No-and unless we get some deep snow and it proves useless, I won't put them on. The setup I have now is great for bare road, which we have most of the winter. And OK for the conditions so far.

 

i put my blizzaks on and then took them off. the michelin pilot sport a/s are so much more fun to drive on than the blizzaks. most of the time here in the seattle area we are just dealing with rain and the michelins provide very good grip on wet roads. i just hope i get the blizzaks on before any snow storms decide to roll through. hey old guy! or anyone else have you guys ever used the snow mode and did it work good?

 

If I remember the manual correctly, it starts in second gear and retards the timing. Feels like you've disconnected two or three spark plugs but it's still smooth running. Just no response when you use your right foot. I have used it very seldom.
If your Blizzaks are mounted as mine were on my first GS, the change over took me just under an hour, including clean-up.
Your reaction to the Blizzaks is the same as mine. I liked my Dunlop wintersports lots better.