Should have got a 350 years ago...

11/5/2022 11:07am
Easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

Back to the 350, still loving my 20 at 75hrs. Just oil and filters. One valve check at 43 hrs. My friend rode my 350 and sold his YZF250X for a new 23 350 XCF. That's saying something.
1
wwdiii
Posts
2533
Joined
4/15/2019
Location
League City, TX US
11/5/2022 11:15am
grunkster wrote:
Naw you did WELL with the 23 crf250! Love my 22...had a 20 350xcf and the Honda feels MUCH lighter and more flickable and fun... with...
Naw you did WELL with the 23 crf250! Love my 22...had a 20 350xcf and the Honda feels MUCH lighter and more flickable and fun... with PLENTY of motor. My .02
I think I will like the Honda once I get used to it.

Not only did I kick around getting a 350, I kicked around the idea of getting one of the new 300 injected Austrian 2 strokes. Might have went two stroke but the 5 speed 300 only comes in Orange……… but don’t like orange LOL!!!

One of the reasons I bought the Honda 250R had to do with the way my oversized tricked out pit bike/trail bike CRF250F corners. It’s a fat air cooled pig but it turns on a dime, front and rear suspension is far from stock. Figured the R would turn even better.

As I type this, I’m scheming about selling my trail bike and my old YZF and populating my garage with another 2023 something that’s been discussed above. But it mainly just a dream. I’m good with what I have but we all like to dream.

2
DC817
Posts
55
Joined
9/14/2022
Location
OH US
11/5/2022 11:21am
I’ve seen 350s ridden by fast guys go well over 100 hours without ever touching the motor. The motors are bullet proof on them.

I’ve got a 21 for sale. I’d take $7000 but no less. It’s worth keeping for anything less than that.

https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/For-Sale-Bazaar,26/2021-KTM-350-SXF,1407822#post_5154200
2
FGR01
Posts
6002
Joined
10/1/2006
Location
AZ US
Fantasy
11/5/2022 7:35pm
psg119 wrote:
Hey guys, bumping for some 350 advice. Going to be selling my YZ250 to give one a go. Been looking on the used market and there...
Hey guys, bumping for some 350 advice. Going to be selling my YZ250 to give one a go. Been looking on the used market and there are a lot of opportunities for 19s but 99% of them are 60 hours and above with no motor work for over $7k. So my question is what hours on a bike are you guys comfortable with buying for the 350? Been eyeing a 19 KTM specifically with 62 hours asking 7k vet ridden on his own property. I am just finding it hard to spend that much on a bike with that many hours. But I have been out of the market for a while so I don’t know if that is the norm now.
Another thing to consider, most guys are riding around without hour meters (especially on the thousands of YZ250's on the earth) so they really don't have a frame of reference on hours and when they see these Austrian bikes that have meters since new they can get a little freaked out.

I've seen quite a few Austrian 350's and 450's over 200 hrs with just oil & filters. And some were under riders that did not deserve it!
2

The Shop

psg119
Posts
634
Joined
6/21/2018
Location
Menifee, CA US
11/5/2022 9:49pm
Thanks for the advice guys. I probably will hold out until something in my range comes through or with less hours for that price. It’s good too hear that they are so reliable. Makes me more excited to get one!
psg119
Posts
634
Joined
6/21/2018
Location
Menifee, CA US
11/5/2022 9:56pm
FGR01 wrote:
Another thing to consider, most guys are riding around without hour meters (especially on the thousands of YZ250's on the earth) so they really don't have...
Another thing to consider, most guys are riding around without hour meters (especially on the thousands of YZ250's on the earth) so they really don't have a frame of reference on hours and when they see these Austrian bikes that have meters since new they can get a little freaked out.

I've seen quite a few Austrian 350's and 450's over 200 hrs with just oil & filters. And some were under riders that did not deserve it!
Yeah I hear ya there. When I bought my bike it had “about ten hours” on a complete rebuild with receipts. And I have only added another 10 on it with a little over on the meter I put on to keep track. I don’t mind it having some hours. Just trying to find the best bike I can so I can put a lot of hours on it myself haha
psg119
Posts
634
Joined
6/21/2018
Location
Menifee, CA US
11/5/2022 10:01pm
DC817 wrote:
I’ve seen 350s ridden by fast guys go well over 100 hours without ever touching the motor. The motors are bullet proof on them. I’ve got...
I’ve seen 350s ridden by fast guys go well over 100 hours without ever touching the motor. The motors are bullet proof on them.

