last, but not least, the 2024 Aprilia RS 457 weighs 159kg dry, and a 175kg kerb weight.

There are three colours: Racing Stripes priced at RM35,900, while the Prismatic Dark, and Opalescent Light are both priced at RM33,900.

BMW Motorrad launched the BMW M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 to commemorate factory rider Toprak Razgatlıoğlu’s winning the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).

Special edition of the BMW M 1000 RR M Competition with world champion honors

With 18 victories and a total of 27 podium finishes, as well as 527 points at the end, “El Turco” was the dominant rider of the 2024 season, securing the first world championship title for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. The 28-year-old further emphasized his outstanding season performance with six pole positions, 13 fastest race laps, and winning the Pirelli Best Lap Award. For Razgatlıoğlu, this was already his second world championship title in WSBK after 2021, and with a total of 57 victories, he currently ranks fourth in the all-time best list.

Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad: “Toprak’s incredible performance, culminating in the world championship title, was a joyful occasion for us to create a genuine replica of his M 1000 RR world champion machine for BMW Motorrad’s motorsport-affine fans. Limited to 54 units, corresponding to his starting number.

Signed BMW M 1000 RR M Competition in world champion design

The basis for the BMW M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 is the M 1000 RR
M Competition of the 2024 model year. The M Competition package includes:

  • Activation code for using the M GPS Laptrigger.
  • M Motorsport paintwork with the base color Blackstorm metallic.
  • Maintenance-friendly DLC-coated M Endurance chain.
  • M Carbon package includes high-quality components made from visible carbon and coated with clear lacquer and the M billet package.
  • In addition to the standard single rider tail, the passenger package including a carbon pillion seat cover is also included.

  • All 54 units of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 are equipped with the original design and sponsor stickers of the factory racing machines.
  • Ilmberger carbon components such as covers for the tank, frame, swingarm, wiring harness, and clutch cover, as well as fairing parts, an exhaust heat shield, and a carbon license plate holder, complement the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024.
  • Buyers of the special edition receive a voucher for a matching Akrapovič Evolution Line titanium exhaust system.
  • All 54 units are consecutively numbered from 01/54 to 54/54, featuring a special graphic commemorating the world championship title on the M Carbon tank cover, and are personally signed by world champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu.

  • The world champion graphic and the champion’s signature have been sealed with clear lacquer.
  • Buyers will also receive a meet and greet session with world champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu in person.
The number 1 of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 goes to the world champion himself

While the number 54/54 of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 will remain with BMW Motorrad and will be on display at the BMW Museum in the future, the motorcycle with the number 01/54 goes to world champion Toprak himself.

Toprak “El Turco” Razgatlıoğlu: “Wow, what a season and we became world champions. I can’t thank BMW Motorrad, my team, and everyone involved in this fantastic success enough, and it is a great honor for me to receive the number 1 of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024. It will definitely have a place of honor at my home.

The M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024, equipped with a certificate, is approved in Germany through individual acceptance. The price is EUR 54,000 (RM254,778.95 before duties and taxes, etc., of course!).

The 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 has been launched alongside with the 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 following the announcement of a new V2 engine several days ago.

Highlights
  • The new Streetfighter V2 shares the looks of the familiar Streetfighter V4 mixed with the new Panigale V2, including the new double-sided swingarm, although it does not have the bigger bike’s winglets.

  • The new 890cc V2 (90º V-Twin) engine it entirely new, but is less powerful than the previous Superquardo, producing 120hp and 93.6Nm compared to 148hp and 104.4Nm.
  • However, the new engine signals a return to the traditional, more tractable V-Twin power delivery by providing 70% of its peak torque from 3,000 RPM, rather than being higher up in the rev range.

  • The engine is very light, weighing only 54.5kg, which is 9.4kg lighter than the older engine.
  • There is also a new monocoque frame which weighs only 4kg.
  • Consequently, the new Streetfighter V2’s overall weight is 17.5kg lighter than the old bike, for a total of 177kg.

  • As usual, there are two variants – the standard and “S.”
  • The standard 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 uses fully-adjustable, upside-down 43mm Showa Big Piston Forks (BPF) and a fully-adjustable Sachs monoshock.

  • The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 S uses fully-adjustable Öhlins NIX-30 forks and Öhlins monoshock. It also receives a lithium-ion battery.
  • Its wheels are three-spoke cast items that looks like those from Marchesini, and fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.
  • Up front, there are twin Brembo 320mm brake discs grabbed by Brembo M50 monobloc calipers (not Stylema).

  • As usual with Ducatis, the 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 features a comprehensive set of electronic rider aids which works with the six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), including ride modes (four), traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, engine brake control. Launch control and pit lane speed control are included in the optional pack.
  • A new 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connection.

The 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 is also cheaper than the old bike: £14,995 (RM85,141.74) for the standard, and £16,995 (RM96,497.76) for the V2 S. The previous Streetfighter V2 standard was priced at £16,395 (RM92,760.22).

