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2013 CAN-AM Spyder Rt

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

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What owners reported most

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

90 reports with mileage · 12 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports4 fire reports15 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

12 reports
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500 miles · Mar 17, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel/propulsion System

VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY HOT. RIGHT FOOT GETS UNBEARABLE HEAT. GAS FUMES PRESENT AT EVERY STOP. GAS FUMES FILL GARAGE WHEN BIKE IS HOT AND PARKED. CAN AM REFUSES TO DISCUSS THE DANGER OF GAS FUMES WHICH ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN A CLOSED ENVIRONMENT.THIS SAFETY ISSUE MUST BE ADDRESSED AS INDIVIDUAL OWNERS ARE POWERLESS TO GET CAN A…

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VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY HOT. RIGHT FOOT GETS UNBEARABLE HEAT. GAS FUMES PRESENT AT EVERY STOP. GAS FUMES FILL GARAGE WHEN BIKE IS HOT AND PARKED. CAN AM REFUSES TO DISCUSS THE DANGER OF GAS FUMES WHICH ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN A CLOSED ENVIRONMENT.THIS SAFETY ISSUE MUST BE ADDRESSED AS INDIVIDUAL OWNERS ARE POWERLESS TO GET CAN AM TO RESPOND TO THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION. PLEASE HELP *TR

NHTSA ODI #10694810

5,000 miles · Feb 23, 2015
Engine And Engine Cooling

I BOUGHT MY 2013 CAN AM SPYDER RT NEW IN FEB 2014. OVER THE YEAR THAT I HAVE OWNED THE BIKE, I HAVE NOTICED EXCESSIVE HEAT UNDER THE SEAT ALONG WITH A GAS SMELL. I HAD TALKED WITH VENDOR ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND HEARD VARIOUS OTHER EXPLANATIONS. I DID NOT GIVE IT TOO MUCH THOUGHT UNTIL I READ THE FORUMS AND SAW THIS WAS A COM…

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I BOUGHT MY 2013 CAN AM SPYDER RT NEW IN FEB 2014. OVER THE YEAR THAT I HAVE OWNED THE BIKE, I HAVE NOTICED EXCESSIVE HEAT UNDER THE SEAT ALONG WITH A GAS SMELL. I HAD TALKED WITH VENDOR ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND HEARD VARIOUS OTHER EXPLANATIONS. I DID NOT GIVE IT TOO MUCH THOUGHT UNTIL I READ THE FORUMS AND SAW THIS WAS A COMMON SEVERE ISSUE. UNTIL RECENTLY THE CAN AM WAS KEPT IN AN OPEN AIR CARPORT, SO I NEVER NOTICED THE ODOR AFTER A RIDE. I HAD EXPERIENCED GAS FUMES AND SMELLS ON RIDES AND JUST DIDN'T THINK IT WAS A DEAL WHEN THE VENDOR KEPT TELLING ME NOT TO OVER FILL THE TANK. I DON'T OVER FILL THE TANK AND STOP AFTER THE FIRST CLICK WHICH THEN CAUSES THE TANK NOT TO BECOME FULL AND HAVING TO STOP MORE OFTEN TO REFUEL ON LONG RIDES. WHEN WE MOVED INTO OUR NEW HOUSE WE NOW HAVE A TWO CAR GARAGE AND AFTER THE LAST FEW RIDES, I GAS UP BEFORE COMING HOME AND NOTICE A STRONG GAS ODOR AND LEAVE THE GARAGE DOOR OPEN FOR AN HOUR OR UNTIL THE FUMES DISSIPATE. NOW READING OF THE MAJOR HEAT AND FUME ISSUES IS EXTREMELY SCARY TO ME AND CAUSES SOME CONCERN IF THE MANUFACTURE NEW OF THIS ISSUE WHEN THE UNIT WAS SOLD TO ME IN FEB 2014. I WILL HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION THE NEXT TIME ON A RIDE AND SEE IF THE GAS IS BOILING AS REPORTED ON OTHER UNITS. I HAVE READ ON THE FORUMS AND FACEBOOK A RECALL IS PENDING TO RESOLVE THE HEAT ISSUE WHICH HOPEFULLY WILL RESOLVE THE GAS FUME ISSUE AS WELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10690176