I’ve got a 21 for sale. I’d take $7000 but no less. It’s worth keeping for anything less than that.

https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/For-Sale-Bazaar,26/2021-KTM-350-SXF,1407822#post_5154200
Awesome to hear about the hours! I wish I was closer to you to check out your bike. There aren’t a any 21s around me for that price with that many hours.
1
TK40_FC
Posts
613
Joined
5/17/2021
Location
Canton, OH US
1/4/2023 7:11pm

20230104 163642.jpg?VersionId=zZ2m3fKjfpgUKgySRM2tlAHYeWQzbD

 20230104 163846

New livery for 23. I really liked the look of the MCR wsx hondas, so i worked with SKDA to do something similar for my 350. Id do a few small things different, but I think it turned out pretty good. 

19
Wildeye511
Posts
772
Joined
10/1/2014
Location
Las Vegas, NV US
1/12/2023 2:00am

Two 350's at the track

E17C9989-EA18-404F-A32D-F8513C1229FC.jpeg?VersionId=OpeZLrJRGkHU6hklZ3pZAAflZuyfk0W

 

2
mikejones202
Posts
201
Joined
12/3/2016
Location
Wrightsville, PA US
1/26/2023 7:38am

Question for someone who might know on here....I have a 22 FC350 with a Twisted Vortex ECU. I believe that I may have broken my stock map switch on the bars as it keeps fritzing out when I ride just randomly changing the maps....can I just unplug it and if so, will that just leave me in map 1? Any advice would help as I am leaving for JWTF for a week on Sunday

PatH
Posts
114
Joined
9/21/2022
Location
That One, PA US
Fantasy
1/26/2023 7:42am
TK40_FC wrote:
  New livery for 23. I really liked the look of the MCR wsx hondas, so i worked with SKDA to do something similar for my...

20230104 163642.jpg?VersionId=zZ2m3fKjfpgUKgySRM2tlAHYeWQzbD

 20230104 163846

New livery for 23. I really liked the look of the MCR wsx hondas, so i worked with SKDA to do something similar for my 350. Id do a few small things different, but I think it turned out pretty good. 

That looks good, its different.  I like it!

1
hawk101
Posts
75
Joined
3/30/2020
Location
PA US
1/26/2023 7:53am
Question for someone who might know on here....I have a 22 FC350 with a Twisted Vortex ECU. I believe that I may have broken my stock...

Question for someone who might know on here....I have a 22 FC350 with a Twisted Vortex ECU. I believe that I may have broken my stock map switch on the bars as it keeps fritzing out when I ride just randomly changing the maps....can I just unplug it and if so, will that just leave me in map 1? Any advice would help as I am leaving for JWTF for a week on Sunday

Just unplug it. The Gasgas bikes work fine without the map switch.

If it starts fine, then there shouldn't be any map changing without the map switch. A good test if you're worried.

2
TK40_FC
Posts
613
Joined
5/17/2021
Location
Canton, OH US
1/26/2023 9:20am
PatH wrote:

That looks good, its different.  I like it!

Thanks!

Darksidemx3
Posts
379
Joined
7/13/2017
Location
White Oak, TX US
1/26/2023 10:20am
foreman52 wrote:
Battled between 250f’s and 450’s for as long as I can remember. Always enjoyed the 250’s more, but with an open pro class where I live...
Battled between 250f’s and 450’s for as long as I can remember. Always enjoyed the 250’s more, but with an open pro class where I live racing against 450’s always put me at a disadvantage.

Anyways, I always rode my bikes like Bam Bam. On the rev limited and typically a gear lower than I should be.

I switched it up this year and went with a FC350. It has completely changed me as a rider. Not necessarily faster, but actually riding a 4-stroke the way it should be. Quick shifts and low revs.

The funny thing is everyone told me and the Youtube videos I watched that you can rev this bike to the moon if you want. However, I never have because it doesn’t “feel” like I have to.

5hrs on the bike so far and very impressed with it. I never knew what to expect, but after riding it is so similar to a 250 with just a little more grunt. I certainly don’t think it feels like a 450 power wise.

