Gurgaon to Dholavira (Road to Heaven) on Two Wheels Versys 650

ROUTE and RIDER.com >  Featuring Motorcycle Rider Shivanshu Aggarwal and his motorcycle trip to the edge of the Rann of Kutch on a Versys 650.

Get the ultimate rider’s blueprint for Dholavira, covering everything from two-up suspension tuning and gear management to the best sunrise photography spots on the "Road to Heaven." This guide breaks down essential costs, fuel efficiency, and local culinary secrets to ensure your salt flat expedition is as smooth as the Kutch tarmac.

Some rides test your machine. Some tests your patience. And a few quietly test your planning skills.
Our January ride from Gurgaon to Dholavira—my wife and I on our Kawasaki Versys 650—was all three. If you’re planning this route, here’s a rider-first breakdown: routes, stays, what to avoid, and how to enjoy the legendary Road to Heaven without burning yourself out.

Why Dholavira?

Dholavira sits on the edge of the Great Rann of Kutch, famous for surreal white landscapes, vast skies, and roads that seem designed for motorcyclists. Winter (Dec–Feb) is peak season thanks to pleasant daytime temperatures and the Rann Utsav—great vibes, but also crowded if you don’t plan ahead.

Day-by-Day Route Breakdown

Day 1 – Gurgaon to Pali (23 Jan)

Distance: ~575 km
Ride time: ~11 hours
Start: 8:00 AM | End: 7:10 PM

We rolled out of Gurgaon and immediately rode into rain and cold—classic North India winter surprise. Light rain followed us till Neemrana, where we stopped at a dhaba (restaurant).

Why we chose X that works for riders:

• Barista coffee ☕

• Clean washrooms

• Easy parking

• Perfect warm-up stop in cold weather

From there, it was smooth sailing via Jaipur bypass → Ajmer bypass, with short stretches and hydration breaks. We skipped lunch to maintain momentum and checked into Hotel Mount Pleasant, Pali by evening—simple, rider-friendly, and well-timed for a long day.

Day 2 – Pali to Dholavira (24 Jan)

Distance: ~500 km
Ride time: ~10 hours
Start: 6:45 AM

The roads after Ajmer were a pure joy—open highways, flowing curves, and that relaxed Rajasthan rhythm.

Route lesson (important):
At Sirohi, Google Maps pushed us onto State Highway 27 instead of the Abu Road (NH). Big mistake.

• Speed breakers every 2–3 km

• Villages throughout

• Mentally exhausting

Pro tip: Take the Abu Road (National Highway) even if it shows a few extra kilometers. Same ETA, far better ride.

We reached the outskirts of Dholavira around 3:30 PM, touching the first stretch of the iconic Road to Heaven.

Accommodation challenge:
Because of the long weekend + Rann of Kutch festival, finding a room without prior booking was tough. After some hunting, we found a decent stay at ~₹5,000/night.

After unloading and resting for an hour, we headed back out around 5 PM to ride the main stretch of Road to Heaven and catch the sunset—an unforgettable moment with endless salt flats glowing gold.

Day 3 – Dholavira to Beawar (25 Jan)

Distance: ~630 km
Ride time: ~9 hours
Start: 11:00 AM

Two consecutive long days catch up fast. We slept in and planned a realistic exit day.

This time, we stuck to the Abu Road (NH) all the way to Beawar:

• Longer on paper

• No breakers

• No constant village slow-downs

• Much less fatigue

We reached Beawar by 8 PM and called it a night.

Day 4 – Beawar to Gurgaon (26 Jan)

Distance: ~450 km
Ride time: ~9 hours
Start: 8:00 AM

Republic Day threw a curveball. Near Kotputli, trucks were barred from entering Delhi, causing a massive jam. We lost nearly an hour, crawling between trucks and sometimes riding the gravel shoulder.

Patience (and balance) paid off—we rolled into Gurgaon by 5 PM, tired but smiling.

RIDER INSIGHTS

- - - 🛠 Technical & Gear Insights - - -

The Machine & Setup The Versys 650 handled the route with ease, proving why it's a premier mile-muncher. However, riding two-up with luggage requires a bit of math. I opted for a stiffer suspension setup to compensate for the pillion and gear weight, which significantly improved handling on the Rajasthan highways.

Luggage for Two Managing gear for two people for a 4-day trip is a space-management puzzle. We utilized:

• Brand X soft side bags and a Brand X top box for the bulk of our 4-day gear.
• A tank bag for miscellaneous "on-the-go" items.
• Brand X crash protector bags specifically for carrying our winter and rain liners.
  

