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Highside/Lowside – A Motorcycle Podcast
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Highside/Lowside – A Motorcycle Podcast

NewS12E08: The New KTM 690: "Rally Racer" or new category of Adventure Bike?November 13, 2026 · 2 h 12 min
Episodes
145
Released
every two weeks
Latest episode
Nov 13, 2026

About the podcast

Spurgeon Dunbar and Zack Courts co-host in-depth conversations about the most exciting topics in the world of motorcycles. Produced by RevZilla's Media & Content team, Highside/Lowside features the insights and opinions of the most prominent moto-minds in podcasting.

Episodes 145

  1. S12E08: The New KTM 690: "Rally Racer" or new category of Adventure Bike?

    2 h 12 minSeason 12 · Episode 8

    Is the KTM 690 Rally the ultimate lightweight ADV bike, or just a dressed-up dual sport? Zack and Spurgeon are joined by off-road racer, educator, and RevZilla Ambassador Liz Kiniery to tackle "ADV Displacement …

    Show notes

    Is the KTM 690 Rally the ultimate lightweight ADV bike, or just a dressed-up dual sport?

    Zack and Spurgeon are joined by off-road racer, educator, and RevZilla Ambassador Liz Kiniery to tackle "ADV Displacement Creep." As adventure motorcycles climb toward 1400cc and 180 horsepower, the crew breaks down the rise of middleweight and lightweight options like the new KTM 690 Rally, Yamaha Tenere 700, and Honda Transalp.

    They explore whether riders actually need giant touring rigs or if lightweight, high-performance platforms offer a better balance of trail capability, highway comfort, and risk mitigation.

    Plus, Liz plays a round of the Engine Sound Guessing Game, and the hosts address a listener question on Additional Dealer Markups (ADM).

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  2. S12E07.5: New Motorcycles at EICMA 2026 (Bonus short!)

    45 minSeason 12

    Harley built a $6,000 thumper, Suzuki revived the V-Twin SV platform, Honda made a hardcore dirt-spec Africa Twin, and Yamaha built a 70-horsepower adventure scooter. EICMA 2026 was packed with unexpected …

    Show notes

    Harley built a $6,000 thumper, Suzuki revived the V-Twin SV platform, Honda made a hardcore dirt-spec Africa Twin, and Yamaha built a 70-horsepower adventure scooter.

    EICMA 2026 was packed with unexpected surprises, so Zack and Spurg sat down for an impromptu bonus podcast to break down the weirdest, coolest, and most important motorcycle releases heading our way for 2027.

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  3. S12E07: Building an ADV Motorcycle Business

    1 h 39 minSeason 12 · Episode 7

    Founder and czar of Alt Rider, Jeremy LeBreton, joins the show to break down what it really takes to launch an international motorcycle parts brand, the brutal realities of small business manufacturing, and why …

    Show notes

    Founder and czar of Alt Rider, Jeremy LeBreton, joins the show to break down what it really takes to launch an international motorcycle parts brand, the brutal realities of small business manufacturing, and why "just following your passion" might be terrible advice if you don't have the work ethic to back it up. Plus, Spurg drops key retirement and community-building advice for riders, and the guys tackle the age-old debate: should you change your oil before winter storage?

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  4. S12E06: What Gen Z REALLY Thinks About Riding Motorcycles

    2 h 23 minSeason 12 · Episode 6

    Is Gen Z carrying the proverbial torch of motorcycling forward or abandoning it for more practical methods of transportation? In an effort to best answer this question, we sit down with five young riders from …

    Show notes

    Is Gen Z carrying the proverbial torch of motorcycling forward or abandoning it for more practical methods of transportation? In an effort to best answer this question, we sit down with five young riders from across the globe to discuss the real barriers, fears, costs, and thrills of motorcycling for the next generation.

    From an 18-year-old pilot in Alaska to an airhead BMW enthusiast in the Netherlands... a roller coaster engineer to a track racer in Singapore... and a high school student in Alabama. With all of them in the conversation, we explore what it takes to get Gen Z on two wheels.

