I have a 01XC700SP with 6,500 miles and was wondering about the piston and rings. Maybe I am old school, but I remember as a kid racing motocross that piston and rings was a yearly thing. Now that was before liquid cooling and I know the tolerances can be closer and with the plating on the cylinders, things do last longer now days.
I only get to ride 3 times a year so preventive maintenance to me is cheap insurance for a good trip.
Let me know what you all think.

I tore down my 700 and they were fine. I kept the pistons and replaced the rings.

Take a peek at the cylinders also, to make sure there aren't any cracks in-between ports.

If your low on compression, I'd go for it. Otherwise, drive it like you stole it!

Also use good quality oil, and let the sled warm up properly before you take off on it. Lots of debate over oils, but its hard to beat synthetics for wear properties. Good off season storage prep is really important too. Fog it and drain the carbs. With all this you should be able to go a long ways on a top end. I know a fellow that has 35,000 miles on an old Indy 500 with just one top end rebuild!

Your sled should still have lots of life in it. The Nikelsil (sp) cylinders last a long time.