Good advice so far, here's some personal exp:
First off, you might need 3-4 days in Delhi getting used to the 500, and to learn how to repair it, in case **** happens.

A guide might not be advised simply because you two would have quite a desire to spend time on your own, all the time Though, we could arrange for numbers of contacts in all cities.

You might wish to buy a Reliance cell fone, or *better* a BSNL fone, which work in EACH corner of the country.

Then, I notice you've budgeted about 120-180km/day. You might wish to cover 200-230km/day. That's easily do-able, and gives you considerable leeway.

Also, buy biking jacket, tracks and helmets from Delhi. The idea's that you and your fiance wear similar clothes. IMHO, in some parts of India, you should look like two riders, and not a couple. That helps avoid unwanted attention, and helps safety. xBHPians who take long rides with their wives/gfs could chip in here!

As for traffic on *any Indian* road, you just need to maintain a good speed, and keep in your lane. Let the faster Sumo/ Qualis/ cars/ ZMA/ P180s pass you. Defensive driving is the norm.

Thanks guys,
helpful information pouring in.
I also had no idea that my route was called the Golden Quadrilateral.
What does Quadrilateral mean?
also, what is a Reliance cell phone? Is that like a pre paid cell phone? I was planning on using international roaming with my cell phone, but if there is a pre paid cell phone service available, then I might just consider that.
Does anyone know what are some interesting cities or places in Andhra and Orissa?
hitanshu, thank you for the email.

good man . best of luce fr ur trip

I dunno bullet reliability but I think the Thunderbird is the best bet.
I woulda said Karizma but the kinda load you gonna be carrying would be better carried by a bullet.
Reliance phone is a device which will drain you of all your wealth and then you'll have to surrender the phone for which you'll have to pay the remainin installments of the cost of the instrment at one go.
Just one advise, beware of Cows/dogs/kids/workers/cops with radar guns etc etc.

Hey,

The golden quadrilateral is a name given to a national highway that will connect the entire country.............but some parts of that highway are yet incomplete...........prepare accordingly..keep info abt alternate routes handy.
Reliance is a company offering telephony services here in India. They do have a prepaid service which can be used all over India. There are other service providers also. You can skip the Intl roaming.
I havnt been to Andhra or Orrisa yet so dunno abt the same

Hey Chi!
Way 2 go man.
I would advise you to go for a Thunderbird, Trust me.
Its pretty comfortable and can carry good amount of loads.
And as far as any help is concerned, Do let me know.
I'm from Chandigarh, so need any help in this region just give me a buzz.
u can mail me on [email protected] or im at vinu_vi@yahoo