Demand went up, without supply being a problem, so why the huge price jump? I'm sure any excuse Suzuki or Yamaha might have is going to be pretty lame or dismissive.
Did they make you sign a form stating what functionality does not work in SA? I know Vodacom makes you sign one, which pretty much renders a lot of the advanced (and some low-tech) features useless.
Jumping on the back brake would likely cause it to lock up, in turn making it want to overtake the front wheel. With an already compromised front wheel I vote this will cause a high-side, which is (not counting coming to a sudden stop against a pole/tree/wall) one of the worst ways to fall.
I'd...
Oh, I thought that's when they expect the journey to end. My bad.
Seriously. Time, finances and responsibilities allowing, I'd be their backup on a Tourateched xChallenge ('till about half way).