The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 has been launched, following the announcement of a new V2 engine several days ago. The 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 featuring the new engine has also been launched at the same time, so please click on the link above to find out more about it.

Highlights
  • The new Panigale V2 shares the familial looks of the new Panigale V4 launched not long ago, right down to the new double-sided swingarm, although it does not have the bigger bike’s winglets.

  • The new 890cc V2 (90º V-Twin) engine it entirely new, but is less powerful than the previous Superquardo, producing 120hp and 93.6Nm compared to 148hp and 104.4Nm.
  • The racing exhaust system pack liberates 126hp and reduces 4.5kg of weight.
  • However, the new engine signals a return to the traditional, more tractable V-Twin power delivery by providing 70% of its peak torque from 3,000 RPM, rather than being higher up in the rev range.

  • The engine is very light, weighing only 54.5kg, which is 9.4kg lighter than the older engine.
  • There is also a new monocoque frame which weighs only 4kg.
  • Consequently, the new Panigale V2’s overall weight is only 176kg (15kg lighter) and has the distinction of being the lightest Panigale, ever.

  • As such, the lower weight contributes to a fast motorcycle, with test rider Davide Stirpe circulating only 0.2 second slower than the old Panigale V2 at the Vallelunga Circuit.
  • As usual, there are two variants – the standard and “S.”
  • The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 uses fully-adjustable Marzocchi upside-down forks and a Kayaba monoshock.

  • The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 S uses Öhlins forks and monoshock. The latter also receives a lithium-ion battery.
  • Its wheels are six-spoke cast items that looks like Marchesini, and fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.
  • Up front, there are twin Brembo 320mm brake discs grabbed by Brembo M50 monobloc calipers (not Stylema).

  • As usual with Ducatis, the 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 features a comprehensive set of electronic rider aids which works with the six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), including ride modes (four), traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, engine brake control. Launch control and pit lane speed control are included in the optional pack.
  • A new 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connection.
  • The riding position has also been changed with higher clip-on handlebars and repositioned footpegs compared to the new Panigale V4.

The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 is also cheaper than the old bike: £14,995 (RM85,141.74) for the standard, and £16,995 (RM96,497.76) for the V2 S. The previous Panigale V2 standard was priced at £17,195 (RM102,162.87).

The BMW Concept F 450 GS adventure bike has been revealed at EICMA 2024.

The lightweight bike will bridge the single-cylinder G 310 GS and larger F 900 GS platforms. BMW Motorrad says that it is not a trials bike, with the standing position closer to that of an enduro bike.

Although BMW did not reveal more details, they stated that the engine will produce in the regions of 48hp. Pictures show a prototype with a twin-cylinder engine, besides a styling that resembles its flagship R 1300 GS brethren including the “X” shaped headlight.

Product Manager, Sepp Mächler pointed out that the engine was developed in-house using lightweight materials such as magnesium. It is a big departure from the G 310 series where the engine was built in partnership and shared with TVS. The company has not revealed who will actually build the new 450 engine.

Mächler, a keen off-road rider himself, added, “Generally, it’s around 175kg, with 48 horsepower, and the engine has a 125-degree crankshaft for the ignition.

It’s very narrow and for the seating position we have different variations of what customers demand,” he continued. “It’s a brand-new design, engineered by BMW. This was an idea we had a long time ago, and then we decided to do it like that.

We are really looking at having the footpegs in the right position, and we were really looking at riders from 1.65 metres to 1.90 metres – so every kind of customer can sit or stay on the bike.

Head of BMW Motorrad Design, Alexander Buckan further commented: “We have succeeded in designing the concept with the sporty dynamic appeal of our large off-road icon in a particularly compact form.

The BMW Concept F 450 GS will be a new addition to the lightweight adventure segment, currently filled by the just-launched Suzuki DR-Z4, KTM 390 Adventure, and the upcoming Aprilia Tuareg 457 in the 350-450cc category. The G 310 GS, on the other hand, competes with the Kawasaki Versys 250/300, Suzuki V-Strom 250, Honda CRF250L/Rally, et al.

BMW Motorrad says the F 450 GS will be launched in 2025, so stay tuned!

Dorna has confirmed the cancellation of the Valencia MotoGP 2024 due to a devastating and deadly flood which hit the region. The BBC reported that the calamity has claimed 202 lives, with more missing victims, at the time of writing (2145 hrs., MY time).

Pictures from the region has shown the landscape covered in thick mud, along with motor vehicles strewn everywhere, even on highways. The Spanish national weather agency said that the region saw more than 300 litres of rainfall per square metre.

In a statement released today, MotoGP organisers stated that “the championship will put our collective efforts behind backing the relief funds already in place to ensure our positive impact can connect with the area”.

Much of Spain has been hit by extreme weather for the past week, with the Valencia region being one of the worst hit. Some parts of the Ricardo Tormo circuit have been completely washed out, with access roads collapsing and huge amounts of damage making it difficult to see how a grand prix weekend could go ahead beginning 15 November.

