Cyril Huze Post

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Custom Digital Information Gauges For Harley Softail And Dyna 2011-2012

Published by Cyril Huze December 15th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Electrical.

The new Dakota Digital MCL-2011 LED digital information system for CAN bus replaces 2011-up Softail and 2012-up Dyna models with 4-1/2” or 5” tank mount gauges. It plugs directly into the stock wiring with no modifications needed, installation is a snap. Features are plenty in one compact unit that will fit in the factory opening of the Harley Davidson Softail, Fat Boy, and Wide Glide style dashes. Displays self dim at night for convenience. High brightness BLUE LED gauge (MCL-2011) or high brightness RED LED gauge (MCL-2011)-

Features include an adjustable speedometer (selectable as MPH or KM/h), adjustable tachometer that can also be displayed in the digital readout, fuel range to empty, clock, odometer with two resettable trip meters, engine cylinder head temperature, turn signals, high-beam indicator, neutral indicator, low oil pressure warning, check engine indicator, security, ABS, Cruise on and cruise engaged, low fuel, voltmeter reading with low voltage warning, resettable service miles, resettable hour meter, high speed recall, high rpm recall, user settable countdown service meter with warning, 0-60 mph timer, ¼ mile timer, ¼ mile speed, gear position display compatible with 3 speed through 7 speed transmissions, and adjustable rpm warning point with output for external shift light.

Both versions retail for $499.95 and are covered by a 24 month warranty against manufacturer defects. No additional parts needed! For more information contact DAKOTA DIGITAL INC, 1-800-852-3228 to order a catalog, or visit our Dakota Digital Website . Also available from your preferred distributor.

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Round Trip To Germany Custom Magazine Trade And Bike Show

Published by Cyril Huze December 15th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.

German company Huber Verlag publishes several european magazines, the most well known being Custombike, Dream Machines and Biker News. Each year the publisher organizes a huge trade and bike show with on-site build-off competition, an event spreading on 4 halls at the “Messe Bad Salzuflen” Although the overall european economy started to slow down, the 3-day show attracted an amazing display of over 300 exhibitors and 200 custom bikes, many builders choosing this event to unveil their new custom creations. A big difference with comparable American shows is that most bikes, even radical in their conception, are homologated and street legal all over Europe. Reason is that legislation, especially in Germany, requires that custom parts, from frame to engines, be compliant before being sold (ref. strict German TÜV approval procedures) Thanks to Horst Roesler photography, a few postcards of the 2011 Custombike Show edition…

Continue reading ‘Round Trip To Germany Custom Magazine Trade And Bike Show’

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Roland Sands Design Clarity Line

Published by Cyril Huze December 15th, 2011 in Engines and Videos.

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A Custom Harley For Less Than $10,000. Possible.

Published by Cyril Huze December 14th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.

If you want to ride a brand new stock Harley under $10,000 the lower-priced Sportsters are an option. But if you want a used Custom Harley for almost the same budget, the one featured here is a good representation of what you could build for yourself. Michael Kamalian from Revolution Manufacturing wanted to show what could be done with some trading and ingenuity for a total of $9890.62 in purchase receipts, of course excluding labor time because when you work on your own bike time means nothing… Continue reading ‘A Custom Harley For Less Than $10,000. Possible.’

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Fast Motorcycle Industry News

Published by Cyril Huze December 14th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

Myrtle Beach Bike Week West? Sonny Copeland of Sonny Productions, a 3-decade organizer of events for Myrtle Beach Bike Week, is working on starting another bike event at the Florence Civic Center dubbed “Myrtle Beach Bike Week West.” The Motorcycle Expo, set for March 2-3 at the Florence Civic Center, is expected to attract about 100 vendors and between 3,000 and 5,000 bikers. The idea behind this project is to to lure some of the bikers headed down Interstate 95 to Daytona Bike Week which is set for March 9-18 , just one week after the Florence event. The expo will be set inside the 50,000 sq. ft Florence center, as well as space outside, and is expected to have no effect on the Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson Rally, which is set for May 11-20. But don’t you think it’s a little bit weird to call this event “Myrtle Beach Bike Week West” knowing that Florence is 70 miles west of Myrtle beach and in another county, and that the it’s a 2-day, not a one week event?

