drum brake expansion?

[ricksd]

I've never heard of this before, from this blog:
http://hondaclassicracing.blogspot.com/ ... label/CB72
He says,
"...Honda 200mm drums are too light, when really used, they grow so much from the heat that the spokes become loose. From one of my dad's other CB72 racers came a front wheel with Suzuki T500 front drum, now fitted with a honda brakeplate. These hubs have a thicker lining and can withstand the abuse of racing with modern tyres."
I've read that the T500 hub cracks easily, but may be urban legend.
Rick

[teazer]

It's true, the drum does expand. I don't recall spokes ever getting loose, but it was common on some tracks to have to adjust the brake lever half way through a race or else you ran out of brakes. When it cooled off after a race, the front brake was fully on. Had that happen at Winton a few times - not at PI though.

They are fine on a CB160.

I wouldn't use a T500 brake unless it's been welded though. The hub cracks up. My favorite is an XS1 drum. Same size but more metal in it.