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Argonath RPG Community => Speakerbox => Topic started by: Wash on November 14, 2010, 11:09:24 pm

Title: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Wash on November 14, 2010, 11:09:24 pm
hi man

I need some help in finding the right motorcycle to buy.

I need a bike I can restrict to 33BHP so I can ride it on a restricted license. Also, I know that restricting a 600CC bike to 33BHP isn't so cool and wastes a lot of the power but I can't bother with buying something with a smaller engine and then having to move up to a bigger bike. I don't intend on keeping the restrictors in for the full 2 year period (restriction license lasts 2 years) but I do need to have a 33BHP restricted bike to build confidence on.

I've looked through the options and the bikes I think would be most suitable would be either the Suzuki GSXR600 or the Honda CBR600RR. I thought about the Yamaha R6 and although the R6 is a popular choice for people to restrict, it would be a chav's choice to buy an R6. :P
I'll be using the bike to travel about 20 miles each day, along normal city roads where the speed limit is 30/40 mph.

So, if anyone's got any suggestions for any other bikes or any general info even, please post. :)
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Roadkill on November 15, 2010, 03:38:32 pm
For your first bike I'd go with a CBR600 but the old carbed version. They are super super reliable and I've worked on many of them, one of the most simple bikes to tweak. You don't want a brand new all singing all dancing bike for your first bike because if you drop it which is highly likely then you will be gutted. Personally I recommend the Suzuki GSF 600 S as a first bike but go with one of the newer ones (also carbed) it's absolutely brilliant to ride, super reliable just like the CBR if not even more reliable and very cheap to run and insure where as the CBR will cost a lot more to insure.

CBR...
http://www.sportbikez.net/bikepics/106/medium/1064643529.jpg (http://www.sportbikez.net/bikepics/106/medium/1064643529.jpg)

GSF...
http://motorparts.hu/images/menu/Image/hurrik/Supersport/SUZUKI%20GSF%20600%20Bandit%20Alu.jpg (http://motorparts.hu/images/menu/Image/hurrik/Supersport/SUZUKI%20GSF%20600%20Bandit%20Alu.jpg)
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Roadkill on November 15, 2010, 03:48:05 pm
BTW a wild card is the CBF600 which is my other "winter" bike. Not very good on fuel at all even though it is FI BUT the engine is gorgeous, absolutely AMAZING to ride and cheap to insure.

Personally though I'd choose the GSF over any of them. Carbed bikes are a lot easier to restrict because FI bikes need re-mapping which costs a lot more. Also my ex GF liked the GSF600 better as a pillion.

Here's my current 2 bikes... Daytona 600 and my CBF600
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs295.snc3/28427_394926362390_635797390_4689596_6373101_n.jpg (http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs295.snc3/28427_394926362390_635797390_4689596_6373101_n.jpg)
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Wash on November 15, 2010, 09:34:03 pm
Personally I recommend the Suzuki GSF 600 S as a first bike but go with one of the newer ones (also carbed) it's absolutely brilliant to ride, super reliable just like the CBR if not even more reliable and very cheap to run and insure where as the CBR will cost a lot more to insure.

GSF...
http://motorparts.hu/images/menu/Image/hurrik/Supersport/SUZUKI%20GSF%20600%20Bandit%20Alu.jpg (http://motorparts.hu/images/menu/Image/hurrik/Supersport/SUZUKI%20GSF%20600%20Bandit%20Alu.jpg)
I do understand the GSF is more of a practical bike and would fair much better than any sport bike for everyday use, I really want a supersports bike. I'm not a huge fan of the way the GSF looks either.

For your first bike I'd go with a CBR600 but the old carbed version. They are super super reliable and I've worked on many of them, one of the most simple bikes to tweak. You don't want a brand new all singing all dancing bike for your first bike because if you drop it which is highly likely then you will be gutted.
Well, from my research the CBR600RR(new one) is a reliable bike. I imagine I'll be carrying out regular maintenance anyway so I don't think anything can go too wrong. Also, I'm not too fussed about the cost with regards to the actual bike or the restriction. A cheap CBR600RR is like 3000 GBP (pound sign f**ks up messages), and the restrictor is I imagine around 200 GBP.