1,600 miles · Sep 24, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling

I PURCHASED MY CAN-AM SPYDER IN AUGUST OF 2013. THE RECALL FOR THE HEAT ISSUES WAS COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2013 BY MY DEALER. OVER THE LAST YEAR I HAVE HAD INCIDENTS OF A GAS SMELL, SOMETIMES VERY STRONG, AND HEAT FROM THE ENGINE AREA. RECENTLY, A BURNING PLASTIC SMELL HAS BEEN OCCURRING. IT IS NOTICED AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS.…

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I PURCHASED MY CAN-AM SPYDER IN AUGUST OF 2013. THE RECALL FOR THE HEAT ISSUES WAS COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2013 BY MY DEALER. OVER THE LAST YEAR I HAVE HAD INCIDENTS OF A GAS SMELL, SOMETIMES VERY STRONG, AND HEAT FROM THE ENGINE AREA. RECENTLY, A BURNING PLASTIC SMELL HAS BEEN OCCURRING. IT IS NOTICED AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. FIRST INCIDENT WAS AROUND 40 MILES PER HOUR ON A 2 LANE ROAD, NEXT TIME WAS GOING DOWN A FAIRLY STEEP HILL AROUND 30 MILES PER HOUR, AND THE THIRD INCIDENT WAS ON A 50 MILE PER HOUR 2 LANE ROAD. THESE INCIDENTS WERE ON DIFFERENT DAYS. THE BURNING PLASTIC SMELL WAS ALSO NOTICED BY MY RIDING PARTNER BEHIND ME. I AM VERY CONCERNED WITH THE FIRES THAT HAVE OCCURRED WITH THESE MACHINES AND THE INVESTIGATION BEING DONE BY NHTSA. I HAVE BROUGHT THE SPYDER RT TO MY DEALER BUT THEY SAID THEY DID NOT SEE ANY ISSUES THAT COULD BE CAUSING THE BURNING PLASTIC SMELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10638824

1,500 miles · Sep 12, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure

EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM UNDER SEAT CAUSING REDNESS OF LEGS WHERE TOUCHING SEAT & GLOVE BOX GETS HOT TO TOUCH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10632763

8,500 miles · Aug 22, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE HAD THE 2013 SPYDER RTS SINCE 6-24-2014. EVER SINCE GETTING IT THERE HAS BEEN EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM THE BIKE, ESPECIALLY ON THE RIGHT SIDE WHERE THE RADIATOR EXHAUST IS VENTED. THE BIKE GETS EXTREMELY HOT WHETHER SITTING STILL OR MOVING. I HAVE DONE MODIFICATION IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCE THE HEAT, AS SUGGESTED ON SPY…

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I HAVE HAD THE 2013 SPYDER RTS SINCE 6-24-2014. EVER SINCE GETTING IT THERE HAS BEEN EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM THE BIKE, ESPECIALLY ON THE RIGHT SIDE WHERE THE RADIATOR EXHAUST IS VENTED. THE BIKE GETS EXTREMELY HOT WHETHER SITTING STILL OR MOVING. I HAVE DONE MODIFICATION IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCE THE HEAT, AS SUGGESTED ON SPYDERLOVERS.COM BY OTHER SPYDER OWNERS. THE MEASURES HAVEN'T REALLY HELPED AND THE BIKE IS STILL WAY TO HOT! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10627496

5,000 miles · Aug 21, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure

THERE IS EXCESSIVE HEAT ON THE RIGHT FOOT AND LOWER LEG AT ALL SPEEDS TO THE EXTENT THAT ONE HAS TO PUT THEIR FOOT ON THE PASSENGER FOOTBOARD TO KEEP THE DISCOMFORT AT A TOLERABLE LEVEL. THERE IS ALSO EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM THE FRONT AND SIDES OF THE SEAT ALSO TO THE POINT OF DISCOMFORT. AFTER RIDING FOR A SHORT TIME (WELL…

