Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: how possible is it to ride in the winter?, southern ontario canada, enduros

Question
I've been wanting a motorcycle for a while now as a cheap way to commute and to have some fun of course. However, i was wondering how much money riding a bike will save, if any, and how possible it would be to ride in the winter (I live in southern Ontario Canada) I'm interested in enduros and nothing over 650

Answer
Plenty possible, but not advisable. Maybe with a bike with a sidecar. One small patch of unnoticed ice will unseat you and put you off riding forever.

It's difficult to stay warm for more than 10 miles when it's less than 35 degrees or so, even with electric-heated garments.

Using a bike instead of a car for commuting is much cheaper. The insurance is quite a bit less if you're not riding a sport bike, and fuel economy is 40-60 mpg on a bike like a 650 dual sport. Parking is generally easier, and cheaper. However, you'll need to spend money on good riding gear, which will run you hundreds of dollars. It will take you awhile to earn that back through savings.

I highly recommend using a bike to commute--just not during winter.

Pat