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  5. S12E05: Harley-Davidson Sportster History & Evolution

    2 h 2 minSeason 12 · Episode 5

    Is the Harley-Davidson Sportster the most culturally significant American motorcycle ever built? On this episode, we dive deep into the legendary history and evolution of the Harley Sportster. Joined by …

    Show notes

    Is the Harley-Davidson Sportster the most culturally significant American motorcycle ever built? On this episode, we dive deep into the legendary history and evolution of the Harley Sportster.

    Joined by aficionado Patrick Garvin, the guys break down everything from the 1957 original 883 to the Ironhead era, the Evo transition, the controversial rubber mounts, the Sportster S, and why Harley-Davidson is bringing back the classic 883 platform. Plus, a follow-up on flying motorcycles and another round of the Engine Sound Guessing Game!

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  6. S12E04: Inside A Moto Dealership: Pricing, Warranties, Test Rides & More

    2 h 34 minSeason 12 · Episode 4

    We welcome Evan Yarnall, the mustachioed owner of Solid Performance, a KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas, and WP motorcycle dealership, who seems to be doing something right in the eyes of both his employees and …

    Show notes

    We welcome Evan Yarnall, the mustachioed owner of Solid Performance, a KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas, and WP motorcycle dealership, who seems to be doing something right in the eyes of both his employees and customers.

    Join us as we take a deep dive into the logistics of owning a motorcycle dealership in an effort to answer real-world questions and concerns from the motorcycling public. Questions from riders just like you. Yeah, you!

    In addition to diving deep into the world of motorcycle financing, freight fees, service wins and woes, warranty claims, and sales staff, they cover Kawasaki's return to two-strokes with the KX327, the infamous KTM camshaft issue, and play another round of the Engine Sound Guessing Game!

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  7. S12E03: E-Motos: Massive Problem Or the Future of Motorcycling?

    2 h 8 minSeason 12 · Episode 3

    Are e-motos the future of two wheels, or are they a legal nightmare waiting to happen? Zack and Spurg bring in resident expert Spenser Robert to dive deep into the booming world of electric dirt bikes. From the …

    Show notes

    Are e-motos the future of two wheels, or are they a legal nightmare waiting to happen?

    Zack and Spurg bring in resident expert Spenser Robert to dive deep into the booming world of electric dirt bikes. From the Surron Ultra Bee and Zero XE to new e-bike laws, speed limiters, and lap-time comparisons against 450cc gas dirt bikes, the team unpacks everything you need to know about this unregulated "Wild West"

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  8. S12E02: Motorcycle Investments You Should Have Made

    2 h 2 minSeason 12 · Episode 2

    We welcome Abhi Eswarappa, owner of Iconic Motorbike Auctions, to break down the surprising shifts in classic motorcycle values, highlight the "flops" that turned into high-dollar collector items, and look …

    Show notes

    We welcome Abhi Eswarappa, owner of Iconic Motorbike Auctions, to break down the surprising shifts in classic motorcycle values, highlight the "flops" that turned into high-dollar collector items, and look ahead to guess which 2026 motorcycles will be legendary classics in the year 2066.

    Plus, we deep-dive into the pricing of the new Suzuki SV-7 GX and find out if it's a true contender for the Daily Rider Leaderboard.

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  9. S12E01: Weird Motorcycle Rides (That you can do!)

    1 h 37 minSeason 12 · Episode 1

    No matter what kind of motorcycle you have, Zack and Spurg have a ride for you! We're talking small bikes, big bikes, off-road bikes, cheap bikes, expensive trips, track days, wilderness rallies, everything! …

    Show notes

    No matter what kind of motorcycle you have, Zack and Spurg have a ride for you!

    We're talking small bikes, big bikes, off-road bikes, cheap bikes, expensive trips, track days, wilderness rallies, everything!

