Author Topic: Nearly bought a V7 today....  (Read 8193 times)

Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #30 on: April 15, 2019, 06:10:28 PM »
I'm still undecided on a V7.  I had initially thought of buying one in addition to my Touring but that's not in the cards.  It's one or the other.  The appeal of the V7 is that it weighs 300lbs less than my California and the geometry(and tire sizes) makes it about a thousand times better on smooth gravel roads.  The hitch is that I love the 1400 engine more than any Guzzi I've ever owned.  I don't know that I can live with 40hp.  Do I keep a bike that has an amazing engine despite not liking the ergonomics and its' inability to explore dirt roads?  Do I trade it for a bike I think is beautiful but woefully underpowered?  I'm torn.  There will not be two Guzzi's in my garage.  It's like the Highlander...there can be only one.   

How is the V7 woefully underpowered?  Zero to 60 times range from 5.2 seconds to 5.8 seconds depending on reviewer. 

For comparison with you old guys and your 1960s muscle cars:

1969 Chevrolet Corvette 427 — 5.3 seconds
 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 — 5.3 seconds
1966 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi — 5.3 seconds
1964 Porsche 904 — 5.3 seconds
1965 Ford Mustang GT 289 — 5.2 seconds
1969 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi — 5.1 seconds
1967 Ford GT40 Mark III — 5.1 seconds

Those were amazing cars in their day!  LOL!  Now a little ol woefully underpowered V7III is just as fast.

How often do you do full throttle accelerations on your 1400?  If you do that all the time then maybe the V7 isn't for you.  I say get a second bike for the gravel and leave the 1400 for the drag strip.  ;)
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Offline JohninVT

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #31 on: April 15, 2019, 07:27:54 PM »
How is the V7 woefully underpowered?  Zero to 60 times range from 5.2 seconds to 5.8 seconds depending on reviewer. 

For comparison with you old guys and your 1960s muscle cars:

1969 Chevrolet Corvette 427 — 5.3 seconds
 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 — 5.3 seconds
1966 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi — 5.3 seconds
1964 Porsche 904 — 5.3 seconds
1965 Ford Mustang GT 289 — 5.2 seconds
1969 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi — 5.1 seconds
1967 Ford GT40 Mark III — 5.1 seconds

Those were amazing cars in their day!  LOL!  Now a little ol woefully underpowered V7III is just as fast.

How often do you do full throttle accelerations on your 1400?  If you do that all the time then maybe the V7 isn't for you.  I say get a second bike for the gravel and leave the 1400 for the drag strip.  ;)

I use full throttle all the time.  Executing a pass while riding two-up pretty much requires it.  5.3 to 5.8 seconds to 60mph is about what most of the Japanese 300cc streetbikes can do.  Not that it’s all about speed because it’s not. 

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #32 on: April 15, 2019, 08:06:30 PM »
Sounds like you answered your own question, John.
The new Tiger 800 is really fun, as is the reports on the 1200 Scrambler (new).  The 800 does everything but hard core single track really well.
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #33 on: April 15, 2019, 09:03:58 PM »
I use full throttle all the time.  Executing a pass while riding two-up pretty much requires it.  5.3 to 5.8 seconds to 60mph is about what most of the Japanese 300cc streetbikes can do.  Not that it’s all about speed because it’s not.

I wouldn't recommend a V7 for two up riding unless combined you are in the 250lb range. 

Sounds like two bikes are in order, or just get a GS and be done with it.   
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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #33 on: April 15, 2019, 09:03:58 PM »

Offline Muzz

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #34 on: April 16, 2019, 03:27:02 PM »
I wouldn't recommend a V7 for two up riding unless combined you are in the 250lb range. 

Sounds like two bikes are in order, or just get a GS and be done with it.

