MOTORCYCLE REVIEW: 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300

An entry-level sportbike riders won't outgrow too soon

By Tricia Szulewski
Kawasakis Ninja 250Rhas long been a popular choice for beginning riders who prefer the look of a sportbike but like a comfortable sit-up seating position. The smallest Ninja has been replaced for 2013 with a new 300cc platform featuring a slew of updates that promise the novice plenty of rideability and two-wheeled excitement to foster the learning process while ensuring the bike won’t be quickly outgrown.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review
Tricia rides the new 2013 Ninja 300 through some twisty roads in Northern California’s wine country. She is wearing the Joe Rocket Radar Jacket, which also comes in black.

Kawasaki clearly wants entry-level riders to start out on this Ninja—which would ideally attract those novices to make larger-displacement Ninja purchases when theyre ready to upgrade—but the truth is that there’s plenty for experienced riders to love about this fun starter bike. For just $4,800 (or $4,900 for the SE and $5,500 for the SE with ABS), Kawasaki’s Ninja 300 has plenty to offer for all kinds of fun-seekers.

Kawasaki Ninja 250 Black
Kawasaki Ninja 250
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Black
The Ninja 250R (left) is still a great beginner bike, but the new Ninja 300 (right) is even better, with updated looks and technology.
Comparing the250R and300 side-by-side, its obvious Kawasaki made styling improvements to the 300. New features like a minimalist tail section, angular design cues, flush-mounted front turn signals, a new windshield design, and a dual headlight are consistent with the ZX-14R and ZX-6R.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Green Studio
Kawasaki Ninja 300
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Green
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Green
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
The aggressive forward stance of the 300 more accurately reflects the designs of the larger Ninja sportbikes.Pictured from left to right are the Ninja 300, the Ninja ZX-6R and the Ninja ZX-10R.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Green
Because the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 lacks any graphics that give away the 300cc displacement, only the serious sportbike enthusiast will know that this is not a bigger Ninja.

With refinements to the engine, chassis and general aesthetics, the 300 has pulled far ahead of the Ninja 250R and its only true competitor, the Honda CBR 250R. Although the 300’s four-stroke, liquid-cooled, parallel twin engine looks similar to that of the Ninja 250R, 45 percent of the engine parts are new. Displacement grows from 249cc to 296cc, delivering more useable power, especially in the bottom end, making takeoff easier. Digital fuel injection (DFI) has been added to the Ninja 300, eliminating the need for long warm-ups or fumbling with a choke. The DFI offers optimal fuel delivery for quick and precise throttle response, cleaner emissions, and better fuel economy. In addition, the Ninja 300’s header pipes have been redesigned to improve low and mid-range torque for smooth acceleration.

Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Exhaust
A new cross-section angular silencer updates the 250’s round can, and its shorter length improves mass centralization. The two bikes sound almost identical, however, and noise is minimal.

The 300snew slipper clutch is ahuge improvement that specifically benefits beginning riders with less-than-perfect shifts through the gears. Sloppy downshifts are forgiving, as the slipper clutch works to prevent rear tire lockup. Several times on my test ride I dumped the clutch lever too quickly during downshifts, but never once experienced that “chirp” you hear when the rear tire skids momentarily during a messy downshift.

Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Clutch Lever
Smaller riders will appreciate these redesigned levers that require a shorter reach by 8mm.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Seat
Shorter riders will also benefit from a tapered front seat design offering an easier reach to the ground.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Seat Height
At 5-foot-7, Tricia sits comfortably flat-footed on the Ninja 300, which has a seat height of 30.9 inches. At less than 400 pounds, the bike is easy to lift off the sidestand.

The ride is further improved withtweaked suspension settings anda new, 150 percent stronger mainframe. The stiffer chassis incorporates front rubber engine mounts that transfer much less vibration to the rider. The revised subframe incorporates a flatter angle that offsets a larger rear tire (140/70-17”) and maintains a seat height of30.9 inches,relatively low seat for a sportbike.

Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Rear Tire
The 0.5-inch wider rear tire aids in straight-line stability without affecting cornering capability.
The new supersport spoke wheel design shares its aggressive likeness with the Ninja ZX-14.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Brake Discs
Single discs in the front and rear offer smooth, responsive braking. ABS is optional for an additional $500 on the SE (green/black) version.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Cockpit
The cockpit is vastly improved from the 250R, with a sleeker, less distracting instrument display. An analog tachometer is front and center, with warning lights around it. A large, easy-to-read digital speedometer, fuel gauge, and clock are always visible on the backlit LCD. An odometer and two trip meters are toggled with a push-button on the dash. The economical riding indicator displays an “ECO” mark when fuel usage is optimized.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Handlebars
Wide, clip-on-style bars offer easy maneuverability and maintain the sportbike look, but unlike larger sportbikes, this bikes sit-up, ergonomic seating position prevents pressure from being put on the riders wrists.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Mirror
The Ninja’s mirrors have been redesigned, offering a wider viewing area to the sides. However, some riders will have to shift their shoulders a bit to see behind them.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Fuel Tank
The Ninja 300 uses regular octane gas, and the new flared gas tank holds 4.5 gallons of fuel.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Oil Filter
For easy maintenance, Kawasaki designed the lower cowl so that the Ninja’s engine oil will drain without the need to remove the plastic bodywork. A new spin-on oil filter is also easily accessible and replaceable.
Official averages for fuel consumption were not available at press time, but riding conservatively, it’s possible to achieve triple-digit numbers. Riding normally on back roads, we averaged about 87 mpg. Add that to what youll save by using regular gas and the Ninja 300 proves to be a truly economical ride.

Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review With Bags
Kawasaki accessories for the Ninja 300 include a tank bag, tail bag, gel seat, seat cowl, tank pad, engine guards, and tall windscreen.

Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Passenger Seat
Cargo hooks and a flat passenger seat allow you to easily secure luggage to the rear seat. The passengers seat pad pops off with the ignition key in the tail section to reveal two storage compartments.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Storage
Two storage compartments are located under the passenger seat. The first one is big enough only for a pair of gloves.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Seat Cowl
This plastic lid pivots up to reveal a larger compartment underneath. This is where you’ll find the factory tool kit, but there’s plenty of room to add a rain suit and spare gloves.
Pinning the throttle on some pretty technical roads, the 300 proved it can outdoevenbigger sportbikes when it comes to fun-factor. The Ninja’s lightweight and easy shifting makes it easier to concentrate on choosing the right line and perfecting riding techniques.
Power for the 300 is immediate and available throughout the powerband. I was impressed with the bikes responsiveness on the highway,even at 70 mph. Passing was no issue, and handgrip vibration was minimal, even at high rpm.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Seating Position
The Ninja 300’s seating position is upright and comfortable, and only after the day’s 140 miles was Tricias rear end tired from the flat seat.

After switching to a 250R for comparison’s sake, I immediately noticed the difference in power. Shifts on the 250R were much harsher, and throttle response was vague. The250Rsrequired higher rpm and solid mount engine sent so much vibration to my hands that after a few minutes I was begging for my 300 back.A budget-priced, sporty standard offering high value and guaranteed excitement, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 would be a great addition to anyone’s motorcycle garage.

Kawasaki Ninja 300 With Rider Standing
Tricia gives the Ninja 300 a big thumbs up!

Specs At A Glance: 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300

Displacement: 296cc
Seat Height: 30.9 inches
Weight: 379 pounds
Price: $4,799 (Standard); $4,999 (SE); $5,499 (SE ABS)
Colors: Ebony; Pearl Stardust White; Lime Green/Ebony (SE only)
WRN Recommendation
Kawasaki has a hit on its hands with the new Ninja 300. (right) is even better, with updated looks and technology.
Comparing the 250R and 300 side-by-side, it’s obvious Kawasaki made styling improvements to the 300. New features like a minimalist tail section, angular design cues, flush-mounted front turn signals, a new windshield design, and a dual headlight are consistent with the ZX-14R and ZX-6R.  
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Green Studio
Kawasaki Ninja 300
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Green
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Green
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
The aggressive forward stance of the 300 more accurately reflects the designs of the larger Ninja sportbikes. Pictured from left to right are the Ninja 300, the Ninja ZX-6R and the Ninja ZX-10R.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Green
Because the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 lacks any graphics that give away the 300cc displacement, only the serious sportbike enthusiast will know that this is not a bigger Ninja.