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THERE IS EXCESSIVE HEAT ON THE RIGHT FOOT AND LOWER LEG AT ALL SPEEDS TO THE EXTENT THAT ONE HAS TO PUT THEIR FOOT ON THE PASSENGER FOOTBOARD TO KEEP THE DISCOMFORT AT A TOLERABLE LEVEL. THERE IS ALSO EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM THE FRONT AND SIDES OF THE SEAT ALSO TO THE POINT OF DISCOMFORT. AFTER RIDING FOR A SHORT TIME (WELL LESS THAN 30 MINUTES) IF THE SEAT IS RAISED, ONE CANNOT TOUCH ANY SURFACE UNDER THE SEAT FOR FEAR OF BEING BURNED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10627017

600 miles · Aug 19, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingInjury

VEHICLE IS A FIRE HAZARD AND PRODUCES HOT AIR FROM THE ENGINE ONTO THE RIGHT LEG THAT IS INTENSE ENOUGH TO CAUSE BURNS. ALSO HEAT FROM UNDER THE SEAT WHERE THE GAS TANK IS LOCATED IS UNBEARABLE. GAS FUMES ARE EMITTED FROM THE BIKE WHILE RIDING AND WHEN THE CYCLE IS TURNED OFF THE GAS FUMES ARE SO INTENSE THAT IT SEEMS UNSAFE TO …

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VEHICLE IS A FIRE HAZARD AND PRODUCES HOT AIR FROM THE ENGINE ONTO THE RIGHT LEG THAT IS INTENSE ENOUGH TO CAUSE BURNS. ALSO HEAT FROM UNDER THE SEAT WHERE THE GAS TANK IS LOCATED IS UNBEARABLE. GAS FUMES ARE EMITTED FROM THE BIKE WHILE RIDING AND WHEN THE CYCLE IS TURNED OFF THE GAS FUMES ARE SO INTENSE THAT IT SEEMS UNSAFE TO PARK IN A GARAGE FOR FEAR OF FIRE.THIS IS A TRAGEDY WAITING TO HAPPEN.CAN AM NEEDS TO BE REQUIRED TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THESE PROBLEMS FOR THE SAFETY OF THE RIDERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10626248

7,100 miles · Aug 17, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel/propulsion SystemInjury

THIS VEHICLE RUNS EXTREMELY HOT, AND IS UNCOMFORTABLE TO RIDE. AFTER RIDING IN 74 DEGREE TEMPERATURE FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR, I USED A DIGITAL THERMOMETER AND MEASURED THE HEAT UNDER THE SEAT AT 157.1 DEGREES WITH THE ENGINE OFF. HEAT RISES FROM THE FRONT AND SIDES OF THE SEAT, WHICH RESULTED IN A BURN TO MY RIGHT LEG. THERE HA…

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THIS VEHICLE RUNS EXTREMELY HOT, AND IS UNCOMFORTABLE TO RIDE. AFTER RIDING IN 74 DEGREE TEMPERATURE FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR, I USED A DIGITAL THERMOMETER AND MEASURED THE HEAT UNDER THE SEAT AT 157.1 DEGREES WITH THE ENGINE OFF. HEAT RISES FROM THE FRONT AND SIDES OF THE SEAT, WHICH RESULTED IN A BURN TO MY RIGHT LEG. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS INSTANCES OF THESE VEHICLES WITH NO WARNING SUDDENLY CATCHING FIRE AND BEING COMPLETELY DESTROYED. BRP IS AWARE OF THE HEAT PROBLEMS WITH THESE VEHICLES, AND SO FAR HAS ONLY OFFERED A SOFTWARE UPDATE IN AN EFFORT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS UPDATE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. ADDITIONALLY, GASOLINE BOILS IN THE TANK, AND THE GAS CAP GETS SO HOT THAT IT CANNOT BE REMOVED WITHOUT WEARING A GLOVE. MY WIFE AND I ARE AFRAID TO TAKE A LONG TRIP - WHICH IS THE REASON THAT WE BOUGHT THIS VERY EXPENSIVE TOURING MOTORCYCLE - FOR FEAR THAT OUR VEHICLE WILL BURST INTO FLAMES. PLEASE EXPEDITE YOUR CURRENT INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER, AND PLEASE REQUIRE BRP TO DO WHATEVER IS NECESSARY TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM, PERHAPS A RETROFIT TO CHANGE THE COOLING SYSTEM TO MIRROR THE SOLUTION THAT BRP DEVELOPED (AND TOUTED IN THEIR PROMOTIONAL LITERATURE AS "SOLVING THE HEAT PROBLEM) FOR THE 2014 MODEL I.E. TWO RADIATORS IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE RATHER THAN THE ONE MOUNTED IN FRONT OF THE RIDER'S RIGHT FOOT. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IF AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD LIKE TO VIEW THE VEHICLE FIRSTHAND. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10625811