My wife and I (when she used to ride pillion) have got to be over300lb together, and the Breva 750 had no problems at all.  More than adequate power and it actually handled better.
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #35 on: April 16, 2019, 04:36:07 PM »
My wife and I (when she used to ride pillion) have got to be over300lb together, and the Breva 750 had no problems at all.  More than adequate power and it actually handled better.

I agree, but based on the power output the OP craves, it won't be enough. 
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Offline alanp

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #36 on: April 16, 2019, 10:07:15 PM »
John,
I sounded a lot like you.  One of the best things about motorcycling to me is the ability to pass in situations that you would never consider if in a car, and just the thrill of WOT on a powerful bike.  But the V7's are gorgeous, and the retro standard stying really appealed to me.  I test rode them on several occasions spanning about 5 years before I finally took the plunge, and I will never regret getting a V7.  There is just something extremely satisfying about these bikes.  They are so easy to ride and invite you to just relax and enjoy.  I love riding mine.  There is also something satisfying about a machine that is just "adequate" to me.  The V7 is enough, but not too much.  It is hard to explain, but I am sure they are not for everyone.
« Last Edit: April 16, 2019, 10:08:22 PM by alanp »
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Offline mechanicsavant

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #37 on: April 17, 2019, 07:51:21 AM »
Gee,this sounds familiar. I was in a similar mood a couple years ago.Soo I was @AJ s in Gill Ma. Alan made me an offer I couldn't refuse! I kept my R1200r & got a V7II @ a good price .
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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #38 on: April 17, 2019, 10:00:41 AM »
The OP keeps wondering if he can live with 40hp?   You’re asking the wrong question.  While the Herion head v7II put down about 42hp, the v7III is outing down 48hp!  That’s not going to stretch your arms, but the difference between a 40hp and 48hp on a middle weight bike like this is significant.
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Offline kingoffleece

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #39 on: April 17, 2019, 10:05:50 AM »
Having ridden in New England for years I'd never think to ride two up on a V7.  The roads are horrible in so many spots.  Can't imagine she'd be anything close to comfortable.
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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #40 on: April 17, 2019, 10:53:51 AM »
John,
I sounded a lot like you.  One of the best things about motorcycling to me is the ability to pass in situations that you would never consider if in a car, and just the thrill of WOT on a powerful bike.  But the V7's are gorgeous, and the retro standard stying really appealed to me.  I test rode them on several occasions spanning about 5 years before I finally took the plunge, and I will never regret getting a V7.  There is just something extremely satisfying about these bikes.  They are so easy to ride and invite you to just relax and enjoy.  I love riding mine.  There is also something satisfying about a machine that is just "adequate" to me.  The V7 is enough, but not too much.  It is hard to explain, but I am sure they are not for everyone.


In complete agreement.    No one was more surprised than I was that the V7 has become my all time favorite bike.   I thought I would try it (got a great deal), grow bored with it and sell it after a season.  Didn't work out that way!
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #41 on: April 17, 2019, 11:51:56 AM »
John,
I sounded a lot like you.  One of the best things about motorcycling to me is the ability to pass in situations that you would never consider if in a car, and just the thrill of WOT on a powerful bike.  But the V7's are gorgeous, and the retro standard stying really appealed to me.  I test rode them on several occasions spanning about 5 years before I finally took the plunge, and I will never regret getting a V7.  There is just something extremely satisfying about these bikes.  They are so easy to ride and invite you to just relax and enjoy.  I love riding mine.  There is also something satisfying about a machine that is just "adequate" to me.  The V7 is enough, but not too much.  It is hard to explain, but I am sure they are not for everyone.

Hop on a 24 HP dual sport for a few hundred miles and then take the V7 out for a ride.  The V7 has definitely got some grunt if you are willing to open the throttle. 

On my 100 hp plus bikes it was a rare occurrence that you could open the throttle all the way because of the risk flipping the bike or the 3 seconds later you are at illegal speeds.  I guess knowing you can and don't is one thing. 
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Offline mnuttall87

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #42 on: April 17, 2019, 01:44:21 PM »
Hop on a 24 HP dual sport.....

