Planning on changing the engine and primary oil tonight after the kids are in bed. Can't take the bike for a ride to warm it up, so will idling it warm up the primary oil? Or does it actually have to be ridden to warm it up?

 

Riding is the best way to warm up the oils in a bike.

 

Idling will work just fine. Just don't be in a big hurry to put the plug back in.

 

Personally, I would ride it a bit to stir up any small material that may not have been caught by the magnet. Get it a little suspended then drain. Primary has a lot of things to add crap to the oil in there.

 

part of the reason to change oil is to remove the contaminates and condensation within the system, along with particulates, junk, and gunk. 10 mile ride is best, it will insure you have as much of the crap in suspension and ready to drain. if you do an idle warm up, you won't get nearly the same result. But.... depending on your total situation and frequency in changes, I would consider a good warm up and drain if I could not get a few miles on it. So yes, you can idle, warm up, and drain. just be aware a good ride before is much better!!!

 

I'll usually ride it, drain the oil, and let it sit overnight to cool. In the morning I'll adjust the clutch and put in new fluid.

 

and, if you're going to be doing a clutch adjustment, do that first, before you start your bike. it is supposed to be done at ambient temp.

 

If you do it the way I described in my first post you don't have to remove the derby cover twice.

 

Only 3 or 5 (depending on vintage bike you have) screws...takes what...45 seconds? 60 if you're slow?

 

sure, you're right. but, the manual calls for the clutch adjustment to be done with it at ambient temp. if you ride it, then do it, the adjustment will be off.

and like stonecat says, 3 or 5 screws. not a big issue. then you know it's done right.