What's the skinny on the XT 250? I know it's an easy to ride, mostly reliable great little dual sport bike that is not for the serious hard core motor crosser but a nice balance between off road and road riding.  Does it ever over heat?  I live in HK where it's really hot and humid in the summer and without an oil cooler or liquid cooler, I am concerned about over heating.....what are the down sides to this bike?

Thanks!

This post is a wealth of information about the XT line: http://www.advrider....ad.php?t=270341

Generally what you will find about this bike concerns the horrible YDIS carbs and the engine boots.

The suspension is pretty soft, but as long as your not planning on jumping it or going on extremely rough terrain you'll be fine.

I'm not aware of any overheating problems (other than from it being run too lean). I think you'll be fine.

Thanks! Here in Hong Kong the 2012 model is FI, so I'm pretty psyched.  I will go to see one next week at the dealer....

I think you'll be quite happy with it.  Also look at the Kawasaki KLX250 if you have a dealer there.  It's water cooled and has a better suspension.  But there isn't anything wrong with the XT and I think you won't have any issues with it overheating.  Plenty of people in Arizona that have them and don't seem to complain about overheating and it gets well over 120 degrees there.  I love mine.

I rode a KLX 250 for a year and it is a great bike.  A bit big and heavy for me but the suspension was excellent with lots of adjustability.  I think the XT will be better for me since it's like 15 pounds lighter and
slightly smaller dimensions all around.  I'm 5'6" about 145 lbs.