4,500 miles · Jul 31, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel/propulsion SystemFire

FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT MY SPYDER, I'VE HAD ISSUES WITH EXTREME HEAT AT THE LOWER RIGHT AND IN THE AREA AHEAD OF THE SEAT. I'VE HAD NUMEROUS INCIDENTS OF FUMES AFTER PARKING, DRIPPING FUEL, AND FUEL BOILING WITH THE GAS CAP HEATED TO THE POINT THAT I COULD ONLY OPEN IT WHILE WEARING GLOVES. DURING ONE OF MY FIRST TIMES REFUELI…

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FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT MY SPYDER, I'VE HAD ISSUES WITH EXTREME HEAT AT THE LOWER RIGHT AND IN THE AREA AHEAD OF THE SEAT. I'VE HAD NUMEROUS INCIDENTS OF FUMES AFTER PARKING, DRIPPING FUEL, AND FUEL BOILING WITH THE GAS CAP HEATED TO THE POINT THAT I COULD ONLY OPEN IT WHILE WEARING GLOVES. DURING ONE OF MY FIRST TIMES REFUELING WHILE LOOSENING THE GAS CAP MY HANDS WERE WASHED WITH FUEL THAT WAS EXPELLED UNDER PRESSURE, SOAKING MY GLOVES. AFTERWARD I WAS CAREFUL TO OPEN THE CAP SLOWLY (LIKE A COKE CAN UNDER PRESSURE) TO RELIEVE THE BUILT UP PRESSURE IN THE GAS TANK. HEAT ON MY FOOT WAS SO BAD THAT I'VE GONE THROUGH MANY PAIRS OF BOOTS AND WORE FIRE/HEAT RESISTANT SOCKS TO MITIGATE DISCOMFORT. I HAD THE ECM SOFTWARE UPDATE/FUSE BOX SEALING WARRANTY CAMPAIGN [2013-9] DONE ON MY BIKE AT THE MALCOLM SMITH MOTORSPORTS DEALERSHIP. I CONTINUED TO HAVE HEAT ISSUES. AFTER IT BECAME APPARENT THAT THERE WASN'T A SOLUTION TO MY HEAT PROBLEM, I HAD THE EXHAUST WRAPPED AND INSULATION INSTALLED. THIS HAD LITTLE TO NO EFFECT ON REDUCING HEAT. ON SATURDAY (JULY 26, 2014) I LEFT MY HOME AT 5:50 PM TO RIDE. THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 95 DEGREES. ONCE AGAIN, I NOTICED HEAT WHILE RIDING. AT ABOUT 6:20 PM, TRAVELING AT A CRUISE-CONTROLLED 60 MPH ON AMBOY ROAD IN THE MOJAVE DESERT, I SMELLED HOT OR BURNING PLASTIC AND THEN I OBSERVED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF MY SPYDER. AS I BEGAN TO SLOW, I ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE AREA JUST AHEAD OF THE SEAT. THINKING IT WAS EITHER AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM OR MELTING BODYWORK, I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, STOPPED AND HIT THE KILL ENGINE SWITCH. AFTER GETTING OFF THE BIKE, I OPENED THE SEAT. INSTANTLY THERE WAS A ?WHOOSHING? SOUND AND THE BIKE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I RAN ACROSS THE ROAD, CALLED 911, AND WHILE WAITING FOR THE FIRE CREW I TOOK PICTURES AND VIDEO OF MY BURNING SPYDER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10617819