Would be interested to hear other peoples transition to the 350 or from a 350 back to a 250 or 450.


100% agree. I got one from Vital a few months ago and took it back to Texas. I texted ML after the first ride and said the only way he was getting it back is if he drives to Texas and takes it. I love it. It doesn't feel like I'm holding on for dear life, but has plenty of power to do anything I do. I also don't rev it to the moon. It just tractors along and reacts exactly like I need it to. It's the most fun I've ever had on a bike. Not to mention it pulls perfect 3rd gear starts

2
mikejones202
Posts
201
Joined
12/3/2016
Location
Wrightsville, PA US
1/26/2023 10:45am
foreman52 wrote:
Battled between 250f’s and 450’s for as long as I can remember. Always enjoyed the 250’s more, but with an open pro class where I live...
Battled between 250f’s and 450’s for as long as I can remember. Always enjoyed the 250’s more, but with an open pro class where I live racing against 450’s always put me at a disadvantage.

Anyways, I always rode my bikes like Bam Bam. On the rev limited and typically a gear lower than I should be.

I switched it up this year and went with a FC350. It has completely changed me as a rider. Not necessarily faster, but actually riding a 4-stroke the way it should be. Quick shifts and low revs.

The funny thing is everyone told me and the Youtube videos I watched that you can rev this bike to the moon if you want. However, I never have because it doesn’t “feel” like I have to.

5hrs on the bike so far and very impressed with it. I never knew what to expect, but after riding it is so similar to a 250 with just a little more grunt. I certainly don’t think it feels like a 450 power wise.

Would be interested to hear other peoples transition to the 350 or from a 350 back to a 250 or 450.


100% agree. I got one from Vital a few months ago and took it back to Texas. I texted ML after the first ride and said...

100% agree. I got one from Vital a few months ago and took it back to Texas. I texted ML after the first ride and said the only way he was getting it back is if he drives to Texas and takes it. I love it. It doesn't feel like I'm holding on for dear life, but has plenty of power to do anything I do. I also don't rev it to the moon. It just tractors along and reacts exactly like I need it to. It's the most fun I've ever had on a bike. Not to mention it pulls perfect 3rd gear starts

I went from a 250 in 2017 to a 350 for 4 years (had a KTM and a Husky), then went back to a YZ250f, then just went back to a 350 again last year and I think it is safe to say I won't get anything else displacement size again for my race bike. These 350's are just a different animal. After riding the 250 for a year again, it taught me how to hold it wide again rather then lugging it around. Now I am capable of riding the 350 the way they are meant to be ridden and just let it sing to the moon. I pull holeshots on 450s in the 25+ and 30+ class all the time (I'm in the Northeast and those classes around here are no joke). To anyone who says they NEED a 450 is only lying to themselves. Get a good set of suspension on the 350 and you're golden.

4
1/26/2023 1:43pm
I went from a 250 in 2017 to a 350 for 4 years (had a KTM and a Husky), then went back to a YZ250f, then...

I went from a 250 in 2017 to a 350 for 4 years (had a KTM and a Husky), then went back to a YZ250f, then just went back to a 350 again last year and I think it is safe to say I won't get anything else displacement size again for my race bike. These 350's are just a different animal. After riding the 250 for a year again, it taught me how to hold it wide again rather then lugging it around. Now I am capable of riding the 350 the way they are meant to be ridden and just let it sing to the moon. I pull holeshots on 450s in the 25+ and 30+ class all the time (I'm in the Northeast and those classes around here are no joke). To anyone who says they NEED a 450 is only lying to themselves. Get a good set of suspension on the 350 and you're golden.

