This information should be prominenetly displayed for new owners, of which I am one. I'm running out to buy a filter TODAY!

Hi Volare, welcome to the site. Your "neer do well" in your profile seems to be nullified by your choice in the XT ... you did well!

You don't have commas in your personal profile interests listing so at first glance it appears like you fly bluegrass motorcycles (sounds like a supercross rider who plays the slide dobro while pickin' and a grinnin' the banjo doing a backwards flip on an XT).

Central Arizona seems like it would be a great place to ride.

Enjoy!

After reading all of the posts on shavings in the oil filter I was prompted to go out and do an oil change and filter cleaning on mine. This was my first time removing the filter. Being a little unfamiliar with it, I accidentally punctured the fine mesh during removal and had to spring for a new one. There was some metal grit on the filter, but nothing excessive. It just looked like the filter was doing a good job at what it was supposed to do.
I've changed the oil 3 times since new. This is the first filter change ( 04 model with 2,126 miles). I imagine the only problem you'd have is if the shavings/grit built up thick enough to limit oil flow through the filter.
I've never had a problem removing the oil drain plug and have never seen anything of concern in the mesh basket at the drain plug. A good 19mm socket and a 1/2 inch drive ratchet have removed the plug with ease. I recommend not over tightening when reinstalling.