Brake backing plate material?

[Carl Hill]

I know Penton conical hubs are magnesium, but what about the backing plates? I have an 81 model and it is clearly marked as magnesium but the older ones I have just say KTM made in Austria with the part number on the inside.
TIA

[ALB]

Hi Carl,

The KTM rear conical hub backing plates are all made of magnesium. One of the problems that you will encounter with them if well used, is that the hole where the brake cam fit in gets egg shaped from a lack of maintenance. The steel cam wears away at it because of the lack of lubrication. The rear wheel should be removed at least once a year and the brake shoes removed. The brake came should be removed, cleaned and greased and then everything put back together. If a lot of riding is being done, especially in a lot of water, then the cam will need cleaning and greasing more often. Some owners planned ahead and installed a zerk fitting to make greasing easier.
A worn brake cam hole will not allow you to apply enough braking pressure to the back wheel. Thus allowing you to go faster and win more races or give you a hair raising experience.