Pillion Perspective Comfort is a forte for the V650, and my wife was comfortable throughout the journey. One minor tip for pillions: the repetitive climbing on and off the high back seat can cause leg fatigue/pain toward the end of a long trip. Pro Gear Tip: Winter and rain liners are absolute essentials. Don't leave home without them, as winter rain at highway speeds is brutal.

- - - The "ROAD to HEAVEN" Specifics - - -

Timing the Perfect Shot Everyone wants that "perfect" shot, but timing is everything. There are actually two distinct stretches of the Road to Heaven: one optimized for sunrise and one for sunset. Plan to ride both ends of the day for the best lighting.

The Terrain: While the road is pure tarmac, the edges offer some variety. There are wide shoulders along the road, making it safe to pull over and take pictures without obstructing traffic. For those feeling adventurous, there are small trails leading to higher points on Dholavira island, though they can be tricky. I attempted one with a solo rider on a 310GS, but we eventually had to turn back after losing the trail.

- - - 🍽 Cultural & Culinary Stops - - -

Local Flavor: Skip the commercial dhabas; the real magic is in the homestays. Most include home-cooked traditional vegetarian meals. Must try: Bajra roti and khichdi served with homemade cow-milk ghee. Caution: Avoid newer dhabas on this route. An upset stomach is the last thing you want on a long-distance ride.

- - - 💰 Budget & Planning (The "Value" Data) - - -

Category	Cost (Approx)	Notes
Fuel	₹10,000	For a 2200km total distance
Food & Lodging	₹16,000	Mid-range stays and meals
Total	₹26,000	For two people

Fuel Efficiency: The Versys 650 delivered a steady 22 kmpl while riding two-up. While fuel was available throughout the route, the Versys' 21-liter tank was a blessing, eliminating the need for frequent, time-consuming stops.

Pics Credits & Ride Inputs: Shivanshu on Instagram
 https://www.instagram.com/aggarwal_shivanshu/

Collaboration Author: Ted King

10 Motorcycle Riding Fitness Fundamentals That Improve Rider Speed, Control, and Endurance

 Whether you’re chasing a personal best on track days, navigating adventure bike trails, or carving up the local twisties, your bike is only as capable as its rider. Improving your motorcycle fitness isn't just about looking good in leathers—it’s about rider safety, sharper reflexes, and total bike control.

Here are the 10 foundations of fitness every rider needs to master. You can also find a "Moto-Fit 30-Minute Exercise" that can be helpful. Just a quick reminder: please check with a doctor or trainer before starting a new routine, especially if you’re managing an injury or health condition. 

Winter Motorcycle Riding: 10 Must-Know Tips to Stay Safe, Warm

 

Cold-weather riding isn’t just “normal riding, but colder.”
When temperatures drop, traction changes, reactions slow, and fatigue creeps in fast. If you love riding year-round, these quick, rider-tested tips can make the difference between an epic winter ride and a sketchy one. 

A Motorcycling Escape to Dudhraj Camps, Lansdowne

 There comes a point when the city grind gets too loud—pollution, hectic schedules, virtual meetings, emails, traffic, concrete—it all starts to box you in. That’s when you know it’s time to load up the saddlebags, rev the engines, and head for the hills.

Last weekend, my riding buddies and I reached that breaking point. We needed tarmac, twists, and a serious dose of unadulterated nature. Our destination? A hidden gem we’d heard whispers about in the riding community: Dudhraj Camps in the Duggada range, just short of Lansdowne. 

Six Long-Ride Lessons from Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary Motorcycle Expedition

Gear up, and let's dive into the lessons learned from the road to Kuno. 🏍️

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🛣️ Lessons from the Wild Ride to Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary

Hey fellow riders and adventure seekers! Just got back from an incredible, yet eye-opening, trip to the majestic Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary with ROTSMC. We saw some amazing sights, but as always, the road taught us a few invaluable lessons—the kind you can only learn with a helmet on and the wind in your face. 

Ditch the Guards: Why Dedicated Riding Pants Rule for Long Tours

 

 

 

🚫 Ditch the Guards: Why Dedicated Riding Pants Rule for Long Tours

We all seek protection on the road, but sometimes, the gear we choose for safety can work against our comfort over long distances. Case in point: the recent Chakrata ride where two riders learned a tough lesson about all-day wear.

One friend, relying on external knee guards, was plagued by cramps. The constant pressure and slight restriction of the straps, which are designed for impact stability, became a major source of discomfort over hours in the saddle. The other, wearing jeans with in-built guards, ended his trip with noticeable joint aches. In-built armor, especially in casual-fit jeans, often shifts slightly or is not optimally positioned for the prolonged, static position of touring, leading to unnatural pressure points.