Here's my current 2 bikes... Daytona 600 and my CBF600
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs295.snc3/28427_394926362390_635797390_4689596_6373101_n.jpg (http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs295.snc3/28427_394926362390_635797390_4689596_6373101_n.jpg)
f**king sweet. Your Daytona is awesome. :D


Thanks for the help, much appreciated. :)
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Julio. on November 15, 2010, 09:48:56 pm
However, you do want a 600cc bike BUT

I happen to know two 125cc motorbikes, one goes 80mph, one goes 115mph

Aprilia RS125 - 115mph -
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Wash on November 15, 2010, 10:56:39 pm
However, you do want a 600cc bike BUT

I happen to know two 125cc motorbikes, one goes 80mph, one goes 115mph

Aprilia RS125 - 115mph -
Uh, there is no comparison between a 600cc (restricted even) and any Aprilia RS.

please, just noany suggestion aprilia rs :cry:
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Skan on November 16, 2010, 12:41:36 am
Why dont you just buy some nice Aprilia moped. Perfect for the streets of London. Or them Mini Moto's chavs ride up and down the street.  :D
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Dan_Jones on November 16, 2010, 12:47:47 am
R6 - it will set you back quite a lot though.

CBR400 - cheap and cheerful.

FZR400 - cheap and cheerful. 

Aprilia RS - the way forward in life ;)

But seriously, I'm guessing that you're a newbie?  If so, don't buy a nice bike, you'll only ruin it by dropping it or something stupid.  I'd recommend a Yamaha R-125 or an Aprilia RS 125.

Remember -- walk before you try to run!
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Skan on November 16, 2010, 12:54:47 am
Gilera DNA sounds great as a first bike, dont you think?
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Wash on November 16, 2010, 02:12:11 pm
Why dont you just buy some nice Aprilia moped. Perfect for the streets of London. Or them Mini Moto's chavs ride up and down the street.  :D
Gilera DNA sounds great as a first bike, dont you think?
Uh, I assume you aren't being serious.

But seriously, I'm guessing that you're a newbie?  If so, don't buy a nice bike, you'll only ruin it by dropping it or something stupid.  I'd recommend a Yamaha R-125 or an Aprilia RS 125.
I'm not a newbie.

I won't be buying any bike under 600cc, I've already said why in the first post. :P

Thanks though.

Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Skan on November 16, 2010, 02:57:36 pm
Uh, I assume you aren't being serious.

Ofcourse, Im kidding.
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Julio. on November 16, 2010, 05:19:39 pm

I won't be buying any bike under 600cc, I've already said why in the first post. :P

Thanks though.

Research the Kawasaki GPZ-500, also ask Frank Hawk about it, he fucking loves it  ;)
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: tiderman on November 16, 2010, 09:45:46 pm
Just get a Puch Dakota
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Frank_Hawk on November 16, 2010, 11:59:04 pm
hi man

I need some help in finding the right motorcycle to buy.

I need a bike I can restrict to 33BHP so I can ride it on a restricted license. Also, I know that restricting a 600CC bike to 33BHP isn't so cool and wastes a lot of the power but I can't bother with buying something with a smaller engine and then having to move up to a bigger bike. I don't intend on keeping the restrictors in for the full 2 year period (restriction license lasts 2 years) but I do need to have a 33BHP restricted bike to build confidence on.

I've looked through the options and the bikes I think would be most suitable would be either the Suzuki GSXR600 or the Honda CBR600RR. I thought about the Yamaha R6 and although the R6 is a popular choice for people to restrict, it would be a chav's choice to buy an R6. :P
I'll be using the bike to travel about 20 miles each day, along normal city roads where the speed limit is 30/40 mph.

