I am looking to winterize my bike today. The weather is not so nice and I'd like to do this without taking the bike out(raining and roads previously salted). Before changing the oil, is it reasonable to let the bike idle for 5-10 minutes before changing the oil...will the bike be warmed up enough? Usually, I take the bike for a 5-10 mile ride prior to changing the oil. Also, is it reasonable to add stabil, then let the bike idle(without riding it) before storage. Again, I usually take the bike for a short spin after adding the stabil. Thoughts?

 

Yes I would probably add StaBil, top the tank, and let it idle for 5 - 10 minutes.

 

If it's not still raining outside - fire the bike up, take it up to the gas station, fill the tank, put in the Sta-Bil, ride it back, then change he oil and then clean the bike and put her away.
If it's raining out - then wait for it to stop and then do the same....

 

Despite the rain, I took the bike out for a spin,picked up some stabil, got some gas and completed the oil change. I say "completed" the oil change because it took me two days to change the oil. If you want to know why, see the thread titled, "Oil Filter Stuck" in the Softail section. My posts are on the last page. Very bummed that one of my bikes is garaged for the winter now. Good news is that I should be riding my new 2015 Ultra Limited home tomorrow- only to be garaged. Thanks for the responses!