We've hogged out the inside of the "canoe" and created the little windows inside as well as outside.Not only do these little windows look cool they serve a greater purpose by turning the piece into an I-beam. This shape is actually much stronger then if we were to just make the piece without the windows. So although generally you won't see this when looking at the bike the importance of doing it far from asthetics.
It does cost more to do the added machining but in addition to strength there is a further reduction in weight as well.It will always be function before form at Banshee and we will compromise on looks before we compromise on strength, or performance but its nice when both can come together to make something beauty.
Update: later that day...Ok now we have the back part started in the NC and have both halves of the canoe now.
The rear swingarm is being welded up and hopefully we can get into the oven for heat treating to T4 today.
All aluminum after its welded needs to be aged for strength. To age it faster you stick it in an oven but if you're willing to wait a month you can let it age naturally.
After heat treating to T4 we wait 3 days and then heat treat again but to T6 however I still think its best to let it still age a bit naturally after getting to T6 before you start riding the frame.
