BOOYAH!
Who has built shoulder season tires yet?
To do - have the studs, Gripstud 1300's, thinking of popping em in a used set of Michelin XC, mostly for those snow free days where the frost stays on top or just below surface.
Winter tires?
2 sets in decent shape, IRC Volcanduros and M5B 120's, Gripstud 1800 / 1800R and 1740 - the 1800 seem to rip out a bit less, decent durability if you can chop the throttle. seat em shoulder deep.
Bib mousses for winter yeah or nay?
Ran them all summer, love not having to worry about flats, carry tools, break in sucks, heard the water in carcass freezes in winter and chews em up? Might try em on the 250, the KTM gets Tubliss/Slime.
Headlights for shorter days?
Baja D led Squadron on KTM, 65W halogen on TE250, and amber goggle lenses
Winter jetting...?
530 runs fine on year round setup, TE250 will need tuning day to day I'm sure - advice? Richer pilot, air screw and maybe needle movement?
Dedicated winter bike?
Once deep snow sets in the Christini/ 530 will be the go to, but gonna rip the light TE until then
Heated grips?
Symtec heat demons (dual element no resistor), over the bar mitts and the $6 Home Depot neoprene rubber palmed gloves keep hands dry and warm
Goretex boot liners?
Might try em, Sidi's losing sealing. Seen guys step into glad bags too LOL
Charcoal or battery boot heaters...
Been using HD charcoals taped to toes, merino socks but if the warmers get wet game over (WAA WAA WAA...)
Clothing?
Ventilation is key as Survivorman says YOU SWEAT YOU DIE and winter riding will have you sweating... Heck I'm perspiring just thinking about it
- not a problem when moving/working but if you get stopped / stranded it can become a matter of survival. Walking out may not be an option - What if you were stuck overnight?Synthetic underlayers, armored jacket with multiple ventilation options (LEATT) (ditch pressure suit), neck tube, I carry dry gloves, socks, an extra underlayer top and a balaclava, and basic survival shelter (tow rope is 20' of cordage), saw and fire starting kit incl butane blowtorch lighter. "poop" tickets and gas will get most things cooking. We had to change a tube at -14 last winter and if it happend again a fire will be going before we start. Ugly numbing work.
Dual lens sled/ski goggles with nose bridge, or interestingly enough the 509 battery powered goggle humidistat fan works too.
Protip arrive at trailhead in said merino socks, undies - brrr having to get to skivvies to gear up! But then again my buddies enjoy putting on the "don't look now - CAUGHT YA" game.
Hydration?
I ditch the camelback and carry bottled G2's - hose tends to freeze and jacket ventilation is better with no camelbak. You need just as much hydration in winter as summer too.
Snowpack
An early heavy snowpack will prevent ice from freezing very thick - beware at crossings.
Conditions
Good conditions a ride can be 40 to 60+ km. Tough sluggin, under 25 km can be enough. Plan short loops and easier exits. Also things change leeward to shady sides of hills, open meadows vs heavy cover, and with elevation. You can go from flying to swearing hip deep stuck in no time.
Unless exceptionally sunny and calm, we draw the line at around -10C for riding, beyond that it's too much risk vs reward.
Make sure someone knows where you are and when you will be back. Ride with a buddy (if you can find one that will tough out winter riding
)Technique
No useful advice to be gleaned from me LOL
Winter riding, better than staring at your bike 
