eonYes, I sold my car when I moved back to Seattle and have been carless ever since (3 years ago). It’s not as hardcore as it sounds as I live and work downtown (the 2 mile commute) and we don’t really get it that cold up here either but no surprise it does rain a little bit. That’s generally not a problem if you have waterproof gear but finding gear that really is waterproof is a challenge. My cycling jacket did really well but it wasn’t designed to withstand 60mph onslaughts and it has been leaking recently so the hunt is on for something else. There is a $300 Klim GoreTex jacket that looks nice but it’s just a waterproof layer only. Might save up and spring for a real winter jacket. Will cross that bridge when it starts to get cold again.
Oh, I also cheat by having a scooter that gives great protection from the elements. In fact I only got a real motorcycle 4 months ago. I initially wanted to get a Ninja 250 like you have but 3 years ago when gas prices were high you just couldn’t get one. So I somehow ended up with a maxi-scoot that has served me well. It still beats a motorcycle hands down when it comes to practicality (but not in the grin factor stakes).