The round in Malaysia this weekend will now become a springboard for the fundraising effort, as organisers try to ensure a positive impact can be made for the people and communities affected by the extreme weather.

Indeed, several MotoGP riders have expressed their wish not to race in Valencia regardless if the Ricardo Tormo track can be repaired in time. Defending World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia went as far as to say that he will boycott the event even if it costs him the championship. 9-time World Champion, Marc Marquez had also said that it is only right that the championship not be held in Valencia this year out of respect for the victims.

In the meantime, Dorna is considering another location to hold the last race of the 2024 season. Some pundits have speculated that Malaysia will indeed be the last round. Some have called for the Sepang International Circuit to hold another round, since everything is already in place, anyway.

Our hearts go out to those who were affected by the floods.

The 2025  Yamaha MT-07 has been launched, marking the model’s fourth generation since its introduction in 2014. Instead of refreshing its looks alone, the new bike brings along many changes throughout including new chassis, electronics, weight reduction, and electronic features.

Highlights:
  • The engine remains unchanged: 690cc, parallel-twin with 270-degree crank, which produces 72.4hp at 8,750 RPM, and is now Euro5+ compliant.
  • Taking the cue from its bigger MT-09 brother, there is also an acoustic amplifying system which channels the engine’s induction sounds to the rider through the tank.
  • The intake element’s size, shape, and layout have been altered with four openings on the restyled 14-litre fuel tank.
  • Yamaha says the induction sound is most noticeable when accelerating out of slow corners with 25% to 50% throttle.

  • There is now an assist and slipper clutch for easier downshifts and reduces clutch lever pull force by 22%.
  • Buyers can opt for the semi-automatic Y-AMT variant, which deletes the clutch and gear levers, allowing them to shift gears via buttons on the handlebar.
  • Overall weight has been reduced by 1kg to 183kg, which is 7kg less than the Honda Hornet and 19kg lighter than the Suzuki GSX-8S.
  • The new rims are spinforged and 500g lighter, reducing inertia by 4%.
  • The new bodywork presents a familial tie to the MT-09, but with a more minimalist headlight unit.

  • A new handlebar creates a sportier riding position: 18mm wider, 22mm lower, 9.3mm closer to the rider.
  • The footpegs are lowered by 10mm to fit taller riders and the cutout in the tank allows the rider to grip it with his knees.
  • The tubular steel frame is all-new and Yamaha claims 12-13% increase in torsional, longitudinal, and lateral rigidity. There is also a new swingarm pivot for the new swingarm.
  • The 2025 Yamaha MT-07 sports new 41mm upside-down forks up front.
  • There is a new shock linkage for the rear monoshock which is now adjustable for preload and rebound.

  • The front brakes are upgraded to dual four-piston calipers.
  • Moving over to the electronics, there is a 5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.
  • The throttle is now ride-by-wire, enabling three riding modes, and two levels of traction control.
  • Quickshifter is optional with the manual variant.
  • Yamaha has not announce the price of the 2025 Yamaha MT-07.

The brand-new 2025 Triumph Tiger Sport 800 has been launched. It fills the gap left by the outgoing Tiger 850 Sport, between the Tiger Sport 660 and Tiger 900.

Unlike the Tiger 850 Sport which is based on the Tiger 900 dual-sport platform, the Tiger Sport 800 is based on the fully road-biased Tiger Sport 660. The 660 platform began with the Trident 660, before seeing the Tiger 660 Sport and Daytona 660 being added on.

As such, the Tiger Sport 800 will be more powerful than the Tiger 850 Sport, touting a 798cc, three-cylinder engine which produces 113hp and 84.1Nm of torque. Those figures put it in the range of the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT (117hp, 93Nm) and BMW F 900 XR (105hp, 92Nm). Although the Triumph’s peak torque output is lower than its competitors, do remember that all Triumph engines are tune to provide 90% of their peak torque over a wider rev range.

The bike’s chassis is shared with the 660’s, meaning that Triumph has somehow managed to squeeze the bigger engine into the frame. Yes, the 800’s frame and swingarm are shared with 660’s but the former’s suspension is higher in spec. Up front are fully-adjustable 41mm upside-down Showa forks, and a Showa monoshock at the back. Brakes consist of dual 310mm discs and four-piston calipers up front.

Electronics include a TFT display with smartphone connectivity via the My Triumph Connectivity System, allowing for turn-by-turn navigation, phones calls, music streaming.

There is a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) which provides optimised cornering ABS and traction control. Riding modes are Road, Rain, and Sport. Cruise control and quickshifter are standard.

Triumph claims fuel consumption is a frugal 25.5 km/litre, giving a maximum of range of 402km when coupled to the 18.6 liter fuel tank.

The 2025 Triumph Tiger Sport 800 sells for £10,995 (RM61,865.91) in the UK.

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