Here in th SF/SJ bay area, we can ride all year long, though there are far more fair weather riders than winter riders. Trips to Tahoe, etc on a bike aren't recommended because of the snow at those high elevations and the requirement for chains on the drive wheels. (Anyone ever put chains on a 2 wheeled MC?)
Anyway, there are still plenty of roads to wail on as we have lots of low land, too. Watch out for the fog, though. California doesn't put much of any substance on the roads. They even have an aversion to putting asphalt in the pot holes. But, we do get rain. The nice thing is that it cleans off much of the crud that builds up during the long months of no rain, such as oil, grease, etc. And, afterwards the traction actually improves!
But, it is never a good idea to count on having traction on any public highway. You can never predict when a sprinkler head is going to spray the road where you need the most traction (under that shade tree on the corner). And, work trucks trail dirt, sand, gravel, hay, grass, manure, etc. all of which finds its way between tire tread rubber and pavement surface, acting as an anti friction ingredient. Of course, after you are down and sliding on your personal bits, the pavement will be clean of spilt materials and provide the best friction available.
These aren't the only things to look out for however. It's other drivers. Unless they are constantly reminded that motorcycles share the road with repetitive sightings, they cease to look for them at all. In bad weather and when the weather begins to turn good enough to bring out more MCs, the cage drivers take much longer to incorporate any kind of visual scan for MCs.
It is human nature as people tend to find and see only what they are looking for. When they change lanes, for example, they may actually look into your lane to check if a car or truck is there. Seeing none, they enter the lane you are occupying with your MC. The same is true for turning onto streets and across traffic lanes (in front of you). Even eye contact is not reliable as they simply aren't looking for an eye in a helmet.
So, if your goal is to be perfectly safe...stop riding now...and forever.
Or, develop a good methodology for managing risks.
Cheers!
