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Time Travel
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Don Williams
04/01/2007
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Photograph by Jeff Kardas
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While it can hardly be described as
ponderous, the 450 does not have the direction-changing capabilities of its
smaller sibling and in flat turns the 450 had a greater tendency to push the
front end. Once through a corner, the 450 quickly regains any ground it might
have lost to the 250.
At the secluded MotoWorld motocross track, the WR450F
is unquestionably the machine of choice. Its power allows easier clearing of
double and step-up jumps, as well as climbing the steep uphill portions of the
entertaining course. It is not a motocross bike out of the crate, but we will
certainly not be shocked to see some modified used on higher speed tracks that
can benefit from the WRs’ wider ratio transmission. Remember, many cross-country
racecourses include a motocross track in the circuit, and Yamaha has focused the
WRs more toward racing.
 Local ranches use unique fence posts. Photograph by Jeff Kardas. (Click image to enlarge)
Ultimately, the WR450F’s power comes at a price.
Those willing to accept the 450’s shortcomings relative to the 250 will have
access to absolute power that stands ready to corrupt. For the rest of us, the
WR250F solidly makes the case for going faster with less power. Regardless, both
bikes are more than capable of reaching any well-guarded
destination.
Arriving at Marea Brava, you will pass the Jungle Surf
restaurant. Though the hours can be tricky and the service is what we will
delicately describe as “Costa Rica relaxed”, the banana pancakes make for a
hearty meal before departing from the hotel’s gravel parking lot.
You will
want to feed yourself well, as there is an entirely new set of roads to explore,
villages to visit (practice your wheelies), plus some epic single-track trails
to discover. Not quite as deep in the rain forest as the trip from the airport,
these trails include spectacular rides along ridge tops, with the Pacific Ocean
on one side and a lush tropical paradise on the other. Deserting the
road-less-traveled for the trail-rarely-attempted rewards you with the technical
self-test that dedicated off-roaders trek the world to find. Some single-track
obstacles include washouts that need to be jumped, rocky streambeds with steep
ingresses and egresses, waterfalls, as well as the ubiquitous steep grades that
combine slick mud, ruts and rocks to subjugate any would-be conqueror. These are
not trails you will find on your own, and absolutely not something to be ridden
solo, or on less-than-certain machinery.
 Photograph by Frank Hoppen. (Click image to enlarge)
Concurrently, proper riding apparel
is vital. HJC’s ultra-light AC-X3 Carbon Titan helmet reduces neck stress on
long, tough rides. ProGrip’s 3400 goggles’ light-sensitive lens allowed us to
see in both bright sun and dark jungle. At the opposite end, Sidi’s astonishing
Crossfire TA boots perform the hat trick of comfort, flexibility and
protection, while surprising us with outstanding waterproofing and zero break-in
time. In between, we went with Shift Racing’s Faction pants, jersey and gloves.
This combination provided the airflow needed for the warm Costa Rican jungles,
along with protection in vital, vulnerable areas. Shift’s XC jacket was at the
ready, in case the weather turned to rain.
Successful travel in any third
world country requires thorough preparation, including the understanding of
local customs and languages. On short notice, that means relying
on resident experts to guide you. The Yamaha WRs, Marea Brava and Costa Rica
Unbound alloy themselves to turn the welcoming Central American country into
your own personal playground.
www.yamaha-motor.com
www.mareabravacostarica.com
www.hjchelmets.com
www.progrip.com
www.shiftracing.com
www.motonation.com | Sidi boots
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