The verdict from the road is clear: For day-long motorcycle touring, the best investment you can make is a pair of dedicated, quality riding pants.

 

The Riding Pants Advantage

• Ergonomics: Riding pants are specifically cut and articulated to accommodate the seated posture on a motorcycle for extended periods. This drastically reduces the pressure and restriction that leads to cramps and aches.

• Integrated Comfort: The armor in proper riding pants is usually held securely in pockets that prevent shifting, and often features adjustment options for a perfect fit while riding.

• Comprehensive Protection: Beyond the knees, riding pants offer superior abrasion resistance across the entire leg (including the hips and rear), which regular jeans or standalone guards can't match. In a slide, that full-coverage, abrasion-resistant material is what saves your skin.

Don't compromise your health and enjoyment for the sake of convenience or cost. Your body will thank you after a 10-hour ride when you're still walking tall and cramp-free.

Ride safe, ride smart, and invest in the gear that's built for the long haul!

What's your go-to gear for long-distance comfort? Share your experiences in the comments!

Cheers! 
Biker BT


Pic credits :unsplash.com/@mickhenson101

Are You Riding Your Money’s Worth? Calculate Your Bike’s Real Value

 

For many bikers, a motorcycle isn’t just transport—it’s a passion purchase. But once the thrill of the showroom fades, a question often lingers: Am I getting my money’s worth from this machine? Whether you ride daily or only on weekends, calculating the actual value you're extracting from your bike can offer surprising insights.  

A Simple Way to Calculate "Value for Money"

One of the most effective ways to measure this is by calculating the cost per kilometer.

Basic Formula:

 Cost per km = Total Ownership Cost / Total Kilometers Ridden

This gives you a clear picture of how much each kilometer is costing you. The more you ride, the more that cost comes down.

Example: A Rs. 10,00,000 Motorcycle

Let’s say you purchased a premium bike for ₹10,00,000. Over three years, you've ridden it for 20,000 km.

Cost per km = ₹10,00,000 / 20,000 = ₹50/km

At this point, you’re paying ₹50 for every kilometer ridden—not including additional ownership costs. That’s a high rate unless you're using the bike regularly and purposefully.

But if you ride 40,000 km over the same period?

Cost per km = ₹10,00,000 / 40,000 = ₹25/km

Double the usage, half the per-km cost. That’s how riding more helps you justify the investment.

 

What to Include in Total Cost?

To get a realistic and more accurate value, go beyond just the purchase price. Include:

●       Insurance: Premiums over the years, especially for high-end bikes. 

●        Servicing & Maintenance: Scheduled services, parts, and repairs.

●       Fuel: Calculated based on average mileage and cost per liter.

●       Accessories & Upgrades: Custom exhausts, panniers, riding tech, etc.

●       Depreciation: Estimate the loss of resale value over time.

Example Add-On Costs for the Rs. 10L Bike Over 3 Years:

Expense	Estimated Cost
Insurance (3 yrs)	₹75,000
Servicing & Repairs	₹60,000
Fuel (20 kmpl avg, ₹110/ltr, 20,000 km)	₹1,10,000
Accessories	₹50,000
Depreciation (approx 30%)	₹3,00,000

Total Additional Cost: ₹5,95,000

Total Ownership Cost = ₹10,00,000 + ₹5,95,000 = ₹15,95,000

New Cost per km = ₹15,95,000 / 20,000 = ₹79.75/km

Now, you're nearly touching ₹80 per km—unless you increase your ride time. Ride 40,000 km instead, and the cost drops to:

₹15,95,000 / 40,000 = ₹39.88/km

That’s a huge difference. 

 

Final Thought

Owning a superbike or high-end tourer is a dream—but making the most of it means riding often. Let it stretch its legs on highways, weekend trails, or daily commutes. Every kilometer helps reduce the cost and increase the value you're drawing from your machine. Your motorcycle is more than just using it for bread-anda grocery purchases or just a coffee ride. Get a Grip and RIDE ! 

So, if your bike's still gleaming in the garage with low kilometers on the odometer, it might be time to ask:

 "Am I riding it enough to justify the investment?"

 #RideItRight #BikeWorthCalculator #MotorcycleROI #GetYourMoneyWorth #RideMoreSpendSmart #BikerLifeIndia

Cheers,

Biker BT

Photo by Jusdevoyage and Sean Delshadi.