I'll echo what everyone says and add that a bike with a good fairing is a help if you plan on riding much in the winter. I ride a Suzuki V-Strom on dry days, so that's a good choice if you don't plan to ride in a downpour. Something with some leg protection (I ride BMW R1100RS or Concours) when it's really wet and cold helps.
Most here don't ride during a downpour though, so the V-Strom is a good solution.
Most here don't ride during a downpour though, so the V-Strom is a good solution.