Rain tyres on the Street?

I frequently see rain tyres for sale on a racing forum which got me thinking...would rain tyres be a decent winter tyre for the SD?

How long would they last with temps below 60?

I generally run my takeoffs on the SD which is great for always having sticky rubber. I don't want to switch to sport-touring tyres for the winter unless I really have to. Anybody have experience with rains?

I seem to remember this has been discussed before with Dutch but i cant find the original thread! (it might have been over at the KTM Forum) as he was asking about grip levels in winter on Rain tyres and how long they would last!?

I have used Intermediate wet tyres through winter before, the fronts last real well but the rear only lasted around 500miles!
I think youd be lucky to get 200miles out of the centre band on a rear in winter unless its also very wet!

Simple answer is, most of them are non road legal. Obviously some like the Avon PXR (pro xtreme rain) are road legal but even on the SM's people seem to get terrible longevity out of them.

Thanks for the answers. At ~$100 a set for slightly used they may be worth a try. Street legal doesn't concern me and the cops don't seem to care unless you're being an ass.

What do the Brits prefer for the wet winters to maintain traction and still have fun?

http://www.superduke.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13420

Same sort of thread here... Mostly.... we stay at home