Sept. 12th Track Day @ Portland

Swanny · 08-18-2011, 04:57 PM

So me and Rainman are signed up with PSSR for a track day on Sept. 12th @ Portland International Raceway. Neither of us have ran this track but we've heard it is very liter bike friendly.

It's a buck-fitty....be sweet to have a bunch of S1's out there....

M-Coupe99 · 08-18-2011, 05:14 PM

You and Rainman should have a fun time. Like I said in the local forum, I was down there on August 4th and had a great time. The liter bikes can hit pretty high speeds on the front straight and back "straight" (which is slightly curved and requires balls of steel to run WOT). Lots more run-off room than Pacific Raceways in the Seattle area.

Couple of things are up in the air for me, if everything works out I may make it down there. When I was there on the 4th, I spoke briefly with a guy who was running a track-prepared S1000RR, looked pretty fast and mean running in the expert group.

Borrowedbike · 08-19-2011, 11:44 AM

Should be about four or five S1K's there, more if you two come along

PIR's not bad. Straightforward track, no elevation change. Resurfaced recently so it's not torn up like Seattle.

PSSR's a good crew, I've ridden with them a lot. Tom, Dan and Al do a great job and the instructors all seem to be very willing to work with you if you ask.

And yes, front straight is pretty good, I got up to 173 (indicated) last track day I rode there. I’m sure a more skilled rider can get even more. Have to disagree with M-Coupe. “Back Straight” or actually turn six is a ton of fun. Point at edge of the wall, get off the seat to the right and pin it after turn five. Seven is a VERY fast turn, and the approach is where I clear most “clusters” if I happen on one. Pavement slopes away from the apex and will pull you towards the grass if you get off line. Just treat it like a turn, not a straight and it comes pretty easy.

Swanny · 08-19-2011, 01:05 PM

Awesome info....glad the Beemer's will be out playin'...
I've heard nuthin' but good things about PSSR.
Can't wait!

M-Coupe99 · 08-19-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Borrowedbike

Should be about four or five S1K's there, more if you two come along

PIR's not bad. Straightforward track, no elevation change. Resurfaced recently so it's not torn up like Seattle.

PSSR's a good crew, I've ridden with them a lot. Tom, Dan and Al do a great job and the instructors all seem to be very willing to work with you if you ask.

And yes, front straight is pretty good, I got up to 173 (indicated) last track day I rode there. I’m sure a more skilled rider can get even more. Have to disagree with M-Coupe. “Back Straight” or actually turn six is a ton of fun. Point at edge of the wall, get off the seat to the right and pin it after turn five. Seven is a VERY fast turn, and the approach is where I clear most “clusters” if I happen on one. Pavement slopes away from the apex and will pull you towards the grass if you get off line. Just treat it like a turn, not a straight and it comes pretty easy.

Being my first time at PIR, I felt like I required balls of steel to take turn six at WOT, especially after I saw several riders almost ride off the track to the outside. If you're within five feet of the inside wall the bike doesn't move to the outside as bad, just have to be comfortable riding that close to a concrete wall at speed. Felt more comfortable during the afternoon sessions.

Swanny · 08-19-2011, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M-Coupe99

Being my first time at PIR, I felt like I required balls of steel to take turn six at WOT, especially after I saw several riders almost ride off the track to the outside. If you're within five feet of the inside wall the bike doesn't move to the outside as bad, just have to be comfortable riding that close to a concrete wall at speed. Felt more comfortable the during the afternoon sessions.

Man....you guys are really peaking my interest in this track....170+.....snuggling up to concrete walls at speed...off camber sweepers...this is gonna ROCK!

Borrowedbike · 08-19-2011, 02:17 PM

See you there! We usuilay pit down by the track entrance. Swing by.

M-Coupe99 · 08-19-2011, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swanny

Man....you guys are really peaking my interest in this track....170+.....snuggling up to concrete walls at speed...off camber sweepers...this is gonna ROCK!

The afternoon sessions at PIR were the most fun that I've had on a track day, counting driving both cars and motorcycles.

As for my top speed on the front straight, I wasn't running as fast as Borrowedbike, hitting only about 163 (indicated), but I was shifting at 13K and letting off on the throttle a little before the start of the braking zone. Was working on the braking zones and getting the proper corner entry speeds, would love to go back down there again this summer now that I have a better idea on how to get around the track.

Rush66crp · 08-19-2011, 08:47 PM

Would You guys recommend this if I've never done a track day or been to the track at all?

Rainman · 08-19-2011, 08:56 PM

I'm really looking forward to the trip to Portland. Hope to meet some of you for sure. John, get in. As Swanny says, new track for us.

I'll be happy to run in the "C" group, try out PIR, and work on technique all day. That's what track days are for. Glad to hear there are good instructors and crew @ the track. An opportunity to make new friends.

C U