Drum Brake Appraisal

Vintage Motorcycle Rear Wheel Assembly with Drum Brake

This item is a vintage motorcycle rear wheel assembly, complete with a tire, spoked rim, and a drum brake system. The tire appears to be black rubber with a moderately worn tread, exhibiting some signs of age and possibly dry rot or cracking, though specifics are hard to discern from the image. The wheel rim is a silver-toned metal, likely chrome-plated steel or aluminum, featuring numerous metal spokes radiating from the central hub, indicating a classic spoked wheel construction. The spokes themselves show some rust and grime, suggesting prolonged exposure or lack of maintenance. The central component is the drum brake assembly, which is made of a light-colored metal, probably cast aluminum or a similar alloy, showing significant oxidation, discoloration, and a greasy patina consistent with age and use. Attached to the brake drum are various cables and linkages for its operation; these cables are black insulated, and their metal ends show some surface corrosion. There are no clear manufacturer markings or signatures visible on the brake drum or rim from this angle. The overall condition suggests that the assembly has been used and stored for an extended period, requiring cleaning, potential restoration of the brake components, and likely replacement of the tire due to age. This type of wheel and brake system is characteristic of motorcycles produced from the mid-20th century, possibly from the 1960s to 1980s, given the drum brake design and spoked wheel. The craftsmanship appears to be industrial standard for its era, with functional components designed for performance rather than aesthetic embellishment.