I've been kind of on the same journey for the past 4 seasons. The past 4 seasons ive had two bikes during this time. First 2.5 years I rode a 15 250sx  and a 19 kx450. I decided I wanted a 250f again, so I sold the 250sx and bought a new 21 yz250f. I rode the yz250f for 1.5 seasons along side my kx450... i sold the kx at the end of last season and bought a 21 yz450. Ridding all these bikes back to back puts into perspective what you might be looking for in a bike. Im truly more of a 4 stroke guy. I loved the yz250f, but found many times where I just wanted a little more grunt. Ive always been a better 450 rider, but have had many 250f's over the years. Towards the end of this past season, I really had the itch to pickup a 350, so I sold my yz250f and picked up an almost new 22 350sxf that had a fmf silencer, bigger rear sprocket and few other upgrades. After the first few rides, I was very happy as it had the extra grunt I was looking for as well as feeling light and nimble. I rode the 350 back to back with my yz450 and the main thing that felt better was the kyb suspension on the 450, which at the point I decided to invest in making the suspension better on the 350 as I weigh 285. I did respring the 350 for my weight, but I also had to pump the air forks up to the max to get them to hold my weight. Currently my forks and shock are at REP right now getting 6500's and a bladder kit. Once the suspension is dialed in, I will have a much better feel for the 350. Power wise the 450 felt a tick stronger, but it wasn't earth shattering. I did order a vortex ecu from td for the 350. Ive had vortex ecu's on both yamaha's, so I know they are money well spent. In a few months when we get back to writing, I will post my thoughts on the 6500s done up by REP. 

4
Ryan625
Posts
1689
Joined
9/14/2019
Location
Lynnwood, WA US
1/27/2023 11:16pm
I went from a 250 in 2017 to a 350 for 4 years (had a KTM and a Husky), then went back to a YZ250f, then...

I went from a 250 in 2017 to a 350 for 4 years (had a KTM and a Husky), then went back to a YZ250f, then just went back to a 350 again last year and I think it is safe to say I won't get anything else displacement size again for my race bike. These 350's are just a different animal. After riding the 250 for a year again, it taught me how to hold it wide again rather then lugging it around. Now I am capable of riding the 350 the way they are meant to be ridden and just let it sing to the moon. I pull holeshots on 450s in the 25+ and 30+ class all the time (I'm in the Northeast and those classes around here are no joke). To anyone who says they NEED a 450 is only lying to themselves. Get a good set of suspension on the 350 and you're golden.

I've been kind of on the same journey for the past 4 seasons. The past 4 seasons ive had two bikes during this time. First 2.5...

I've been kind of on the same journey for the past 4 seasons. The past 4 seasons ive had two bikes during this time. First 2.5 years I rode a 15 250sx  and a 19 kx450. I decided I wanted a 250f again, so I sold the 250sx and bought a new 21 yz250f. I rode the yz250f for 1.5 seasons along side my kx450... i sold the kx at the end of last season and bought a 21 yz450. Ridding all these bikes back to back puts into perspective what you might be looking for in a bike. Im truly more of a 4 stroke guy. I loved the yz250f, but found many times where I just wanted a little more grunt. Ive always been a better 450 rider, but have had many 250f's over the years. Towards the end of this past season, I really had the itch to pickup a 350, so I sold my yz250f and picked up an almost new 22 350sxf that had a fmf silencer, bigger rear sprocket and few other upgrades. After the first few rides, I was very happy as it had the extra grunt I was looking for as well as feeling light and nimble. I rode the 350 back to back with my yz450 and the main thing that felt better was the kyb suspension on the 450, which at the point I decided to invest in making the suspension better on the 350 as I weigh 285. I did respring the 350 for my weight, but I also had to pump the air forks up to the max to get them to hold my weight. Currently my forks and shock are at REP right now getting 6500's and a bladder kit. Once the suspension is dialed in, I will have a much better feel for the 350. Power wise the 450 felt a tick stronger, but it wasn't earth shattering. I did order a vortex ecu from td for the 350. Ive had vortex ecu's on both yamaha's, so I know they are money well spent. In a few months when we get back to writing, I will post my thoughts on the 6500s done up by REP. 

I'm looking forward to a ride review of the 6500 kit, I put cone valve forks and an online shock on my 350, among many other upgrades, the latest being a Twisted tined Vortex ECU. Its cost me a fair amount to build, but this is the bike of my dreams.

Ryan625
Posts
1689
Joined
9/14/2019
Location
Lynnwood, WA US
1/27/2023 11:18pm
Question for someone who might know on here....I have a 22 FC350 with a Twisted Vortex ECU. I believe that I may have broken my stock...

Question for someone who might know on here....I have a 22 FC350 with a Twisted Vortex ECU. I believe that I may have broken my stock map switch on the bars as it keeps fritzing out when I ride just randomly changing the maps....can I just unplug it and if so, will that just leave me in map 1? Any advice would help as I am leaving for JWTF for a week on Sunday

Unplug it and it should lock into map 1. The GasGas by default is in map one but shares an ECU with the SX-F and has two maps if you buy the switch.

