500 vs 350

[hounddog]

I also think the electric start is the big difference that keeps demand up .


They invite slightly different questions/comments from passers by (and I have had all these)

MT350, " is that really a Harley ?" , "thats not a real Harley though is it ?" "is that American Army ? " and my favourite "a plastic Harley"

MT500- "whats that , oh an Armstrong, yeah think Ive heard of that , who makes them ? " , "Armstrong Siddeley ?" "is that like a CCM ?" "is that World War 2 ?"

[Bunker]

I love the more classic feel of the 500 but, whilst I have owned about 25 of them over the years, I have never owned one to ride - my '350' is my beloved aweomness. She started as a stock 350, then became a high compression 500 then a 560 then a 604 then a 640......now a 560 again with a different gearbox. The cycle set up is completely unique (due to the fact I am 6'5"). I still yearn for a 500 but everytime I buy one, I end up selling it because I dont have time....

So, heres your options:

Get a stock 500 and really sort it out.
Get a stock 500 and add electric and disc front end
Get a stock 350.
Get a stock 350 then replace the engine or add a big bore kit.

[Frog]

At risk of putting a curse on my new MT500 it starts first kick (good job this is not on skype - the smug grin is very unbecoming...).

Frog

[mt bandit]

At risk of putting a curse on my new MT500 it starts first kick (good job this is not on skype - the smug grin is very unbecoming...).

Frog

shhhh ! it'l hear you

[Franc]

I love the more classic feel of the 500 but, whilst I have owned about 25 of them over the years, I have never owned one to ride - my '350' is my beloved aweomness. She started as a stock 350, then became a high compression 500 then a 560 then a 604 then a 640......now a 560 again with a different gearbox. The cycle set up is completely unique (due to the fact I am 6'5"). I still yearn for a 500 but everytime I buy one, I end up selling it because I dont have time....

So, heres your options:

Get a stock 500 and really sort it out.
Get a stock 500 and add electric and disc front end
Get a stock 350.
Get a stock 350 then replace the engine or add a big bore kit.

I've gone the stock 500 with added minty power and electric leg,
And stock 350 with large gonad vibrating 604, high lift cam, oversized exhaust.....etc.
I can definitely say the 500 is nicer to ride, and better handling off road, but the 350 makes a better touring and commuting bike.