2,000 miles · May 30, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CAN-AM SPIDER RT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME EXTREMELY HOT ACROSS THE FLOORBOARD AREA. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIATOR FAN BLEW HOT AIR FROM THE RIGHT SIDE, WHICH WAS BURNING. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL CAP WOULD BECOME EXTREMELY HOT. …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CAN-AM SPIDER RT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME EXTREMELY HOT ACROSS THE FLOORBOARD AREA. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIATOR FAN BLEW HOT AIR FROM THE RIGHT SIDE, WHICH WAS BURNING. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL CAP WOULD BECOME EXTREMELY HOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. UPDATED 11/21/14*LJ UPDATED 8/30/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10595183

Official recalls

2

15V095000 · Engine

Feb 19, 2015

Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is recalling all model year 2013 Can-Am Spyder RT motorcycles. Prolonged idling or slow speed riding in warmer temperatures may result very high temperatures in the engine compartment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Very high temperatures in the engine compartment may increase the risk of skin burns or a vehicle fire.

Remedy: BRP has notified owners. Dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact BRP customer service at 1-888-272-9222.

13V386000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder

Aug 28, 2013

Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) is recalling certain model year 2013 Can-Am Spyder RT series and ST series motorcycles. The tandem brake master cylinder manifold inlet may melt allowing the brake fluid to leak out.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Brake fluid may leak onto a heat source, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BRP will notify owners and dealers will install heat shields and a heat deflector, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early September 2013. Owners may contact BRP at 1-888-638-5397.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE14025 · Motorcycle Fires

Opened Aug 4, 2014 · Closed May 22, 2015

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline

This Preliminary Evaluation was opened after NHTSA became aware of two fires involving a MY 2011 and a MY 2013 Can-Am Spyder RT manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP).Both occurred within days of each other in July, 2014.The first report (VOQ 10615679) involved a 2011 Spyder RT, converted for police work and operated by the Morgantown, WV police department burned while being operated on July 20, 2014.The second report (VOQ10617819) involved a 2013 Spyder RT that burned while being operated near the 29 Palms Marine base in the Mojave desert.After a comprehensive review of all information and test data collected during the investigation NHTSA staff met with BRP to discuss its findings.After careful consideration BRP decided to conduct a safety recall (15V095) to address operator burns from elevated vehicle surface temperatures, fuel boiling due to inadequate management of engine compartment heat, and excessive fuel vapor emissions due to the inability of the bikes evaporative emissions system to capture those vapors. We received the company's defect information report on February 13, 2015 and owners began receiving an interim recall notice on February 26th.The interim notice told owners that the recall remedy was in development and would be available in May, 2015.In addition, BRP agreed to, and has undertaken, the following actions:1.Re-notified owners subject to recalls 12V581 and 582 to increase the number who have the recall remedies installed; and 2.Improved its internal system (BossWeb) so that dealers may accurately determine whether a BRP street-legal product has had all relevant recalls completed.With BRP's recall, and its other actions, this PE is closed.For additional detailed information on this investigation, see the attached closing report.The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following (ODI) numbers:10422389,10441182,10451964,10454644,10464103,10488563,10495091, 10499920,10534185,10538604,10542236,10544661,10544745,10545679, 10545719,10547665,10547672,10547761,10549949,10551480,10574592, 10576999,10579466,10582917,10587190,10587196,10587659,10593913, 10595183,10606604,10607045,10615679,10615793,10616468,10616523, 10616893,10617819,10618790,10620886,10620985,10621062,10621082, 10621271,10621881,10621966,10622101,10622114,10622350,10622356, 10622523,10622664,10625899,10626242,10626248,10626578,10626680, 10626861,10627017,10627095,10627236,10627336,10627768,10627778, 10628178,10628215,10628314,10629231,10629665,10630345,10630901, 10631241,10631265,10631290,10631419,10631703,10631868,10632763, 10638824,10649988,10650058,10650065,10650128,10650131,10650531, 10650634,10650686,10650717,10650745,10650747,10650802,10650812, 10650899,10651070,10651083,10651134,10651139,10651343,10651478, 10651558,10651858,10651917,10659906,10664024