So I was an idiot at the end of last season - I didn't have enough time to do an oil change before putting the bike away for the winter. I'm expecting the oil to be gunky after sitting there for 4-5 months so I don't want to start the engine and have that crap circulate through. My question is, what's the best way to do this oil change - just do it with cold oil and hope for the best?

Thanks in advance!

Why would the oil be gunky?

In any case, simply draining the oil will suffice.

if its cold then just let it drain for a long time. you can just get some cheap non-synthetic motorcycle oil for your oil change, then take the bike for a short ride and do another oil change to flush it out.

if its cold then just let it drain for a long time. you can just get some cheap non-synthetic motorcycle oil for your oil change, then take the bike for a short ride and do another oil change to flush it out.

I agree. putting it at an angle to help all the oil drain out will help too.

on the 01-03 600's the drain plug is in a small sump in the bottom center of the pan, so no need to tilt the bike like other years

I usually take off the filter pull the plug and walk away. Go do something else and just let it drain for a while. I some times dump a little through it with the plug out, probably not necessary but I like to do it.