So, if anyone's got any suggestions for any other bikes or any general info even, please post. :)

Hi Wash,

Welcome to the world of biking  :)

Depending on your age, you have many options in the UK.

If you want to ride a moped you can take your theory test when you are 16, but again you must make sure you have completed compulsory basic training (CBT) and have a valid provisional licence. If you are 16 and already have a licence for an agricultural vehicle or a moped, this will give you provisional entitlement to drive a car when you are 17.

The Direct access is a scheme which allows a person over the age of 21 to avoid the two year/25 kiloWatt (kW) restriction by taking a test on a machine of at least 35 kW (46.6 brake horse power (bhp)). A pass allows you to ride any size of bike. Any instruction given on a machine that exceeds the normal learner motorcycle specification must be supervised at all times by a certified motorcycle instructor who should be in radio contact. You should also wear fluorescent or reflective clothing and follow all other provisional licence restrictions.

Accelerated access is for riders who reach the age of 21, while still within the two year period where they are restricted to maximum 25 kW (33 bhp) machines, but who wish to ride larger bikes need to pass a further test on a motorcycle of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp). They may practise on bikes over 25 kW (33 bhp) under the same practice conditions for direct access riders. You will revert to learner status while practising on a motorcycle greater than 25 kW (33 bhp) although test failure will not affect your existing licence.

Judging from your post, it seems like you want to stick to 33BHP (dependent on passing restricted license or CBT).

Personally, I think a good biker is a experieced biker and would never advise somebody who has just passed their test to jump onto a superbike without developing the '6th sense of riding' first which is normally gained over a year. I would advise you to start out on a small bike first and 'do your time'. After which, you will have enough experience to do the harder tests and upgrade to a shiny sportsbike.

If you can't wait that long, I have the following suggestions for nice bikes:

- Honda CG 125 (small, ugly but brilliant all rounder) / under 33BHP
- Suzuki GSX650F (They offer a free restrictor kit on this bike)
- Suzuki Bandit 650 as Trojan wisely mentioned (it's basically a naked version of the GSX650F)
- I will add others when I remember them.

I advise to stay away from Aprillia RS125 and others in the same category. They are practically a CG125 with wolf clothing. Also - when other riders spot you on the road - they will simply burst out laughing at you. However, if you do your time and gradually progress up the ladder - you will gain much more respect on the road and you may be lucky enough for another biker to 'nod' at you in the incoming direction.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Wash on November 17, 2010, 01:02:57 am
Hey Frank, thanks for taking the time to reply. :)

At the moment, I'm only 16. I've passed my CBT and I've got a provisional license. I'll be going through the restricted route where once I turn 17, I can ride any bike that has no more power than 33BHP (and certain power to weight ratios). It's the quickest way for me to get a full motorbike license as I'll have the full license when I turn 19. It's not too long until I turn 17, and I'm quite eager to get back on a bike.

I do really have my heart set on a bigger 600cc machine. I know that with the 33BHP restriction, the 600cc bikes lose the fiercesome acceleration. From my research, the 0-60 speed is reduced by a 5-6 seconds after the restriction which is great - not too slow yet not too fast. During the two year restriction period, I'll be able to completely build my confidence on the bike and the road. At the end of the restriction, all I will need to do is remove the restrictors and I'll be able to use the bike that I've built all my confidence on. I'll know the in's and out's of the bike so it will be less of a handful when I have all that power with the restrictors removed.

The Honda CG125 you mentioned, that isn't really a possibility. If I get a small bike like that, I will die when I move up to a bigger 600cc bike (when the restriction ends). I'm not at all looking for any Aprilia or similar bike, I know how bad they are. :P

The Suzuki GSX650F seems like a great bike. They look great, looks quite similar to the GSXR600 but what's the difference? From what I can gather, I think the GSX650F is more of a laid back touring bike where as the GSXR600 is a quicker supersports bike. I would prefer to get the GSXR600 from the two if that's the difference.