My 2017 XT250 had all of 17HP and could do 70MPH on the highway all day long.  Not comfortably, mind you.  I'll take the 40hp of the V7III any day.

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #43 on: April 17, 2019, 02:06:14 PM »
I LOVE my OUR V7 V7s....


...but I think you guys are pissing in the wind with John. He's long fallen on the other side of all the subjective impressions of these bikes (and by THESE I mean Guzzis in general) with regards to performance. I think he's not really gonna be happy with something that puts out less hp than say maybe an R9T or Desert Sled even in this application.

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Offline Toecutter

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #44 on: April 17, 2019, 02:36:18 PM »
Well, my $0.02. and n0t trying to convince anyone of anything...

I've done four hour trips, 2-up with my wife on the back, doing 130 km/h. Optimal? No. But performed well.

As for "WOT all day"... I guess so, never felt the need myself. Bike spins at about 4700 rpm at 115 km/h, and I can pass at speeds up around 150 with no issues. Never once have I ever felt that it was gutless or anemic when it comes to passing.

Meh. If one doesn't dig it, they don't dig it.

Old enough to say I've done it, young enough to do it again.

Offline JohninVT

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #45 on: April 17, 2019, 03:15:33 PM »
I LOVE my OUR V7 V7s....


...but I think you guys are pissing in the wind with John. He's long fallen on the other side of all the subjective impressions of these bikes (and by THESE I mean Guzzis in general) with regards to performance. I think he's not really gonna be happy with something that puts out less hp than say maybe an R9T or Desert Sled even in this application.

My all time favorite motorcycle?  The TW200, which has 14hp.  I’ve owned four of them and I’ll definitely have another.  It’s not that I feel the need to have 100hp all the time.  It’s more that I enjoy every kind of riding but I can only have one or two motorcycles.  I have to pick bikes that are really flexible and I have a daughter heading off the college this August so if I get something I’ll keep it a long time.  I could afford to have a bunch of bikes but I’d feel guilty if Sophie came to me her sophomore year and asked to study abroad or something similar and I had to say no because I had a couple bike loans. 

So.....what’s an easy decision for some folks isn’t for me and me questioning whether a V7 has enough power isn’t slagging the bike...it’s just me thinking aloud.

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #46 on: April 17, 2019, 03:24:58 PM »
 Maybe I missed it but have you had an opportunity to ride a V7III?  I would think a decent test ride on one would go a long way to answer your question.
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #47 on: April 17, 2019, 03:52:27 PM »
My all time favorite motorcycle?  The TW200, which has 14hp.  I’ve owned four of them and I’ll definitely have another.  It’s not that I feel the need to have 100hp all the time.  It’s more that I enjoy every kind of riding but I can only have one or two motorcycles.  I have to pick bikes that are really flexible and I have a daughter heading off the college this August so if I get something I’ll keep it a long time.  I could afford to have a bunch of bikes but I’d feel guilty if Sophie came to me her sophomore year and asked to study abroad or something similar and I had to say no because I had a couple bike loans. 

So.....what’s an easy decision for some folks isn’t for me and me questioning whether a V7 has enough power isn’t slagging the bike...it’s just me thinking aloud.

I guess I was lucky.  Both my boys earned free rides through college on academic scholarships.  Both entirely off my financial support at 18 years old.  Multiple roommates, 10 year old cars, and a desire to make something of themselves instead of having it handed to them.  Not implying that your daughter is not like that, just stating how my sons don't fit the stereotypical millennial. 
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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #48 on: April 17, 2019, 04:01:20 PM »
V7 stornello my all time favorite bike. And I've had many. My Suzuki van van is also a whole lot of fun.
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Online Kev m

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #49 on: April 17, 2019, 04:06:19 PM »
My all time favorite motorcycle?  The TW200, which has 14hp.  I’ve owned four of them and I’ll definitely have another.  It’s not that I feel the need to have 100hp all the time.  It’s more that I enjoy every kind of riding but I can only have one or two motorcycles.  I have to pick bikes that are really flexible and I have a daughter heading off the college this August so if I get something I’ll keep it a long time.  I could afford to have a bunch of bikes but I’d feel guilty if Sophie came to me her sophomore year and asked to study abroad or something similar and I had to say no because I had a couple bike loans. 

