How long to idle engine before oil change? Its 28 degrees F.

[flw]

I have always ridden my bike prior to changing the oil. This week is cold rain and some snow/ice. So I don't want to ride just to change the oil.

My current bike is a '07 water cooled Kawa Vuclan 500 (Parallel twin). Is it safe for the engine to let the bike idle with a few rev's for greater than 10 min in the driveway to get some real heat going?

For idle the engine to normal temp. what would you suggest? I really want to drain the oil with the engine at normal operating temp. I was also going to put two ounces of seafoam in prior to the oil change and replace with just dyno oil.

Thanks for your help

[Wrider]

Yeah it's fine to let it idle, all you really need to do is let the oil get warmed up and thin before you drain it. 5 minutes of idling ought to be plenty.
Wrider

[Skier]

You don't need to worry about warming up the oil before changing it.

[Mr. Invisible]

If you want to warm it up, and are in a garage, just lay a work light under the engine with a standard bulb. The engine should feel warm to the touch within an hour or two. That should thin the oil down where you aren't trying to pour molasses.

Then if you insist on running the engine you only have to run in for a few seconds.

[mrlease]

I like the light bulb idea.

Think about it, your bike has been sitting since you last rode it and the oil has already drained down to your oil pan. Just warm that up a little and your good to go.

If you start your engine, you'll just send dirty oil back up into everything.