I just thought I would share my experience, because I am fortunately still here to tell it.
I went to Tucson to visit my folks who live out there, and they run a riding group for smaller engine bikes
I ended up not being able to take my XS so I figured I would rent a Harley... you know where this is going by now, don't you?
I rented an 883 which was converted to 1200cc, and we went riding in the Tucson mountains west of the city near Kitt Peak (gorgeous ride). On a straight shot I hit a patch of sand and lost traction on the Harley's rear tire. I am extremely safe when it comes to riding, and I literally just rode over this sand patch. The bike immediately wobbled and the front wheel went straight off the road which had no shoulder and got caught in the sand. The rear wheel still having momentum came around, and it slung me off of the bike. I was launched at least 20 feet and landed on my neck and shoulders. Thank the universe I was geared up (I had thought about doing otherwise because of the heat, but my mom bitched me out). I was knocked unconscious and was out for about a minute before I came to and in my state of shock I walked over to the Harley, picked it up, gathered the broken bits, and got it to start. I rode it home with my injuries. I am incredibly fortunate to have been out with my folks, and that I was geared up.
I am busted up, bruised, and sore but I am alive and thankful. So thankful in fact that I limped around my XS today and gave her a tune up for being such an awesome bike that has never ever let me down.
My best lesson ever is that bigger is not always better, and the gear I was wearing (street and steel mesh, biltwell helmet) saved my life. I just had to rip the cactus off of my stomach.
I am glad to be writing this message to all you 650 riders, and I wish you safe travels. Keep your heads up because it can happen in a split second like it did with me.
Stay Up Dudes!
p.s. No more Harley for me, aside from crashing it, it handled like garbage. No offense to any Harley fans, but it definitely is not what I look for in a motorcycle.