1/28/2023 5:21pm
Ryan625 wrote:
I'm looking forward to a ride review of the 6500 kit, I put cone valve forks and an online shock on my 350, among many other...

I'm looking forward to a ride review of the 6500 kit, I put cone valve forks and an online shock on my 350, among many other upgrades, the latest being a Twisted tined Vortex ECU. Its cost me a fair amount to build, but this is the bike of my dreams.

The real problem is figuring out how crazy to get with the add on's that REP makes in house for the 6500 to perform even better lol. The parts they offer seem to help increase the plushness and still have good hold up. Between all their parts and the revalve for just the fork, its under $2500. 

1
Ryan625
Posts
1689
Joined
9/14/2019
Location
Lynnwood, WA US
2/9/2023 9:23am
Ryan625 wrote:
I'm looking forward to a ride review of the 6500 kit, I put cone valve forks and an online shock on my 350, among many other...

I'm looking forward to a ride review of the 6500 kit, I put cone valve forks and an online shock on my 350, among many other upgrades, the latest being a Twisted tined Vortex ECU. Its cost me a fair amount to build, but this is the bike of my dreams.

The real problem is figuring out how crazy to get with the add on's that REP makes in house for the 6500 to perform even better...

The real problem is figuring out how crazy to get with the add on's that REP makes in house for the 6500 to perform even better lol. The parts they offer seem to help increase the plushness and still have good hold up. Between all their parts and the revalve for just the fork, its under $2500. 

Its crazy how quickly it adds up. I am leaning towards the ENZO KYB kit on the next bike.

1
2/9/2023 10:07am
Ryan625 wrote:

Its crazy how quickly it adds up. I am leaning towards the ENZO KYB kit on the next bike.

Sadly the bill was more because i splurged for a few of their important extras, but not all of them. I went with the buy once, cry once mentality. Plus I get another ktm, I can put these inserts in that bike.

When I was looking for info on the 6500, I came across keefers podcast where he test different insert options. He had a set of 6500's done by REP, but he doesnt really mention in the podcast what exactly was done internally to the forks. I reached out to Kris and Mark from rep about this, which they both said the forks got practically every add on that they offer. REP offers a mid speed cup that mimics the kyb setup and a few other items that nobody else is offering. I wish someone would do a review of them without any mods.

Im very confident in the work they did for me. Sadly I cant try it out for a few months until spring time. 

1
Hcallz5
Posts
3277
Joined
8/20/2013
Location
UT US
2/9/2023 5:04pm

How much you guys paying for inserts? I was considering the MX Tech Lucky inserts and a JBI bladder for the shock.

soggy
Posts
8453
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
UT US
2/9/2023 5:33pm
Hcallz5 wrote:

How much you guys paying for inserts? I was considering the MX Tech Lucky inserts and a JBI bladder for the shock.

Inserts are going to be 1200 on the low end to over 2 grand on the high side. 

2/9/2023 6:01pm
Hcallz5 wrote:

How much you guys paying for inserts? I was considering the MX Tech Lucky inserts and a JBI bladder for the shock.

With most of these cartridge kits(not sff kits), Initial cost before a revalve, they range from $1300 to $1700. Then however much for the revalve, springs and whatever other parts you get or need replaced. When i was getting prices for fork kits and shock work, the finally cost ranged from $2000 to $2500. Smaller/local guys will be cheaper. I have a hard time dropping that kind of coin with someone local who may not have the same knowledge/experience nor the same testing and tuning time invested into the product.

I believe the Luckys are more geared towards offroad. The Ravens and Blackjack are for MX. The Ravens seem to be a big hit so far. Corey at Protune seems to be the man with MxTech stuff as well all the other options. He was very helpful to me and seemed to really back the MxTech product.

The basic revalve of my 6500s w/springs and shock revalve w/spring and bladder kit, was going to cost me $2500 with REP. A local tuner quoted me more money than that and then another local tuner said he prefers the kyb inserts over the 6500.... which leads me to believe he might not have the time invested into them.  In regards the kyb inserts, the few quotes I got were about $2500 which also included shock revalve with bladder kit and spring.... that was from Enzo and one of the local guys. With the kyb's, I feel since they have been around so long that many tuners have figured out how to make them work even better.

