This was my first winter having to learn to cope, since I just joined the ranks of motorcyclists last summer. I put the bike into a storage unit at the end of November (no garage at my house, and I didn't want it out on the street, where it might have obstructed snow plowing activities) and gave myself visitation privileges every weekend. I was decorating it with new gadgets and circuits, which took until the end of January since the pace of work was slow, unsteady, and uncertain.
On a couple of days, after I was done with the work, I managed short (or not so short) rides. I freely admit to being a wuss-- ice or snow on the roads keep the bike firmly ensconced in storage, with nary a thought of going out.
Next winter I may substitute an enclosed shelter in the spot normally occupied by my car (which will then get relegated to the street), so as to (a) have easier access for spur-of-the-moment rides when opportunities present themselves, and (b) be able to attach the Battery Tender-- there's no power available at the storage unit.
Then again, I don't live in New England or Canadia-land or the Midwest, where winters can be truly awful affairs that tax one's endurance and will to continue living...