    The duo also give personal summer updates, preview Get On Adventure Fest, and try to decide if that's a young Zack Courts on Facebook Marketplace, or an AI deepfake?

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  10. S11E12: Motorcycle Questions: Answered!

    1 h 50 minSeason 11 · Episode 12

    We're wrapping up season 12 with a listener-favorite… giving you the chance to ask Zack and Spurg any question you want! Should test rides be banned? Why don't US manufacturers make a range of bikes like the …

    Show notes

    We're wrapping up season 12 with a listener-favorite… giving you the chance to ask Zack and Spurg any question you want!

    Should test rides be banned? Why don't US manufacturers make a range of bikes like the Japanese? What is Zack's beef with Kawasaki Vulcans?! And those questions and more…

    Plus, a Craigslist ad for a Suzuki GSX-R and Fiat 500 hybrid that you're not gonna want to miss!

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  11. S11E11: From NBA President to MSF Student: Returning to Motorcycles after 40 years

    2 h 18 minSeason 11 · Episode 11

    Former President of the Los Angeles Lakers, Tim Harris, joins the show to discuss his life as a returning rider to answer the question: is it ever too late to start riding? Tim rode from age 16 to 22, then …

    Show notes

    Former President of the Los Angeles Lakers, Tim Harris, joins the show to discuss his life as a returning rider to answer the question: is it ever too late to start riding? Tim rode from age 16 to 22, then spent the next four decades "frozen in motorcycle ice" while building a family and a career. Now back in the saddle in his 60s, Tim shares the hilarious and humble reality of relearning the "friction zone" and surviving the "intervention" of worried coworkers. We also dive into new data from AIM Expo about Gen Z's interest in motorcycling and answer a listener's question about how to convince a reluctant spouse to let you start riding later in life.

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  12. S11E10: Best (and Worst) Sounding Motorcycles!

    1 h 42 minSeason 11 · Episode 10

    Zack and Spurg dive into the auditory soul of motorcycling and what makes an engine sound "iconic." From the rhythmic clatter of a Ducati dry clutch to the "vicious" scream of an Aprilia V4, we break down the …

    Show notes

    Zack and Spurg dive into the auditory soul of motorcycling and what makes an engine sound "iconic." From the rhythmic clatter of a Ducati dry clutch to the "vicious" scream of an Aprilia V4, we break down the sounds that transports us to the racetrack and the open road.

    We also pay tribute to the legendary Japanese industrial designer who survived the atomic bomb to create the iconic Kikkoman soy sauce bottle AND the Yamaha VMAX.

    Stick around for a special Engine Sound Guessing Game and a heartfelt discussion on the risks and rewards of putting kids on the back of a motorcycle.

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  13. S11E09: What If Motorcycles Were Banned? A trip back in time to explore the future

    2 h 6 minSeason 11 · Episode 9

    In honor of "Back to the Future" turning 40, industry experts like Ryan Fortnine, Matt Oxley, and Ari Henning take a trip back in time with Zack & Spurg to explore five massive motorcycle "What if" scenarios …

    Show notes

    In honor of "Back to the Future" turning 40, industry experts like Ryan Fortnine, Matt Oxley, and Ari Henning take a trip back in time with Zack & Spurg to explore five massive motorcycle "What if" scenarios:

    What if Boeing built motorcycles?

    What if Harley-Davidson abandoned "heritage" for "cutting-edge"?

    How would a different World War II outcome have changed German and Japanese engineering?

    What does a truly safe motorcycle look like?

    If gas motorcycles were banned tomorrow, would the community survive on electric and hydrogen alone?

    Plus, Zack analyzes his actual Alpinestars airbag crash data, comparing his 65-mph highside to Marc Marquez's infamous tumbles.

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  14. S11E08: Marc Márquez: The Magnificent or the Merciless?

