Heat gain when idling

[Braddan]

I'm a new Xt owner and not the most mechanically minded. Hope that will change as a 'simple' xt owner but... when off road I do get a little freaked out by the lack of a temp gauge.

I know there are after market dip sticks with an inbuilt gauge but is this necessary? At approx £60 they seem steep to say the least.

As a rough guideline how well does the 600 cope?

I'd really appreciate some insights / opinions (and accept that they are just that) re how long the engine can run without being cooked:

1) Static idling ie opening gates / having a chat / waiting for mates etc.
2) Static / low speed working ie stuck in a very steep climb like i was this weekend, trying to climb on slick rock / mud etc - lots of engine work but not much progress thus VERY limited air cooling.

Thoughts on how ambient temp affects also appreciated.

ta v much!