"The Silent Samurai" / Deus - Woolies work shop

- "Last year Dani Pedrosa decided to hang up his number 26 helmet after an illustrious career in MotoGP.  In honour of his retirement Red Bull have made a film called” Silent Samurai” that explores the key moments that made Dani one of the most talented riders of his generation – see it   RIGHT HERE. 

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“When he was asked to create a bike for Dani Pedrosa to commemorate his final year of racing, Michael ‘Woolie’ Woolaway didn’t beat around the bush. With Red Bull as a supporting collaborator, it wasn’t long until we were on the blower with Dani talking about his favourite motorcycle styles. 

For someone like Dani, we wanted to make this bike truly meaningful. With Dani being a Honda rider, it came as no surprise that the CR500 motor was the perfect centrepiece, fitted with a hand-built chromoly frame and body works that embodied a healthy mix of Americana and dirt track DNA. 

The biggest complication on this build, was Dani actually starting the beast.  After a little research, Woolie decided to raise the port timing a little and increase the bleed off notch that let off some low-speed compression. Lectern carburettors agreed to help us out and build a special carburettor that laughed at the idea of being affected by latitude. Woolie had the great idea of placing the kickstand under the left foot peg to provide a platform when starting the bike. Great in theory, until it left his feet arch badly bruised, even in trials boots. 

With a major blow to the project and his foot, Woolie scrambled for a solution and came across an automatic compression release – a cylinder head mod that required some machining and welding but solved the problem completely. To give this bike the finishing touch, we took it to Saddleman for a specially made seat to outclass your standard glute cushions. ” – Michael Woolaway.

The finished bike can only be described as a certified weapon – a custom sword for the ‘Silent Samurai’ himself – Dani Pedrosa. " -

Specifications:

1985 Honda CR500 Motor w/ porting compression release completely rebuilt 

Hand built Chromoly frame 

Davie Durelle adjustable triple clamps

Ohlins 43mm Dirt track forks

Race Tech hand built shock by Jimmy Wood

DOT street legal Dirt track tires

Lectron Carburettor / Hand built by the owner

Saddlemen seat 

Body Work all hand made out of 1100 O Aluminum

19in Wheels build in SoCal at Dubya

Photos by Scott G Toepfer

- Deus custom
- Woolies work shop - Michael Woolaway
- Red Bull