    2 h 6 minSeason 11 · Episode 8

    Is Marc Márquez the greatest of all time? To kick off the 2026 MotoGP season, Zack and Spurg sit down with legendary racing journalist and historian Mat Oxley to discuss why Márquez is a "generational talent" …

    Show notes

    Is Marc Márquez the greatest of all time? To kick off the 2026 MotoGP season, Zack and Spurg sit down with legendary racing journalist and historian Mat Oxley to discuss why Márquez is a "generational talent".

    They dive into the incredible story of how Marc learned to save front-end slides with his elbows, the countless surgeries it took to keep him on the grid, and how Spain has created the most successful racing culture in the world.

    The guys also take a look towards the future at the 2027 MotoGP rule changes that could reset the entire field—and whether Márquez's body will let him stick around to see them.

    This entire conversation was inspired by Mat's new book, "Marc the Magnificent: Seven-times MotoGP King". To check out Mat's book for yourself, here is a link to his website.

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  15. S11E07: Best New Motorcycles of 2026: Our Picks

    2 h 17 minSeason 11 · Episode 7

    The $6,000 Harley-Davidson, Honda's automatic clutch, the "vicious" KTM 990 RC R superbike, and much, much more are discussed as Zack and Spurg preview the most exciting motorcycles, tech, and industry shifts …

    Show notes

    The $6,000 Harley-Davidson, Honda's automatic clutch, the "vicious" KTM 990 RC R superbike, and much, much more are discussed as Zack and Spurg preview the most exciting motorcycles, tech, and industry shifts coming in 2026!

    We also have an "Am I the A-hole" debate involving a delivery robot and a parked Harley… and we're joined by gear expert Pat McHugh to discuss the future of hearing protection: Cardo's active noise-canceling helmet.

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  16. S11E06: Zack Courts Returns! (And Shares His Crash Story)

    2 hSeason 11 · Episode 6

    Can you imagine crashing a superbike at a press event in a foreign country? Zack can! Zack Courts returns to the show and shares his experience (both on and off the track) at the KTM 990 RC R press event in …

    Show notes

    Can you imagine crashing a superbike at a press event in a foreign country? Zack can! Zack Courts returns to the show and shares his experience (both on and off the track) at the KTM 990 RC R press event in southern Spain.

    Spurg & Zack also discuss changes in motorcycle policy at the Circuit of the Americas and whether or not a high BMW price tag is worth it off-road.

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  17. S11E05: Is the Suzuki GSX-R the Ultimate Sportbike?

    1 h 47 minSeason 11 · Episode 5

    In the last episode before Zack's triumphant return, Spurg and guest host Ari Henning celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Suzuki GSX-R by digging into its rise, fall, and rebirth as one of the most prolific …

    Show notes

    In the last episode before Zack's triumphant return, Spurg and guest host Ari Henning celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Suzuki GSX-R by digging into its rise, fall, and rebirth as one of the most prolific motorcycles in the industry.

    The guys also dive into the challenge of finding a good used GSX-R and discuss the "Gixxer Bro" culture. Plus, stick around for a very special Engine Sound Guessing Game!

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  18. S11E04: @Fortnine Doc Sends Ryan F9 Around the World!

    2 h 7 minSeason 11 · Episode 4

    The legendary Ryan from FortNine drops in to go deep into his most ambitious project yet: a feature-length documentary chronicling a record-breaking, 16-day motorcycle trip around the entire world. With Zack …

    Show notes

    The legendary Ryan from FortNine drops in to go deep into his most ambitious project yet: a feature-length documentary chronicling a record-breaking, 16-day motorcycle trip around the entire world.

    With Zack Courts still out on the mend, Spurgeon Dunbar is joined by CTXP producer Spenser Robert to ask Ryan about his chaotic time in India, the freezing "Nullarbor" of Australia, the logistical miracles worked by Ducati fixers at the Turkish border, and what it's really like to live on a bike for 24+ hours at a time.

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  19. S11E03: A New CEO & the $6,000 bike: What's Going On At Harley-Davidson?

