travelandleisureindia.inTHEBIKE
The 2018 HondaGold Wing is
recognisedbyriders across the
worldasagenius long-
distanceluxurytourer. At its
heartisa1,833-cc horizontally
opposedsix-cylinder engine
thatispeppyandreliable, with
justtherightdisplacement to
tackleterrainand climate.
Thebikealsofeatures a seven-
speedautomaticDCT (dual
clutchtransmission), which
allows for seamless switching
of gears for a smoother, more
efficient ride. And, with the new
double wishbone front
suspension, four riding modes
and a compact seat placement,
you couldn’t ask for a more
comfortable bike to travel
cross-country.THE GEAR
The MT Blade2 SV helmet is
tested rigorously for its
toughness and uses special
absorbent fabrics. It also
includes a drop-down sun visor.
The SCIMITAR Metro ridingjacket is practical yet sleek. It
features elbow, shoulder and
back armour for better impact
absorption and mesh fabric for
maximum ventilation. RYO
Onex riding boots are super
comfy, with an anti-slip outer
sole. MICOMY Axe riding
gloves are versatile and great
for all riding needs.
Great riding gear is available at
Honda BigWing, IFFCO Chowk,
Sector 25, Gurugram, Haryana.
Phone: +91 124 4007045THE STAY
The JW Marriott Jaipur
Resort & Spa is the perfect
place to relax and rejuvenate
after a day’s ride. The majestic
property is set amidst the
Aravalli hills, and has suites,
family rooms and villas with
private plunge pools—which is
where Gaurav planned his trip
and contemplated his journey.
Amenities include a stunning
pool, a full-service fitness
centre, multiple dining options
and the famous Spa by JW.THE DETAILSFacing page above:
Tee, Armani
Exchange; jeans,
American Eagle;
sneakers, Onitsuka
Tiger; watch,
Hublot.
Facing page below:
All experienced
riders know that
gearing up is critical,
as Gaurav clearly
demonstrates (see
The Details).
Opening spread:
Jacket, Superdry;
tee, Calvin Klein;
jeans, Paul Smith;
watch, Hublot;
boots, Weinbrenner.
Opening spread
(inset): Jacket,
Tommy Hilfiger; tee,
Undercover.Gold Wing’s electric windscreen (which
can move up and down, and change its
angle), full LED lighting (including on the
instrumentation) and fairing (which
offers excellent wind and weather
protection) really come handy.
Gaurav says that being on the road is
about who you are as a person. If you’re
not passionate about it, you will eventually
lose interest. But, that is rather rare.
Bikers run on adrenaline and emotion,
and that heady combination defines the
machine as well. Technology has enabled
enjoyment like never before, but it can’t be
complicated. Electronics shouldn’t
frustrate you, so it’s a good thing that the
Gold Wing has easy-to-use controls
mounted on the handlebar or centre
console. We loved the seven-inch TFT
colour display, and the inclusion of Apple
CarPlay, which lets you integrate your
iPhone seamlessly. The electronic smart
key with an “answer back” feature (which
lets you find your bike in the dark) is
great, too.
More than anything, being on the road
is about the freedom of being out there.
You have to feel it. You have to feel the
emotion. You have to live the journey.
When you’re on the road, you are not just
facing the elements, you’re beginning to
understand who you are. To Gaurav, it’s all
about how much passion one has towards
machines and motorsports.
Why? “Because whatever your
personality is, it’s actually going to transpire into the
way you are as a rider, or even as a sportsperson,”
says Gaurav.
Regardless of the distance you’re riding, or the
amount of time you spend behind the handlebar,
there’s an innate appeal to taking to the road and just
riding away. It’s almost spiritual.