MK Indy GSXR Build Diary: Handbrake gaiter, cooling hoses

Tonight I had a go at making a handbrake gaiter from the remaining leather from the trousers I cut up to make the steering wheel centre. I had a look at the general shape of a gaiter, cut a paper template, transferred the rough shape to the leather and sewed it together. I positioned the existing leg seam on the top for decoration and used a sewing machine to sew it inside out before turning it round. The gaiter fits tightly over the handbrake and seems to function ok. I made a cardboard template of the slot I plan to cut in the top of the tunnel – the slot measured 200 x 60mm with rounded corners. I could edge trim this and glue the gaiter to the underside of the tunnel. Or I could cut a surround from aluminium and bolt it to the top of the tunnel. Not sure what I will do yet.

Next job was to finish the hoses. I jubilee clipped the bottom hose so the system is now ready for flushing and filling with coolant, which will be a job for the weekend.