Update!
Hi all,
Sorry for the delay in updating this, but as soon as I was mobile I had to make a dash for the border as both my Angolan and DRC visas were running out...
Turns out my new (less than 5000km) alternator belt snapped and in doing so, exposed the fact that my battery couldn't hold any charge at all. I'm still trying to figure out why the bike didn't give me a battery voltage warning and why when I last checked the battery (when I changed the A-belt) it was reading solid... Mostly likely has something to so with my relative cluelessness...
So, luckily I kept my old belt as a spare and the KTM dealer in Lunanda had a battery that worked (scaaaary Luanda price of $232 for it!!!). So with that and a HUGE amount of help from the guys at the local bike club ( AMIGOS DA PICADA) I was able to get on the road.
About the help, I really mean it- these guys were pure gold- from lending me a battery out of one of their own bikes to ride to the shop, to giving me lifts when I needed them, to taking me out to dinner! Really, just some of the coolest guys I've met on the trip so far.
Thanks for the notes and support- it really makes a difference when your riding alone to know that there are people out there that are willing to help.
David
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