With refinements to the engine, chassis and general aesthetics, the 300 has pulled far ahead of the Ninja 250R and its only true competitor, the Honda CBR 250R. Although the 300’s four-stroke, liquid-cooled, parallel twin engine looks similar to that of the Ninja 250R, 45 percent of the engine parts are new. Displacement grows from 249cc to 296cc, delivering more useable power, especially in the bottom end, making takeoff easier. Digital fuel injection (DFI) has been added to the Ninja 300, eliminating the need for long warm-ups or fumbling with a choke. The DFI offers optimal fuel delivery for quick and precise throttle response, cleaner emissions, and better fuel economy. In addition, the Ninja 300’s header pipes have been redesigned to improve low and mid-range torque for smooth acceleration.  

Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Exhaust
A new cross-section angular silencer updates the 250’s round can, and its shorter length improves mass centralization. The two bikes sound almost identical, however, and noise is minimal.

The 300’s new slipper clutch is a huge improvement that specifically benefits beginning riders with less-than-perfect shifts through the gears. Sloppy downshifts are forgiving, as the slipper clutch works to prevent rear tire lockup. Several times on my test ride I dumped the clutch lever too quickly during downshifts, but never once experienced that “chirp” you hear when the rear tire skids momentarily during a messy downshift. 

Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Clutch Lever
Smaller riders will appreciate these redesigned levers that require a shorter reach by 8mm.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Seat
Shorter riders will also benefit from a tapered front seat design offering an easier reach to the ground.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Seat Height
At 5-foot-7, Tricia sits comfortably flat-footed on the Ninja 300, which has a seat height of 30.9 inches. At less than 400 pounds, the bike is easy to lift off the sidestand.

The ride is further improved with tweaked suspension settings and a new, 150 percent stronger mainframe. The stiffer chassis incorporates front rubber engine mounts that transfer much less vibration to the rider. The revised subframe incorporates a flatter angle that offsets a larger rear tire (140/70-17”) and maintains a seat height of 30.9 inches, relatively low seat for a sportbike. 

Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Rear Tire
The 0.5-inch wider rear tire aids in straight-line stability without affecting cornering capability.
The new supersport spoke wheel design shares its aggressive likeness with the Ninja ZX-14.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Brake Discs
Single discs in the front and rear offer smooth, responsive braking. ABS is optional for an additional $500 on the SE (green/black) version.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Cockpit
The cockpit is vastly improved from the 250R, with a sleeker, less distracting instrument display. An analog tachometer is front and center, with warning lights around it. A large, easy-to-read digital speedometer, fuel gauge, and clock are always visible on the backlit LCD. An odometer and two trip meters are toggled with a push-button on the dash. The economical riding indicator displays an “ECO” mark when fuel usage is optimized.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Handlebars
Wide, clip-on-style bars offer easy maneuverability and maintain the sportbike look, but unlike larger sportbikes, this bike’s sit-up, ergonomic seating position prevents pressure from being put on the rider’s wrists.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Mirror
The Ninja’s mirrors have been redesigned, offering a wider viewing area to the sides. However, some riders will have to shift their shoulders a bit to see behind them.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Fuel Tank
The Ninja 300 uses regular octane gas, and the new flared gas tank holds 4.5 gallons of fuel.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Oil Filter
For easy maintenance, Kawasaki designed the lower cowl so that the Ninja’s engine oil will drain without the need to remove the plastic bodywork. A new spin-on oil filter is also easily accessible and replaceable.
Official averages for fuel consumption were not available at press time, but riding conservatively, it’s possible to achieve triple-digit numbers. Riding normally on back roads, we averaged about 87 mpg. Add that to what you’ll save by using regular gas and the Ninja 300 proves to be a truly economical ride.  

Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review With Bags
Kawasaki accessories for the Ninja 300 include a tank bag, tail bag, gel seat, seat cowl, tank pad, engine guards, and tall windscreen.

Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Passenger Seat
Cargo hooks and a flat passenger seat allow you to easily secure luggage to the rear seat. The passenger’s seat pad pops off with the ignition key in the tail section to reveal two storage compartments.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Storage
Two storage compartments are located under the passenger seat. The first one is big enough only for a pair of gloves.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review Seat Cowl
This plastic lid pivots up to reveal a larger compartment underneath. This is where you’ll find the factory tool kit, but there’s plenty of room to add a rain suit and spare gloves.
Pinning the throttle on some pretty technical roads, the 300 proved it can outdo even bigger sportbikes when it comes to fun-factor. The Ninja’s lightweight and easy shifting makes it easier to concentrate on choosing the right line and perfecting riding techniques.  
Power for the 300 is immediate and available throughout the powerband. I was impressed with the bike’s responsiveness on the highway, even at 70 mph. Passing was no issue, and handgrip vibration was minimal, even at high rpm. 
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Seating Position
The Ninja 300’s seating position is upright and comfortable, and only after the day’s 140 miles was Tricia’s rear end tired from the flat seat.

After switching to a 250R for comparison’s sake, I immediately noticed the difference in power. Shifts on the 250R were much harsher, and throttle response was vague. The 250R’s required higher rpm and solid mount engine sent so much vibration to my hands that after a few minutes I was begging for my 300 back. A budget-priced, sporty standard offering high value and guaranteed excitement, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 would be a great addition to anyone’s motorcycle garage.  

Kawasaki Ninja 300 With Rider Standing
Tricia gives the Ninja 300 a big thumbs up!

Specs At A Glance: 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300

Displacement: 296cc
Seat Height: 30.9 inches
Weight: 379 pounds
Price: $4,799 (Standard); $4,999 (SE); $5,499 (SE ABS)
Colors: Ebony; Pearl Stardust White; Lime Green/Ebony (SE only)
WRN Recommendation
Kawasaki has a hit on its hands with the new Ninja 300. This lightweight, easy-to-maneuver, nonintimidating motorcycle is ideal for beginners who want modern technology in a sporty, updated package that they won’t outgrow too quickly. While the Ninja 250R still makes a great first bike for those seeking a sportier ride (assuming you can find one on the used market), the new Ninja 300 is even better and worth the investment. 

22 thoughts on MOTORCYCLE REVIEW: 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300

  1. I’d just like to say how informative this article was on the Ninja 300 for 2015. My fiance will be moving from the back of my 1999 VFR 800 to her own 2016 Ninja 300. This decision was made after reading your article. The slipper clutch, the adjustable height and, of course, the fuel injection are all huge pluses for her as a beginner rider. I was wondering however, what is the resale like on these bikes? I can see her wanting to move on to something bigger after a year or so.

    1. Thank you for your feedback on this article. I’m glad it helped you and your wife make your final purchase decision. From my experience as a MSF RiderCoach, I can assure you that there is always a market for great first-bikes like the Ninja 300. You will lose some value immediately whenever you buy a brand-new bike, but you won’t have trouble finding a new rider to purchase the bike once your wife is ready to move up to a larger one. Of course, you also may find that the Ninja 300 is so much fun and economical, you’ll keep it longer than you thought you would. I encourage you to look for a used Ninja 300 to see that there aren’t too many for sale, and the ones you do find will have kept their value pretty well.