I wonder, what's your opinion on the 2003-2005 R6? I love the way they look. :D

Thanks in advance. :D
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Julio. on November 17, 2010, 05:17:07 pm
Mate, at your age, you cannot possibly be as experienced as a lot of bikers

A GSXR 600 is race tuned, handlebars that far down that you break your wrists when you turn, and makes your arms ache.

What I think you need is a Sports Tourer, like a GSX650F

I will post a picture of three bikes you may like, all three are 600cc, but one has more BHP, the XJ600 has a massively Wide Powerband in the Revs, so there is no Massive burst of speed at any point.

Kawasaki GPZ-500
The Yamaha 600 Fazer
and the Yamaha XJ600 Diversion

(http://www.bikez.com/pictures/yamaha/2002/19954_0_1_2_fzs%20600%20fazer_Image%20by%20Yamaha.%20Published%20with%20permission..jpg)
Above Image is the fazer

(http://www.dropbears.com/images/motorcycles/yamaha/xj600sii.jpg)
Above is the XJ600

(http://motoprofi.com/bikephoto/1065/kawasaki_gpz_500_s_2001_2.jpg)
My personal Choice would be this one, the Kawasaki GPZ500


Your Choice, I can guess you will probably prefer the Fazer as it has about 50 Percent more BHP than the others, also looks sportier
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Aksel on November 17, 2010, 05:18:59 pm
Go for the R6.
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Frank_Hawk on November 17, 2010, 06:55:07 pm

-

I do really have my heart set on a bigger 600cc machine. I know that with the 33BHP restriction, the 600cc bikes lose the fiercesome acceleration. From my research, the 0-60 speed is reduced by a 5-6 seconds after the restriction which is great - not too slow yet not too fast. During the two year restriction period, I'll be able to completely build my confidence on the bike and the road. At the end of the restriction, all I will need to do is remove the restrictors and I'll be able to use the bike that I've built all my confidence on. I'll know the in's and out's of the bike so it will be less of a handful when I have all that power with the restrictors removed.

-

The Suzuki GSX650F seems like a great bike. They look great, looks quite similar to the GSXR600 but what's the difference? From what I can gather, I think the GSX650F is more of a laid back touring bike where as the GSXR600 is a quicker supersports bike. I would prefer to get the GSXR600 from the two if that's the difference.

I wonder, what's your opinion on the 2003-2005 R6? I love the way they look. :D

Thanks in advance. :D

The brutal truth is that I think your out of your league and that your trying to run before you can walk. However, I know what it feels like to be 16 - lots of women around you and lots of competition to go with that  ;) . In light of which, I'll try to help:

- Take the restricted license which limit you to 33BHP (not CBT - that will give you L plates) and buy a 600cc of your choice. For legal reasons if you are stopped, the Police will want to see proof that your bike is restricted to 33BHP. There is no physical way of telling that a modern bike is restricted. This is because to limit the bike to 33BHP, they swap the orginal engine ECU (computer) with a 33BHP ECU. The Police will not take the time to investigate and open your bike by the roadside - instead they will expect a certificate from your dealer to prove it has a 33BHP ECU installed. When you buy your bike, get the 33BHP ECU installed (along with the certificate) and when your confidence boosts, you can ask your dealer to remove it. However remember that if the Police become suspicious - they will tow the bike away to be checked at a local garage but it's very rare. If you choose to do this, you do it at your own risk and remember it's not legal unless the certificate is produced and you have a restrictor kit installed on a restricted license basis.  ;)

The 33BHP ECU does not limit the lower power output of the bike (in the case of the GSX650F - thats where all the power is anyway). The 33BHP will only cool down on the power above 6000RPM (which is where the power cuts off using orginal ECU anyway). 33BHP in a 600cc is enough to outrun any car providing it is not a BMW M5 (I've tried and failed).