So.....what’s an easy decision for some folks isn’t for me and me questioning whether a V7 has enough power isn’t slagging the bike...it’s just me thinking aloud.

I'm honestly not taking it as slagging. I'm just compiling a mental picture of all the times you've talked about speed, acceleration, passing 2-up, wanting or enjoying that rush of power etc. and I don't think that adds up to you being happy with a V7 as an everything, do-it-all, and especially 2-up bike.

Not that it can't be all those things to the right person.

But hell it's certainly not a 2-up bike to me, except with my (little) kids.

I remember when my eldest was in high school. I only took him to school once on my V7, after that it was back to the Sporty.

And coming off a Cali, I can't imagine you enjoying 2-up on a V7, or honestly rolling it on solo and not coming up short of expectations. That Cali does spin up like a freight train.
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Offline poppe

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #50 on: April 17, 2019, 04:33:13 PM »
But the red ones are faster :grin:



I concur.





But I will say I did ride the Scrambler 1200 and that thing was a blast and wouldn't pass that up either.
« Last Edit: April 17, 2019, 04:35:03 PM by poppe »

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #51 on: April 17, 2019, 04:38:42 PM »
Indeed, riding two up has a lot to do with weight, gurth and belly size, in what ever order works for you.  :grin:
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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #52 on: April 17, 2019, 04:44:11 PM »
Come to the dark side.... We have cookies...
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Online Cam3512

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #53 on: April 17, 2019, 05:11:30 PM »
Lets be real.  Unless you're on the Autobahn, who really rides WOT?  I must be a real pussy.  Come on...
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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #54 on: April 17, 2019, 05:35:15 PM »
My all time favorite motorcycle?  The TW200, which has 14hp.  I’ve owned four of them and I’ll definitely have another.  It’s not that I feel the need to have 100hp all the time.  It’s more that I enjoy every kind of riding but I can only have one or two motorcycles.  I have to pick bikes that are really flexible and I have a daughter heading off the college this August so if I get something I’ll keep it a long time.  I could afford to have a bunch of bikes but I’d feel guilty if Sophie came to me her sophomore year and asked to study abroad or something similar and I had to say no because I had a couple bike loans. 

So.....what’s an easy decision for some folks isn’t for me and me questioning whether a V7 has enough power isn’t slagging the bike...it’s just me thinking aloud.

Man, John- you and your priorities have my total respect.  Very, very cool.   It's great to see someone else making their bike decisions & expenditures subordinate to more significant family responsibilities.  Sounds like your daughter has a great father.
 
I can't really add insight into modern bike purchases and comparisons, other than to say I can't imagine riding a V7 2 up in VT would be much fun on most roads.  We bought our old Harley FLH for exactly that reason while I was working in Barre.  Lots more room and comfortable flogging over the hills and bad roads, even if it wasn't a hp boon...

Enjoy your time with your daughter before she heads off to school.  Good luck with your bike decisions.
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Offline s1120

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #55 on: April 17, 2019, 06:15:57 PM »
WOW  I must be the real odd guy out...  granted I normally didn't rid over 250 miles at a time, but heck I used to go anywhere on my old RD400..  My big bike was a 82 GS650 and never lacked power on the road solo or two up...  Heck we took many 200 mile rides 2 up on my wifes old 454LTD..  Ya I love more power as much as the next guy, but a lot of people rode a lot of miles on under 50HP bikes for a lot of years.
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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #56 on: April 17, 2019, 08:03:21 PM »
WOW  I must be the real odd guy out...  granted I normally didn't rid over 250 miles at a time, but heck I used to go anywhere on my old RD400..  My big bike was a 82 GS650 and never lacked power on the road solo or two up...  Heck we took many 200 mile rides 2 up on my wifes old 454LTD..  Ya I love more power as much as the next guy, but a lot of people rode a lot of miles on under 50HP bikes for a lot of years.

