will be my only transportation on a 12 mile commute (back roads)
Check with your local DMV. New York State does not permit motorcycles on the road during winter months. I live in Kansas which allows year round riding. I ride in ice and snow. But, where I live the snow rarely stays on the ground for more than a week.
Yes. I personally know of one- my wife who is allergic to aspartane-type sweeteners. Others are allergic to sulfites. Alot of the banned additives were banned because they have the potential (based on mouse or rat tests) to cause cancer. Although this couldn't be proved for humans, would you take the chance?
If there were, the FDA would step in. It happens, but not often, and even then on further review the problems tend to be smaller than thought at the time of action.
There is only one thing between being crazy and insane. I went riding in the ice and snow one time, the doctors are still trying to decide because half my brain was frozen when they found me and the other half showed I was insane to be riding in the first place.
Can you? Yes. Is it a good idea? Not by a long shot. Even if the roads are clear and dry, motorcycle tires are not designed to be operated in cold ambient temperatures. The rubber compounds in the tires harden which gives them less flexibility and traction. Even just trying to go around a corner or brake at moderate speed can be much more of an experience than you would think/anticipate.
