Well Iv had mine 3 days so Im not much help, but for those 3 days I would certainly not think twice about going for a long trip because I feel very comfortable with the xt as I have with all Yamaha,s I have owned in the past and had next to no problems with Yam,s.

have had lots of XT's and they have all been great, unreliable, hmmmm try KTM

OR BMW !!!!!

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.