I wouldn't buy a new XT, I would buy a cheaper old model and spend the xtra cash getting a complete rebuild and re spec from a respected builder like David Lambeth.
The older XT's were very different (and serious off road/RTW/desert bikes) from the new plastic street orientated models. An italian import costing £700 followed by £3000 worth of mods will get you a bike perfectly prepped by an expert to your EXACT specifications with a spec FAR HIGHER than a modern factory built bike.
And normally the factory bike will also require some fairly serious mods itself before a trans africa trip. Do the maths and think about your priorities.
I have tried trips on both types of bike and would now always head towards the older machine.
Dave
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