It just randomly died... twice :(

[numus]

Went on my first "long" trip on my 96 GS500E (2 and a half hours to panama city). Randomly twice in the ride the bike started to buck (forward and back) and finally the electrical system just died. Buddy said even the headlight went out. Pulled off to the side of the road and tried to start it.. nothing.. then waited a couple minutes and it started right back up.
Any idea? First thing i thought about was overheat, but that shouldn't cause the headlight to lose power also...