I set my V-Strom 1000 up for winter riding, the first year, a set of block knobbys studded with automotive studs, I drilled the stud pockets, and inserted with a pneumatic stud gun. Front tire hooked up good (within reasonable speeds) but threw all the studs on the rear by the end of the first season, none were missing in front, and I got 4 winter seasons (20,000 miles). Second season, I went to the darkside in back, an experiment, successful beyond my wildest imagination. I could get around in blizzards, freezing rain, and everything in between, just as easily as I could in my Jeep Cherokee I had, probably not as good as my Silverado that has more ground clearance
The biggest issue, motorcycle wire harnesses are not designed for winter exposure, after the 2nd season, my Vee caught green cancer in the wiring. Now, it's wrapped with 3Ms' Super 88 tape and bathed in ACF50