Some guys push the conevalve route as well, so you have a separate set of forks for when you need to sell your bike, but if you have changed fork seals or fork springs, then its no big deal to swap out the inserts.

JBI was very helpful with answering my questions and he seem to really be working on finding a good setup for the new 6500. He has a youtube channel and posts new video every week about his work or testing his products. He offers a lot of in house products that been proven over the years.

I will also add one thing that might get overlooked is the cost to ship your suspension back and forth.... this could add another $300 to the bill and dont forget if they have to charge sales tax. This might sway some people to stay local.

FGR01
Posts
6002
Joined
10/1/2006
Location
AZ US
Fantasy
2/9/2023 7:03pm

I got the 6500's from JBI for my 350 with his valving and setup.  I have 5 practice days on 4 tracks and 2 races on 2 different tracks so far and really liking them.   He has a few videos where he tests the 6500 settings and explains what he is aiming for and he also discussed this with me on the phone.  Basically his goal is more comfort while still keeping enough holdup, performance, and bottoming resistance.    I'd say he hit the mark.  I've played around with the clickers and all said and done I'm still very close to his original recommended settings.

1
2/10/2023 8:38pm

With my 17 350 I started by doing a revalve, then slick kit, then Gold Valves, then Ohlins inserts.  That seemed okay until I rode a Gold Valved 22 SXF250- it worked quite well.  In went the Blackjack inserts- now we're cooking.  We've pulled 10cc out of the forks and now at 330cc, they are fantastic.  I've had some A level riders take it out and they all comment on how well the suspension works along with how fast the motor is.  The rear shock is a Kreft shock body, a MX Tech triple adjuster, and I think a BUD racing piston.  One of my best friends owns Over The Top Suspension Works, so anytime either one of use want to try a new product for the Austrian bikes, it goes on my steed for testing.

3
MX558
Posts
1965
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
US
2/11/2023 7:32pm

I have KYB in my 22 350 . It does suck to spend 2k on an already expensive bike but I do love my 350

jonesaustin
Posts
2647
Joined
7/6/2009
Location
Austin, TX US
2/11/2023 7:54pm

why is this in the feed during a live supercross event! damn guys.

3
2/12/2023 6:39am
Ryan625 wrote:
I'm looking forward to a ride review of the 6500 kit, I put cone valve forks and an online shock on my 350, among many other...

I'm looking forward to a ride review of the 6500 kit, I put cone valve forks and an online shock on my 350, among many other upgrades, the latest being a Twisted tined Vortex ECU. Its cost me a fair amount to build, but this is the bike of my dreams.

The real problem is figuring out how crazy to get with the add on's that REP makes in house for the 6500 to perform even better...

The real problem is figuring out how crazy to get with the add on's that REP makes in house for the 6500 to perform even better lol. The parts they offer seem to help increase the plushness and still have good hold up. Between all their parts and the revalve for just the fork, its under $2500. 

Aren’t you better off with conevalves at that point? Powerband quoted me $3400 for conevalves. 

1
AJ565
Posts
2318
Joined
3/12/2012
Location
San Antonio, TX US
2/12/2023 8:11am
Ryan625 wrote:
I'm looking forward to a ride review of the 6500 kit, I put cone valve forks and an online shock on my 350, among many other...

I'm looking forward to a ride review of the 6500 kit, I put cone valve forks and an online shock on my 350, among many other upgrades, the latest being a Twisted tined Vortex ECU. Its cost me a fair amount to build, but this is the bike of my dreams.

The real problem is figuring out how crazy to get with the add on's that REP makes in house for the 6500 to perform even better...

The real problem is figuring out how crazy to get with the add on's that REP makes in house for the 6500 to perform even better lol. The parts they offer seem to help increase the plushness and still have good hold up. Between all their parts and the revalve for just the fork, its under $2500. 

Aren’t you better off with conevalves at that point? Powerband quoted me $3400 for conevalves. 

This is vital, logic isn’t welcomed here, but yes. You can find used CV for $2500 or less all the time and swap them from bike to bike. 

Post a reply to: Should have got a 350 years ago...

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