A quick update, have now owned the xt for two weeks and put 450 miles on her riding mostly suburb and twisties, and I find this bike very good indeed, leaning into corners then blasting out is no problem and as good if not better than a sports bike.
I read that some unfortunate owners have had starting problems but touch wood starting my own xt is another positive as I barely touch the start button and its away, so looking forward to the next 25,000 miles.