Totally agree Buddha.
Winter riding in Canada keeps your riding reflexes sharp in a way that a sled (snowmobile for you southern yankees) just can't.
And it's much better for the bike than storage. Keeps the gas lines and injectors clean and varnish free, and the internals well lubricated. Prevents flat spots on the tires, keeps the battery up, uses the suspension seals to keep them supple.
And keeps you happy. Because you don't have to pray for Spring, you can just pray for a sunny, dry day with clean roads. And that happens all the time!
A complete snowmobile outfit works perfect, although it leaves something to be desired in the crash protection department.
I've always winter ridden, but I don't remember ever seeing anyone else on a bike in February (except for the ice races).
I love the way it freaks out the citizens in their cages!