From what I've read is that the peak is actually there to take the glare off of the visor that is generally covered in a thin layer of dust, when riding offroad, thus improving overall visibility.
You can also look at the new Motobatt Hybrid battery, uses gel and lithium tech. Has decent cca to fit any bike fired up,bonus is any charger can be used with it.
Here's a gpx file for the Vredefort area, some stunning riding around there. Worth stopping at the Venterskroon Inn for a burger and Skandinavia Drift for something to drink.
What winter gloves to use always tends to get a good debate going :)
I'm based up north, where our winters are dry and generally by 9am things are warming up already - I've tried a lot of different gloves and finally last year settled on the Alpinestars Windstopper gloves, they do a great job...
Simplifying is always a good thing :) and keeping the weight low.
I use the Kriega US 10 Drypak, straps to the bike quickly and has everything in it re: tools, spare tube, compressor, etc, etc and in summer it has my rain suit and in winter has spare space to put the layers in that I take off...
If you do go up then go from Hoedspruit side, going from Graskop and through Bushbuckridge is not a pleasant experience. Correct there is only 1 road up, you will need a high clearance vehicle and 4x4 if it's wet.