Sure, and again none of my bikes are "fast" and I LOVE MY V7.

But, what you are remembering probably happened when the speed limit was 55 not 75+ with people running 80+.

It probably happened when 300 HP = a muscle car and today that's a family sedan.

I wouldn't hesitate to ride my V7 anywhere, except I might choose my RK for more power, and more comfort, and more capacity if I'm going longer distances or higher speeds (especially 2-up).

As for longer distances there's a pretty big difference between 250 miles and 500 miles in a day.

But none of this is really what I think the OP won't like. I'm thinking it's all about the grunt.
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Online bad Chad

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #57 on: April 17, 2019, 08:09:46 PM »
Those are solid points Kev, most of us tend to discount how much faster almost everything on the road is now.   A run of the mill Chevy Impala has over 300hp!
« Last Edit: April 17, 2019, 08:11:02 PM by bad Chad »
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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #58 on: April 17, 2019, 08:41:39 PM »
The V7 line has never been my favorite.  They don’t have enough poke to be my sole motorcycle so I’ve always sort of dismissed them.  Not because they aren’t good looking....I’ve always thought they look like a proper motorcycle.  I’ve been thinking about getting a second bike for a while so suddenly they’re on my radar.  My 1400 is a flawed machine.  Mainly because it’s 700lbs.  I don’t jump on it to ride two miles for the newspaper or a coffee.  It’s a bit like trying to commute with a dump truck.  I want something light that I can roll up a ramp into the back of my truck alone.  I’d like to ride on gravel again.  I want a standard. 

I went to a dealer this morning who had 7 or 8 V7’s and I was shocked....I don’t like the V7III in person.  In photos, they look great but in person I thought the valve covers were out of proportion and I really, really dislike painted exhausts.  I also don’t like the side covers.  Of all the variants I only liked two; the Milano and the yellow Stone.  I wouldn’t think the color gray would be especially attractive but it sure is in the flesh and the yellow Stone just pops like crazy.  It’s sort of a butterscotch color.  I could live with either the Milano or a yellow Stone.

However.....what surprised me the most is how beautiful the blue V7II Special is.  THAT is what a motorcycle should look like.  Holy hell is it sharp.  There was also a red V7II Scrambler.  It’s basically a Special with an Arrow high exhaust.  It sounded better than a 40hp bike has any right to.  The only reason there isn’t a new bike in my garage right now is that I couldn’t decide between the two.  Both are new leftovers at an acceptable price.  I think one of them might come home with me tomorrow.
John, your little girl would probably grow into a v7, right:)

Offline s1120

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Re: Nearly bought a V7 today....
« Reply #59 on: April 18, 2019, 07:56:05 AM »
Sure, and again none of my bikes are "fast" and I LOVE MY V7.

But, what you are remembering probably happened when the speed limit was 55 not 75+ with people running 80+.

It probably happened when 300 HP = a muscle car and today that's a family sedan.

I wouldn't hesitate to ride my V7 anywhere, except I might choose my RK for more power, and more comfort, and more capacity if I'm going longer distances or higher speeds (especially 2-up).

As for longer distances there's a pretty big difference between 250 miles and 500 miles in a day.

But none of this is really what I think the OP won't like. I'm thinking it's all about the grunt.

I normally run at about 70..  But that being said, on the highway when im riding I tend to sit about 5mph over the limit, and just enjoy the ride..  Keep out of everyones way. :)   
Paul B

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