  2. Nice article. I see you continue to reply to comments for gals and guys even though the article is over three years old, much appreciated!My first bike was a Honda VF500F Interceptor; second bike a Honda CBR 600F2. I sold them after getting married and starting a family 20 years ago.I’m getting interested again and on a budget. I did enjoy the twisties more than anything else riding and I do enjoy shifting, although the straight-line acceleration of the 600 was exhilarating. My question is if I purchased a Ninja 300 will I be missing the power of a 600? Or does the fun handling of a lighter bike somewhat offset the power deficit? I’m trying to decide between affordable financing for a new Ninja 300, or trying to come up with the cash for a used 600 Supersport.Thanks for any insight!

    1. Darren,Knowing your history with motorcycles, I believe the 300 will not provide enough power for you. The difference between the 300 and 600 is noticeable and if a 600c is all you’ve ever known, the 300, despite advancements in technology, may seem underpowered. The Ninja 300 is designed really for beginners who are getting used to what it means to have all that power at the twist of a throttle. It allows a beginner to ease into learning about gearing and how much power is available in what gear. Try to test ride one just to be sure. Hope that helps.

  3. I’m stuck between a Ninja 300 and a Yamaha R3. Which is a good beginner bike?

    1. Hi Maylin,Good question. The Yamaha R3 was inspired by Yamaha’s line of supersport motorcycles, whereas the Ninja 300’s roots come from the Ninja 250, a longtime entry-level sportbike Kawasaki designed for beginner riders. Let me explain it this way. Kawasaki built a motorcycle for beginner riders seeking a sportier ride. Yamaha built an entry-level sportbike for speed-minded riders interested in becoming racers, riding fast on a racetrack, or riding on the road in a race/supersport position. Many of R3’s components are taken from its line of supersport motorcycles. Many of the Ninja 300s components are inspired by the more higher powered Ninja’s, but the 300 has been tuned and designed for beginner riders, those who need more input from the motorcycle as they’re learning the nuances of handling a bike, with more rider-friendly ergonomics than an all-out race bike. It all depends what you want to do with your motorcycle riding down the line. I tend to suggest the Ninja 300 for beginning females who want a sportier ride since most women are not interested in becoming a motorcycle racer, or racing their streetbike fast through the twisties.

  4. After having lots of fun being a passenger on a Ninja 1000, I decided to set the goal of having my own bike by next April. After doing much research I am set on the Ninja 300. I’m only 5 feet and a half so I was worried about not being able to ride. After going to a local shop, I was excited to learn that they had just sold one to a girl that was only 4 feet 10 inches. They lowered it 2 inches for her. They let me sit on a slightly lowered Ninja 250 and it was perfect. The Ninja 300 really is the all around perfect starter sportbike for a short gal.

  5. Hi, I am a new rider, female, and 5 feet tall. I noticed in an earlier comment that it is recommended to have both feet planted flat in the beginning stages of learning. Do you have any recommendations for bikes for a rider of my height? I have heard it is also possible to lower bikes. Would you suggest this if there are not any options for a bike as low as I would need? Thanks!

  6. I am 66 years old and a semi-retired businessman. I have always lived my life “playing it safe.” I have been to three riding lessons. The BMW S1000R is a motorbike that I like very much. Any advice?Ron

    1. Hi Ron,While BMW’s S1000R is a wonderful motorcycle, it is too powerful to be a good first bike. It’s best to start off with a small displacement motorcycle that fits you well and that you can control easily. We have a wonderful article about choosing the right first bike in WRN’s Beginner’s Guide section.Good luck!

  7. Reading Lindsay’s (Grandview) comment and your reply, is it really that difficult and not recommendable to handle a Ninja 300 with our height (5 foot 2)? I’m an experienced rider, although on dirtbikes 125-250cc. I have never tried a sportbike but am thinking of getting one and the Ninja 300 caught my eye.

    1. Janice,My response was directed at a beginner rider. I am of the belief that new riders, those who have no experience on a motorcycle, really must have their feet flat on the ground in those early days of learning to ride a motorcycle in order to appropriately hone in on how a motorcycle “feels” and how one has control over it. A beginner who has to side-saddle a bike adds an extra layer of difficulty that should be mitigated during those first few months.An experienced rider like yourself, especially one coming from a dirtbike, should be able to handle this motorcycle. So, yes, take one out for a test ride and tell us what you think!