    1 h 48 minSeason 11 · Episode 3

    Spurgeon is joined by Common Tread's Lance Oliver to take a deep dive into the financial and structural changes rocking the Harley-Davidson corporate world. From a surprise CEO change (Artie Starrs from Topgolf …

    Show notes

    Spurgeon is joined by Common Tread's Lance Oliver to take a deep dive into the financial and structural changes rocking the Harley-Davidson corporate world. From a surprise CEO change (Artie Starrs from Topgolf and Pizza Hut) to a dealer revolt and the future of the brand, we're cutting through the clickbait to deliver a rational, fact-based look at the Motor Company.

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  20. S11E02: Motorcycle Dating Game Is Back!

    2 hSeason 11 · Episode 2

    The Motorcycle Dating Game returns! Patrick Garvin and Spurg match Highside/Lowside listeners to their perfect motorcycle. And they all lived happily ever after! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread …

    Show notes

    The Motorcycle Dating Game returns! Patrick Garvin and Spurg match Highside/Lowside listeners to their perfect motorcycle. And they all lived happily ever after!

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  21. S11E01: The Best (and Worst) of EICMA 2025

    1 h 48 minSeason 11 · Episode 1

    Fan-favorite Lance Oliver joins HSLS to break down the biggest news from EICMA 2025: The surprising new Suzuki SV-7GX, BMW's controversial F 450 GS (and its AI photos), Honda's wild V3R 900 E-Compressor …

    Show notes

    Fan-favorite Lance Oliver joins HSLS to break down the biggest news from EICMA 2025: The surprising new Suzuki SV-7GX, BMW's controversial F 450 GS (and its AI photos), Honda's wild V3R 900 E-Compressor concept, and the rise of brands like CFMOTO and Royal Enfield. Plus, they debate the "trickle-down" tech trend and ask: are big motorcycle shows like EICMA even relevant anymore?

    But where is Zack Courts? Spurgeon Dunbar explains Zack's absence (get well soon!) as well as the engine-sound guessing game, whether or not you should get a bigger bike, and much more!

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  22. S10E12: Garrett Gerloff: World Superbike, Crashing & Why He Loves Scooters

    2 h 17 minSeason 10 · Episode 12

    It's the Highside/Lowside Season 10 finale, and we're going out with a bang! World Superbike racer Garrett Gerloff joins Zack and Spurg for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from the mindset of …

    Show notes

    It's the Highside/Lowside Season 10 finale, and we're going out with a bang! World Superbike racer Garrett Gerloff joins Zack and Spurg for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from the mindset of a pro racer to the simple joy of riding a Yamaha Zuma.

    If you've ever wondered what a world-class rider thinks about group rides, speeding tickets, or even the Honda Gold Wing, this is the episode for you.

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  23. S10E11: Answering Your Toughest Motorcycle Questions

    2 h 9 minSeason 10 · Episode 11

    Zack and Spurg dedicate a full episode to you! Join us as the guys tackle your best comments and questions of the season: Are motorcycle throttles designed backward? What's the future of cruisers as …

    Show notes

    Zack and Spurg dedicate a full episode to you! Join us as the guys tackle your best comments and questions of the season: Are motorcycle throttles designed backward? What's the future of cruisers as Harley-Davidson's market share shifts? And what are the pros and cons of flipping your front track day tire to save a buck? And more!

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  24. S10E10: The Rise of Chinese Motorcycles: Are They Finally Worth the Money?

    2 h 13 minSeason 10 · Episode 10

    Are Chinese motorcycles finally ready to compete with the established giants from Japan and Europe? In this episode of Highside/Lowside, Zack and Spurge dive deep into one of the most talked-about topics in the …

    Show notes

    Are Chinese motorcycles finally ready to compete with the established giants from Japan and Europe? In this episode of Highside/Lowside, Zack and Spurge dive deep into one of the most talked-about topics in the industry.