Bic Has Introduced Lighter Series Featuring Custom Motorcycles From Orange County Choppers. The Orange County Choppers lighters line includes 10 designs, including one that features an image of the custom-made bike produced for Bic and themed after the BIC Flex4 men’s razor which OCC built on-air for an episode of last season’s “American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior. The new lighters carry a suggested retail price of $1.79. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’

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Looking For Gifts from $ 175,000 To $ 8,500,000?

Published by Cyril Huze December 14th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.

As you can imagine, all day long I receive solicitations for publication. From the polite “I submit this for your consideration” to the arrogant “Tell me when you are going to publish my info”, it goes from the most interesting to the weirdest piece of public relation anyone can receive, most often in English, but also in Japanese, Russian & Chinese! (for these 3 last languages, guess what, you are automatically turned down.)

My job being also to entertain you, below is a solicitation for publication I received from a company called Project Dreamport. Their concept? Achieving your impossible dreams while helping others. Practically they propose dream gift packages in the range of $175,000 to $8,500,000 with 20% of your purchase price going to charity. And one of them is related to motorcycles… Continue reading ‘Looking For Gifts from $ 175,000 To $ 8,500,000?’

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Harley-Davidson New Models Will Be More Accessible, Financially And Physically.

Published by Cyril Huze December 13th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

It is the way Harley Davidson Inc’s chief operating officer Matt Levatich describes the company next models during a Reuters Global Manufacturing and Transportation Summit. Levatich said the company may consider manufacturing smaller (does not mean scooter size) and less expensive motorcycles. The least expensive bike Harley-Davidson is currently offering is a Sportster priced at about US $8,000. He reaffirmed that Harley-Davidson strives to attract a much wider array of clients than its current core baby-boomer clientele. And of course he is talking about youngsters, women and minorities both in the US, international and emerging markets (it explains the “more accessible financially and physically” strategy.) Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson New Models Will Be More Accessible, Financially And Physically.’

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Amazing Motorcycle Drifting Skills

Published by Cyril Huze December 13th, 2011 in Videos.

His name is Jorian Ponomareff. He started working on his drifting skills when he was 14 years old. He is available for entertainment during your next event.

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Add Heat To Your Touring Seat

Published by Cyril Huze December 13th, 2011 in Accessories, Customs, Editorial and Seats.

Saddlemen is adding heat to its most popular seats for Harley and Metric bikes. Just like in a luxury vehicle, saddlemen’s heated seats are adjustable by using a 5-level heating controller. The technology allows the rider and passenger to independently select their personal level of warmth.

The adjustable Saddlemen heat controller is designed to be placed wherever you the rider or your passenger want it for ease of use. The easy to install seat with wiring works just like any other installed accessory on your motorcycle. At Saddlemen or your local Drag Specialties or Parts Unlimited dealer.

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Picture Of The Week. Motorcycle Bucket Seat.

Published by Cyril Huze December 13th, 2011 in Editorial.

If you didn’t know, a motorcycle bucket seat is the one located in 9th position…

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Knuckle Style Chop To Die For

Published by Cyril Huze December 12th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.

If you can’t score a 61 cubic inch, 4-speed transmission original Harley Knucklehead and/or want the style of the past but in a powerful trouble-free 93 cubic powerplant, chances are you going to order a modern Knuckle engine from S&S Cycle that you can still couple to an original Harley tranny from those times. It’s what did Johann at Bike Farm Germany. Continue reading ‘Knuckle Style Chop To Die For’

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Valerie Thompson Named Co-Recipient Of 2011 American Woman Riders Community Hero Award

Published by Cyril Huze December 12th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.

Famous Bonneville Salt-Flats motorcycle racer and team owner Valerie Thompson has been named the co-recipient of the 2011 American Woman Riders Community Hero Award by the American Woman Riders Association. Thompson’s racing accomplishments and community support of the HopeKids children’s charity were key criteria for award selection.

Tammy Wiley from Harker Heights Texas was the co-recipient of this year’s community hero award, recognizing her work with the “We Fight Like A Girl” ovarian cancer foundation.

Tina Reeves, President of the American Woman Riders Association, said: “Valerie’s many years of supporting the HopeKids organization was a key consideration in selecting her for this year’s recognition. She has taken children to drag races, attended movie days, and participated in many fundraising events for the organization. Continue reading ‘Valerie Thompson Named Co-Recipient Of 2011 American Woman Riders Community Hero Award’

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Big Bear Choppers Out Of Business. Update.