If you are serious about the Suzuki GSX650F (I owned it by the way) - then Suzuki offer a free restrictor kit which normally costs around 300 pounds if you buy it seperately. The GSX650F will easily keep up with the GSXR600 and will even pop long wheelies to impress the ladies. It will stay with the GSXR600 upto 70mph and will slowly fade off. It's unlikely you will ever do those kind of speeds on local roads and even if you do on the motorway - nobody will care to stop and look. The power is reserved in the lower rev band which is around 7000RPM and is faster then many old racing 600 bikes.

If you want to learn more about the GSX650F and other bikes:
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Suzuki/Suzuki-GSX650F-2007-current/ (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Suzuki/Suzuki-GSX650F-2007-current/)

This is my GSX650F:
(http://i55.tinypic.com/263c9p4.jpg)
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: (tr)Ollie on November 17, 2010, 07:27:35 pm
You know what I'd say, KTM EXC 400 but then again, that is just because I have one and love it!
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Aksel on November 17, 2010, 09:00:37 pm
(http://i55.tinypic.com/263c9p4.jpg)

What a sexy Hyosung GT125 in the back there. :)
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Frank_Hawk on November 17, 2010, 09:04:00 pm
Where?  :cop:
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Aksel on November 17, 2010, 09:07:19 pm
Where?  :cop:

In front of the blue and grey scooter. :)
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Dan_Jones on November 17, 2010, 11:14:51 pm
Gilera DNA sounds great as a first bike, dont you think?

haha!

(http://www.maxmoto.co.uk/images/gilera_dna_50_1l.jpg)

Huge tires on that thing!
Not to mention the exhaust.
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Wash on November 18, 2010, 12:15:29 am
Mate, at your age, you cannot possibly be as experienced as a lot of bikers
NIGGA PLS. I'm not a retard who is going to sit on a bike and be like "f**k! THIS SHIT IS AWESOME" and fall off a few minutes later. I have previous riding experience and although I won't be no where near as experienced as someone like Frank, I'm not a complete and utter novice either.

The bikes you suggested don't appeal to me, sorry. :P

The brutal truth is that I think your out of your league and that your trying to run before you can walk. However, I know what it feels like to be 16 - lots of women around you and lots of competition to go with that  ;) .
Haha, I understand what you may think seen as I'm a complete novice compared to you but I think you may be under estimating me. I've ridden plenty of bigger bikes and I completely understand how quick they are.

- Take the restricted license which limit you to 33BHP (not CBT - that will give you L plates) and buy a 600cc of your choice. For legal reasons if you are stopped, the Police will want to see proof that your bike is restricted to 33BHP. There is no physical way of telling that a modern bike is restricted. This is because to limit the bike to 33BHP, they swap the orginal engine ECU (computer) with a 33BHP ECU. The Police will not take the time to investigate and open your bike by the roadside - instead they will expect a certificate from your dealer to prove it has a 33BHP ECU installed. When you buy your bike, get the 33BHP ECU installed (along with the certificate) and when your confidence boosts, you can ask your dealer to remove it. However remember that if the Police become suspicious - they will tow the bike away to be checked at a local garage but it's very rare. If you choose to do this, you do it at your own risk and remember it's not legal unless the certificate is produced and you have a restrictor kit installed on a restricted license basis.  ;)
You must have a CBT (and passed the motorcycle theory test) to take the restricted test, which is why I have it.
I've also done a lot of research about the restriction and what the law is surrounding restricted bikes. It's a bit of a grey area, and as you say it's fairly easy to bypass. From my research you do not need any certificate to prove that your bike is limited to 33BHP. People may say that you will require a certificate or something similar to even get insured, and to show to the cops if you get pulled over but in actuality that is nonsense. There is no requirement for any such certificate legally. Take a look at this article (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/General-news/2009/November/nov1309-The-33bhp-certificate-rip-off/). If a police officer who has reasonable knowledge of bikes wants to see if your bike is restricted or not, there are several ways they can do this. I assume the police officer will ask how has the bike been restricted as modifying the ECU is not the only way to restrict the bike. You can get throttle stops which may limit the bike to something like 9K RPM, you can get restrictors that work in the exhaust and you can get restriction kits from FI International. If the police officer suspects your bike is not restricted, I imagine they have the power to sieze the bike and dyno it. Despite this, I imagine the police will not pull you over for not having a restricted bike unless you get caught doing 0-60 in 4 seconds when the traffic lights turn green.
As for myself, I will not be removing the restrictors until my restriction period is over. If I were to have a crash, the insurers would check the bike to see if it is restricted or not - if they find there is no restriction, they will not pay out and I will be heavily scrutinised by insurers in the future. Furthermore, I could face trouble from the police such as a ban on my license. It would also be fairly irresponsible of me to remove the restriction as it's not like with the restrictors in these bikes are slow, with the restrictors in an R6 will still do 0-60 in around 7-9 seconds and go on to a top speed of about 120 which isn't slow at all.