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  25. S10E09: 3 Stories of Overcoming Trauma After a Motorcycle Crash

    2 h 43 minSeason 10 · Episode 9

    The most intense and inspiring conversation in Highside/Lowside history, Zack and Spurg are joined by three riders who faced life-altering motorcycle accidents and fought their way back to the machines they …

    Show notes

    The most intense and inspiring conversation in Highside/Lowside history, Zack and Spurg are joined by three riders who faced life-altering motorcycle accidents and fought their way back to the machines they love. This episode is a powerful testament to the passion, resilience, and spirit of the motorcycle community... and the unstoppable drive to get back on two wheels, even when the world tells you it's impossible.

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  26. S10E08: The Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Group Rides

    1 h 59 minSeason 10 · Episode 8

    Are motorcycle group rides the best way to make friends or the fastest way to make enemies? In this episode of Highside/Lowside, Zack and Spurg tackle the highs, the lows, and the unwritten rules of riding with …

    Show notes

    Are motorcycle group rides the best way to make friends or the fastest way to make enemies? In this episode of Highside/Lowside, Zack and Spurg tackle the highs, the lows, and the unwritten rules of riding with other people. From the dusty trails of an ADV rally to the organized chaos of a track day and the etiquette of a local poker run, we cover what you need to know to survive and thrive.

    Plus, we dive into a classic "Am I the A-hole?" about confusing intersection etiquette and why being "too nice" can actually be dangerous. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a new rider looking to find your crew, this episode is packed with tips, horror stories, and laughs.

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  27. S10E07: The Honda Gold Wing's Journey: From Naked Bike to Touring Giant

    2 hSeason 10 · Episode 7

    Six generations, 640,000 sold and some of the most fanatical fans the motorcycling world has to offer. The Honda Gold Wing has had a huge impact on the industry both at home and abroad. Spurg and Zack explore …

    Show notes

    Six generations, 640,000 sold and some of the most fanatical fans the motorcycling world has to offer. The Honda Gold Wing has had a huge impact on the industry both at home and abroad. Spurg and Zack explore the Gold Wing's origins and how it's managed to be a top seller in the touring world after 50 years.

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  28. S10E06: The Life of a Teenage Motorcycle Star

    1 h 49 minSeason 10 · Episode 6

    Being a top competitor in MotoAmerica takes a level of talent, intelligence, and dedication that few possess... especially at 17 years old! Professional motorcycle racer Kayla Yaakov joins the show to give a …

    Show notes

    Being a top competitor in MotoAmerica takes a level of talent, intelligence, and dedication that few possess... especially at 17 years old! Professional motorcycle racer Kayla Yaakov joins the show to give a glimpse of what life is like for one of the most exciting and inspirational racers in the sport!

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  29. S10E05: The Best Way To Rent (and Rent Out) A Motorcycle!

    1 h 51 minSeason 10 · Episode 5

    Whether you already own a motorcycle or not, there are so many reasons to rent! But what is the best way?! Ride-share app? Rental Company? Dax Harlow (from MotoQuest) and Ari Henning join the show to discuss …

    Show notes

    Whether you already own a motorcycle or not, there are so many reasons to rent! But what is the best way?! Ride-share app? Rental Company? Dax Harlow (from MotoQuest) and Ari Henning join the show to discuss the ins, outs, and anecdotes of renting (and renting out) bikes around the world.

    Check out more from RevZilla:

  30. S10E04: Does Riding Different Motorcycles Make You a Better Rider?

    2 h 1 minSeason 10 · Episode 4

    In this episode of Highside/Lowside, we sit down with Chris Northover of Bike World TV to explore the benefits of riding different types of motorcycles — from enduro bikes to adventure tourers to sportbikes …

    Show notes

    In this episode of Highside/Lowside, we sit down with Chris Northover of Bike World TV to explore the benefits of riding different types of motorcycles — from enduro bikes to adventure tourers to sportbikes.

    Can cross-training with various bikes actually make you a better rider? We dig into how switching things up can sharpen your skills, build confidence, and give you a whole new perspective on two wheels.

    Check out more from RevZilla:

These are the latest 40 of 145 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.

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