Published by Cyril Huze December 11th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.

On Thursday December 8, I received a call from Mona Alsop, not intending, as I requested 10 days ago, to give me a full statement on the Big Bear Choppers situation, but asking that we remove her phone number listed in “comments” by a person who could be an ex collaborator.

Of course, during this phone conversation, I asked her the questions to which all BC’s clients/vendors and the overall industry would like answers. To almost each of them Mona replied that BBC’s lawyer requested that her and Kevin make no statement. The only pieces of information I could get was: 1- that BBC tried hard to keep the business afloat, hoping for an investor to step in. 2- that the company will file for bankruptcy. 3- that Kevin would have contacted all clients who have legitimate issues regarding deposits or bikes paid in full and never delivered.

Mona refused to clearly answer my questions regarding: the foreclosure process by 2 of BBC’s lenders; if one way or the other BBC intended to complete the bikes ordered, paid and never delivered; if it is true that they already moved equipment/bikes/inventory to another location and which one; if BBC has the intention to operate under bankruptcy or if her and Kevin intend to start a new bike building business.

Before ending the conversation, and although I obviously respect the fact that their attorney doesn’t want BBC owners to talk to the press, I suggested again that it would be better for all those concerned by BBC demise that she provides me with a written official statement regarding her and Kevin’s intentions, and that I will publish it as is. For this purpose, a deadline of Friday evening December 9 was agreed between us but I still didn’t receive any statement as of today Sunday December 12, 2011. Continue reading ‘Big Bear Choppers Out Of Business. Update.’

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Death Of Tom Monahan Creator Of The Official Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Logo Since 1986

Published by Cyril Huze December 11th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.

Tom Monahan, owner of Tom’s T’s in Sturgis and designer of the official Sturgis logo, passed away yesterday morning at the Rapid City hospital from complications after heart surgery on Thursday. Tom was a both a hero, mentor, father, grandfather, friend and a pillar of the Sturgis community. Successively high school teacher, former co-owner at T&M Photography and the owner of the Sturgis Wine Bar and of Tom’s T’s since 1976, he also created and designed the official Sturgis logo, holding the contract until today. Continue reading ‘Death Of Tom Monahan Creator Of The Official Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Logo Since 1986’

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Darwin Motorcycle New Kits And Rollers

Published by Cyril Huze December 10th, 2011 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.

From Darwin Motorcycles, home of the Brass balls Cycles, a series of new kits and rollers with the particularity that they are offered in “building stages” giving you the opportunity to buy all components as money is available to you. Continue reading ‘Darwin Motorcycle New Kits And Rollers’

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2011 Holiday Gear From Harley-Davidson. 8 Options For Less Than $75

Published by Cyril Huze December 10th, 2011 in Accessories, Editorial and Merchandise.

Getting started for holiday shopping. For all Harley fanatics, here are just a few new gift ideas for less than $75 from the Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® line, available for the 2011 holiday season. These Holiday 2011 gift items and many others are available now at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.

Pass the condiments in style with a set of Hog Salt & Pepper Shakers (P/N99200-12V, $25). They’re made of glazed ceramic with gold metallic Harley-Davidson tank graphics and measure 3¾ x 2 ⅛ x 1⅞ inches. The Harley Buckle and Belt Set (P/N 97998-12VM, $65) features a leather 1½-in. leather belt strap with embossed Harley-Davidson graphics and two stylish buckles. The 2 x 2¼-in. buckle features an antique finish and textured metal rollers. The 4⅛ x 1 3/4-in. buckle is antique-finished zinc aluminum casting with a leather inlay and textured lettering. Available in 28- to 52-in. lengths.
With pre-curved fingers, padded palms and Tricot lining, the women’s leather Pink Label Full-Finger Gloves (P/N 98372-10VW, $55) are versatile for riding and casual wear. Available in XS – XL sizes. A portion of the proceeds of Pink Label items support the Breast Cancer Network of Strength®.Put a shine on the time with the new Chrome-Plated Bar & Shield Logo Clock (P/N 99208-12V, $50). The 12 x 1⅝-in. timepiece features a molded plastic case with glass lens and a PVC dial. Powered by a single AA battery. Continue reading ‘2011 Holiday Gear From Harley-Davidson. 8 Options For Less Than $75’

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The New Victory Hard-Ball. Is it A Cruiser Or A Tourer? Both.