  8. Is this a good bike for someone who has never rode a bike before? I am 5-feet-7 and 170 pounds also.

    1. Hi Erica, For someone your size who is interested in riding a sportbike as her first motorcycle, I believe the the Ninja 300 makes an ideal beginner motorcycle. New riders always want to have their feet flat on the ground on their first motorcycle so they can have full control over of it (among other things), but many are not as tall as you so cannot reach the ground on a motorcycle that has this high of a seat height, which is still low for a sportbike. Assuming you can flat-foot the bike and are interested in starting out with a sportbike, the Ninja 300 should work for you. But I encourage you to take the MSF class first before riding or buying any motorcycle.

  9. This very helpful. I want to get a bigger bike, but think I found the bike of my dreams. I have been driving a 125 for about two to three years now. I have driven a Kawasaki 500 and a Kitana 600 but they are way too heavy and my 125 is still too light. I can’t take any deep curve with it. This was helpful. I have mind and heart set on getting one.

  10. I’m 5 foot 2 inches and want a sportbike style as my first bike. I was looking at the new 300, but with me being so short, I’m questioning if it’ll be a good fit for me. Any suggestions?

    1. No doubt your height will pose a bit of a issue for you in feeling comfortable on this motorcycle as a beginner. If you are complete beginner and still getting used to riding and honing in the weight distribution of a motorcycle and how it responds to your input, I’d suggest a motorcycle with a much lower seat height. Most sportbikes don’t have a seat height below 29 inches so you’ll have to look at a standard style motorcycle to practice on before feeling comfortable side straddling a sportbike (where you have one foot on the ground and the other over the seat not touching the ground), or being on tiptoes on the bike. Standard is the style of motorcycle, in my opinion, that’s closest to a sportbike, but yet can still have a low enough seat height for small statured people like yourself, 27 inches or less. You can find some suggested standard style models in the WRN Beginner’s Guide here.

  11. I just recently purchased the Ninja 300 and rode it for the first time on Saturday. First time riding the bike on my own so I didn’t know what to expect. I must say I do love the bike and thought it was very easy to handle and was smooth on the little bumps. I almost dropped it at one time (uh oh) but it the weight was light enough that I was able to keep my balance and keep the bike from hitting the ground. Still need to get it out on the street and get it going faster.

  12. I regrettably sold my ’05 Ninja 500R a few years back. It was my second bike, the first was also the EX500 in the 90s. The 500 was a great starter bike and I did enjoy it; I believe I would have outgrown the 250 quickly. Plus I am 6 feet 190 pounds. I always wished Kawi offered a stylish 500 but now that I’m in the market for a new Ninja, the 300 is my likely choice because gas mileage and utility are more important to me than power of a bigger bike. Thanks for a great and informative review.

  13. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t like a Ninja. Even if the rider moved on, it was a fun and memorable bike. Several friends who started on 250 Ninjas kept their starter bikes as commuters and joyriders while they keep larger displacement bikes as their primary one.I hope this bike has all the improvements the Ninjas should. The 650Rs have a maddening body buzz and a very quirky throttle (I have one, and these annoyances aren’t enough to make me not consider it my favorite bike of all the ones I’ve had). The 250s are fun but will not keep an enthusiastic rider happy if it’s their only ride.The aggressive styling, seat cowl, and storage improvements look great. Also very excited to see the re-emergence of smaller displacement bikes into the market, because there’s been a huge absence of low and middleweight motorcycles for the last 15 years. This bike looks like a terrific all-purpose bike for anyone at any skill level.Anyone nervous about weight and seat clearance will really appreciate the tapered seat, and the bike is very well balanced.Totally an awesome bike. Even if outgrown, the resale value of small Ninjas has held solid for a long time, so it’s a smart value.

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