Good point Steve, you have to be comfortable with the bike. Also do things like check that tyre pressures are right and the tyres aren't too flat (worn) in the middle from all the straight line stuff you have been doing, make for a crappy transition as you begin to lean into a corner.
There's a good article in the current Two Wheels mag on improving your bike on the cheap. Checking things like suspension sag is quite important to getting the bike working right.
When I get a new bike I also do things like adjust the levers to where they feel more comfortable. In my case I like to spin them down a bit so that when I use the brake and clutch the top of my hands are in line with my arms (hope that makes sense, bit hard to explain as I just found out) see if this explains it better
Quicktip! - Adjusting the brake and clutch lever angle and reach « Survival Skills Rider Training
Just some more thoughts anyway.