Published by Cyril Huze December 9th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

Doesn’t matter to me and to most of you the label you put on on the brand new Victory Hard-Ball model. Just make it both your bass ass cruiser and tourer. Hit the street, the road or the highway with the long (65.7 wheelbase), low platform (26.5″) that let you either carve sharp corners or do comfortable long riding. For sure, the Hard-Ball is the big brother of the successful High-Ball model for all those who always want more of a good thing. Same stance, same powerful 4-stroke 106″(1731 cc) / 6-speed 50˚ EFI V-Twin with dual 45 mm throttle bodies, same height-adjustable ape hangers, but of course with the benefit of all the space you need, and probably more most of the time, in a pair of hard bags. Continue reading ‘The New Victory Hard-Ball. Is it A Cruiser Or A Tourer? Both.’

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The New Victory Motorcycle Unveiled Here Tonight At 8 PM ET

Published by Cyril Huze December 9th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

Exactly at the same time the Victory Motorcycle executives unveil their brand new 2012 model today Friday December 9, 2011 at 5 pm Pacific time at the Long Beach, CA International Motorcycle Show, I will upload the pictures and specifications. So come back here at 8 pm ET (5 pm PT) to see what Polaris is up to.

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Custom Exhausts On Fuel Injected Harleys. The End Of Popping, Spitting And Backfiring.

Published by Cyril Huze December 9th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial, Engines and Exhaust.

All bikers want better looking and sounding exhausts increasing performance, throttle response without sacrificing fuel economy. As a matter of fact, year after year, custom exhaust systems are at the top of the wish list of most bikers. But most forget that they will have to re-tune their motorcycles to avoid exhaust popping, spitting and backfiring. If you ride a fuel-injected Harley-davidson motorcycle, one solution is to install a Thundermax self-tuning fuel management system. It will automatically tune your engine for maximum performance – no Dyno required – for any performance upgrades you may do, like pipes, free breathing intake, cams, or other aftermarket parts.

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Fast Motorcycle Industry News

Published by Cyril Huze December 9th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. Will Cease Operations At Its Australian Subsidiary Producer Wheels and Wheel Hubs. The facility of ” “New Castalloy” produces the majority of cast wheels for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and has a workforce of 212, including 183 employees and 29 contract worker.The decision to close comes as part of an overall strategy Harley-Davidson embarked on in 2009 to develop world-class manufacturing capability throughout the company by restructuring and consolidating operations for greater competitiveness, efficiency and flexibility. The sourcing of the New Castalloy production to other existing suppliers is expected to generate about $9 million in annual ongoing savings beginning in 2014.

The Sturgis City Council Gives Checks To The Community. The Sturgis Council held on Monday their annual “big check” presentation of contributions to various community entities, a presentation to reflect and show the benefit of the rally to the local citizens. SMRi received $50,291, the Sturgis Rally Charities Foundation received $22,669, the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department received $11,000, Sturgis Police Reserves received $2,000 and the national Fallen Firefighters Foundation received $1,000. The annual check presentations is a contractual obligation through an agreement with SMRi! SMRI receives and doesn’t give? I thought it was supposed to be the opposite. I must miss something. Please, somebody to help me understand?

Harley-Davidson New Dividend. Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) announced that its Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.125 per share for the fourth quarter of 2011. The dividend is payable December 30, 2011 to the holders of record of the Company’s common stock on December 20, 2011. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’

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Black Ops™ By RSD. A Mix Of Textured Black And Gloss Black On The Same Part.

Published by Cyril Huze December 8th, 2011 in Accessories, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.

Stated by RSD as being “the new black”, Black Ops offers a more aggressive while more subtle look by mixing on the same part textured black with gloss black. This Black Ops finish has been expanded by RSD to their Diesel and Judge Wheels, bars and other opponents, giving you more opportunity to extend this new dark look all over your bike. Continue reading ‘Black Ops™ By RSD. A Mix Of Textured Black And Gloss Black On The Same Part.’

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Jesse James, Paul Jr, Paul Sr In A Live TV Bike Build-Off. Any Positive Side Effect On The Industry?

Published by Cyril Huze December 8th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.

