Hi Mike
Welcome to the forum. I wouldn't like my XTR half as much if I hadn't found this site (and learned about the subsequent mods necessary to turn the bike into something awesome).

It is so hard to advise because everyone's requirements, tastes, riding styles, body sizes, and usage varies - so I can only tell you my experience...

I'm 6'5" so I wanted a big-sized bike to suit (can't fit on a sports bike). Some easy mods lifted the suspension so the bike is super comfy now. The front forks are crap in standard form - dive badly under brakes, and the standard ground clearance is ordinary. I've sorted that now relatively cheaply with new linkages at the back and new fork springs/emulators up front.

The surging was bad, even on my 2011 model, but the O2 Controller and Fuel mod from resident forum guru Kev made a HUGE difference. New air filters took advantage of the extra latent HP available too - so the bike is well torquey now (I also put on a bigger rear sprocket because 1st gear was too tall for my liking - which improve torque feel even more).

Riding in slow stop/start traffic is not its preferred domain. Clutch is light enough but it's here when I notice the residual surgy-ness. Don't think you can cure it completely - it's in the nature of the big single. However, if you've got an open road or forest trail in front of you then this is where the bike really shines. It goes, stops and turns amazingly well and can keep up with sports bikes through the twisties. Can also carry a fair bit of kit for adventure getaways. Plus it's super reliable and there's a long time between scheduled services (big consideration IMO, and why I shied away from some other brands).

Perhaps I'm so used to it now, but the weight is not an issue to me. I definitely noticed the extra kilos thru washed out fire-breaks, compared to my mates Gas Gas 450 - but again, the XTR is certainly not a pure dirt bike even though it will get you there. Going to a single exhaust is definitely the easiest way to drop kilos - but it makes it plenty noisier (which might be an issue if you're commuting thru quiet streets in the early hours).

For me, it's a perfect all-rounder. I'm addicted. Pity you're not in Bris or else I'd say come over for a test spin.