Why Choose an Upgrade Motorsport Hydraulic Handbrake DIY Kit?
- Grant Lockhead

- Sep 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 20
When it comes to building a race-ready vehicle, control, flexibility, and precision are non-negotiable. At Upgrade Motorsport, we’ve developed two new Motorsport Hydraulic Handbrake DIY Kits designed specifically for motorsport engineers, fabricators, and teams who demand more than a bolt-on solution.
These are not casual, off-the-shelf handbrakes. They’re purpose-built for serious builders who want complete control over positioning, setup, and performance.
Two Tailored Options for Your Build
360mm Billet Alloy Handle KitA naturally finished CNC billet aluminium handle for a clean, professional look—ideal for minimalist, high-performance builds.View Product →
360mm Black Anodised Handle KitAll the strength and precision of our billet construction with a rugged black anodised finish for added protection and style.View Product →
Both kits include:
.625 Spherical Bearing Master Cylinder – motorsport-grade performance with smooth and reliable actuation.
360mm CNC Billet Aluminium Handle – available in alloy or black anodised.
Precision Clevis and Two 8mm I/D Bushes – engineered for solid, low-friction pivot points.
Built for Bespoke Motorsport Installs
Unlike many hydraulic handbrakes on the market, Upgrade Motorsport’s DIY kits are designed for complete installation freedom.
Engineer-Ready: Requires welding two 8 mm pivot points (pivot bars/bolts not included).
Custom Placement: Fit the handbrake exactly where you need it in the cockpit for optimal ergonomics.
Professional-Grade Build: Billet aluminium, anodised finish options, and spherical bearing master cylinder for reliability under race conditions.
This makes our kits ideal for serious builders who want a race-ready, bespoke hydraulic handbrake system rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Why Hydraulics Over Cable?
Hydraulic handbrakes offer:
Consistent feel even under repeated use.
Immediate rear wheel lock-up for drift entry and tight rally manoeuvres.
Greater reliability with less wear than traditional cable systems.
For competitive motorsport, a hydraulic system isn’t just an upgrade—it’s essential.
How Do We Compare to the Competition?
The motorsport market offers a wide range of hydraulic handbrakes, from entry-level to premium:
Motamec Alloy Hand Brake – Adjustable CNC handle, sold without master cylinder, from ~£107.
Redspec Vertical Hydraulic Handbrake – Budget aluminium frame/steel lever, ~£70, master cylinder extra.
OBP & Compbrake Hydraulic Handbrakes – Steel construction with optional billet versions, ~£117–£157 (master cylinder often sold separately).
Kit WRC Carbon Fibre Handbrake – High-end carbon-fibre build, ~£385, master cylinder not included.
Where Upgrade Stands Out:
Feature | Upgrade Motorsport Kit | Competitors |
Design Intent | DIY, weld-in bespoke install | Mostly ready-to-install bolt-on kits |
Master Cylinder Included | Yes – .625 spherical bearing | Often sold separately |
Materials | CNC billet aluminium, anodised/alloy | Mix of CNC, steel, carbon, powder-coated |
Target User | Engineers, fabricators, pro teams | Broader market, from hobbyists to pros |
Customisation | Unlimited – weld where you want it | Limited – usually fixed mounting positions |
While other brands like Compbrake, OBP or Motamec produce solid hydraulic handbrakes, they often target the budget quick-fit solutions. Upgrade Motorsport’s DIY kits stand out by giving professional builders the freedom to fabricate a truly bespoke setup, with the added benefit of including a high-quality spherical bearing master cylinder as standard.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a hydraulic handbrake system you can bolt on in minutes, there are plenty of options out there. But if you’re an engineer, fabricator, or motorsport team that wants a custom, race-ready solution with professional-grade components, the Upgrade Motorsport Hydraulic Handbrake DIY Kit is the smarter choice.
Choose your style—billet alloy or black anodised—and start building your bespoke system today.
👉 Explore both kits here:













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