Since 2000, the start of major TV shows devoted to the building of custom motorcycles , It has been the question that everybody working or having any interest in the motorcycle industry has asked himself, to his peers, collaborators, clients and friends? Overall, do we benefit? Evidently, there is no doubt that those whose work has been exposed to the public at large through these shows, not only builders but also part vendors, have benefited, short or long term. Both in terms of notoriety, image and sometimes big money, fat checks for TV appearance, royalties, merchandising, sponsorship, etc (for sure, Jesse James, all The Teutul family got all of the above)

During these last 11 years, no meeting, no rally, no trade show where this topic is not debated between professionals. Criticizing or lamenting that most of this TV shows disappeared. I must say that I have heard everything from the extra positive (motorcycle exposure in TV shows gave birth to a completely new market of bikers; more bikes ordered and parts sold; more attendance in rallies, in bike shows etc), to the very negative (it attracted very opportunists businessmen; it created a new breed of over-hyped custom builders and of “motorcycle fashion enthusiasts”; it projected a poor and distorted representation of our industry, of our daily professional lives, of the way custom bikes are built, etc.) Of course, many nuance their answers depending of the TV show you mention. For example, mention Motorcycle Mania, Biker Build-Off and American Chopper and for each show you will get very different reactions from the same person, again from the very positive to the very negative to the “it has absolutely no influence on my business” Continue reading ‘Jesse James, Paul Jr, Paul Sr In A Live TV Bike Build-Off. Any Positive Side Effect On The Industry?’

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Royal Enfield Reborn In Texas. Rick Fairless Style…

Published by Cyril Huze December 8th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.

Several times during the last 3 years I reported on the new interest in Royal Enfield bikes, particularly the Bullet model, now enjoying the longest motorcycle production run of all time. Royal Enfield production, based in India, runs at full capacity still with difficulties to satisfy demand around the world. A very affordable price and a major retooling, particularly in the engine department with introduction of a twin spark unit construction engine on all its models with EFI available on their flagship 500cc model, have caught the interest of many bikers and consequently of many new dealers in Europe and the US. It will be a surprise to many that one of these new dealers in the US is Strokers Dallas. And because it always make sense to customize the factory bikes you sell, boss Rick Fairless has decided to apply his art for the first time to a Royal Enfield… Continue reading ‘Royal Enfield Reborn In Texas. Rick Fairless Style…’

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Trumpet Shaped Kicker Pedals

Published by Cyril Huze December 7th, 2011 in Builders, Controls, Customs and Editorial.

Kicker pedals. You saw them in all materials, from plastic to cast aluminum, and not always ready to endure for a very long time the abuse of pressure kicking. You saw them in all types of design, but probably never trumpet-shaped…

These ones from Acme Choppers feature metallurgy you can believe in for a repetitive tough job: good old-fashioned steel, aluminum and brass. Outer edge is trumped-shaped to prevent your shoe to sleep at mid-stroke. Spinning on bronze bushings and held to the kicker shaft with polished stainless steel.

Polished aluminum, polished brass or black anodized, $145.00. Acme Choppers.

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California Trike Scoot

Published by Cyril Huze December 7th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.

After the Classic, Greaser, Baby Doll and Military models, California Scooter Company is about to launch this Spring a trike scooter kit. All models are inspired by the Mustang motorcycle built in Glendale, California in the 1940s, 50s, and early 60s and brought back to life with 21st technology by the California Scooter Company.

The trike model is a 100% bolt-on package requiring that you buy or already own a SCS motorcycle. No welding, no cutting, no painting…just nuts and bolts. California Scooter Co. LLC is a California-based business under its parent company, Pro-One Performance Manufacturing, Inc. founded and managed by Steve Seidner.

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Joke Of The Week

Published by Cyril Huze December 7th, 2011 in Editorial.

A drunken man walks into a biker bar, sits down at the bar and orders a drink. Looking around, he sees three men sitting at a corner table. He gets up, staggers to the table, leans over, looks the biggest, meanest, biker in the face and says: ‘I went by your grandma’s house today and I saw her in the hallway buck naked. Man, she is one fine looking woman!’

The biker looks at him and doesn’t say a word. His buddies are confused, because he is one bad biker and would fight at the drop of a hat.

The drunk leans on the table again and says: ‘I got it on with your grandma and she is good, the best I ever had!’ The biker’s buddies are starting to get really mad, but the biker still says nothing. The drunk leans on the table one more time and says, ‘I’ll tell you something else, boy, Your grandma liked it!’

At this point the biker stands up, takes the drunk by the shoulders, looks him square in the eyes and says….’Grandpa……. Go home! You’re drunk!”‘

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