A webpage that advises against idling
 

Never thought I'd see the day: The truth about

Very good! I'm thinking about getting a block heater. Never had one before. Any advice?

Bill

Yes. They only need to be plugged in an hour or two, not overnight. This is from someone who lives where winter temps hit -40F... me.

Unless you have a carb motorcycle, like I do, idling to warm up a vehicle shouldn't be done.

It isn't really necessary on the carb'd bikes either- they go just fine with a lil choke at first, just like any old car with an automatic choke does.

My Valkyrie has 6 carbs and if it isn't at full choke, you're not going to get it started if it is cold out and it is VERY hard to start in warm weather. After a 30-60 seconds, I can back it off from half choke.