Tech Tips Brake Arms

[Mike Lenz]

I want to thank Alan Buehner for his great tech articles.  They are always informitive and very detailed, which is good for racers and restorers alike.

I have a couple additions for the racers of some modifications many of you know, but Im sure some dont.

The newer style front brake arm and cam will work in the older backing plates and give you more stopping leverage. However you will need to turn around the lever (and plate) to the front and you will need the cable support holder that bolts onto the plate stay arm. Part no. 550 09 026 000.  You will also need to rig a cable support bracket out of some thin metal to bolt onto the top stay arm mount to support the cable up farther. Im pretty sure the lower cable support bracket is avib from Alan, but you will probebly have to make the upper support. Also the shorter front cable with the 6mm adjuster will work with this set up.  Just lock the two adjuster nuts together. Half cut and bend open a larger OD 6mm flat washer to go below the nuts, bend back shut after sliding over the cable and bottom of the adjuster. This will offer better support on the 8mm support bracket. The shorter 6mm adjuster cable is a must for this set up, especially on the 74 era short travel bikes. I use this set up on my MX bikes.  I leave the cable in the rear on my woods bikes.

Some of you may have noticed that on the 76 and 77 MC and GS-6 bikes there is not much rear brake leverage due to the short front foot lever.  The 52 10 033 000 longer new style backing plate arm and 520 10 031 300 cam help this and will work on any conical backing plate. I believe the older 52 10 031 300 cam will also work with the newer arm. However, I do remember cutting off the steel washer on the inside of the cam. I dont think Alan has anymore arms, may have to keep a look out on ebay.

Any further questions you can email me at [email protected].
Merry Christmas and Happy Motoring!