If you are serious about the Suzuki GSX650F (I owned it by the way) - then Suzuki offer a free restrictor kit which normally costs around 300 pounds if you buy it seperately. The GSX650F will easily keep up with the GSXR600 and will even pop long wheelies to impress the ladies. It will stay with the GSXR600 upto 70mph and will slowly fade off. It's unlikely you will ever do those kind of speeds on local roads and even if you do on the motorway - nobody will care to stop and look. The power is reserved in the lower rev band which is around 7000RPM and is faster then many old racing 600 bikes.

The Suzuki GSX650F is a very, very nice bike (I know you own one :P) but it's not really something I am looking for. I like the Suzuki GSXR600 more simply due to the looks, not because of the performance or anything. Despite the fact they look remarkably similar, I prefer the lower and more race oriented stance of the GSXR600. I intend on sticking to the speed limit anyway, possibly opening up the throttle once in a while when the roads are clear and there's no one about. :D

Thanks a lot for everything you've told me though, I really do appreciate it. It's great that someone as experienced as you can give me tips and share your own experiences with me. I guess I've learned a bit about you and the way you might ride sometimes (I'm referring to racing a BMW M5 and less fear of cops, I'm sure you've had a load of 'fun' experiences :P). Maybe one day I'll manage to go the Ace Cafe and have fun with other bikers. :D

You know what I'd say, KTM EXC 400 but then again, that is just because I have one and love it!
noany ktm man :(

Go for the R6.
I've been thinking more and more about the '03-'05 R6. I think it looks great and the insurance isn't that considering what it is.

Just get a Puch Dakota
Well, its better than the Aprilia. d:
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Julio. on November 18, 2010, 05:45:53 pm
I have to admit, the ULTIMATE bike for me would be the Suzuki GSX-R 1000
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Dan_Jones on November 18, 2010, 09:21:09 pm

I have to admit, the ULTIMATE bike for me would be the Suzuki GSX-R 1000

Suzuki GSX-R 1000 < Yamaha R1

Also, what quote did you get for the R6?
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Wash on November 18, 2010, 11:48:37 pm
Also, what quote did you get for the R6?
About 2K TPFT, though that's with not so much looking.
If I looked hard, I could probably get a decent quote of around 1500 GBP (pound sign fucks up message).
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Jimmylicious on November 20, 2010, 09:04:41 am
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Suzuki/Suzuki-GSX650F-2007-current/ (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Suzuki/Suzuki-GSX650F-2007-current/)
(http://i55.tinypic.com/263c9p4.jpg)
Nice your Suzy looks in pretty good shape.
Title: Re: man I need some help (motorcycles)
Post by: Julio. on November 20, 2010, 01:15:18 pm
omg Frank, you have just posted a picture of that bike, and now I cannot stop thinking about it :(

damn you man.  :D
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