I am running 13/50, desmogged, EU map, FMF pipe, Enduro Engineering seat (soft foam, it's like I didn't ride for 3 days), shark fin, radiator guards, carbon fiber/plastic injected skid plate (not like the pure carbon fiber that I tore through in 2 days on my WR), Scotts damper (mounting kit wan't available yet, should be here in a few days).
To me, while the 500 may handle like it, it is 10lbs heavier which is one thing I was looking to shed and the 350 rev's quicker than the 500. For the tight, twisty of the mtns and the rocky single track of the desert, that type of power delivery is more preferrable for me. I find it much more managable. The DOHC allows for a faster, higher reving motor than the SOHC of the 500. I found it much easier to keep the bike pointed in the direction I was going or to change that direction like threading a needle through the pine trees.
It's all about what and where you find yourself riding most of the time. Kinda like the 80/20 rule. You get a bike for the 80% of the riding and you deal with it for the other 20%.
To me, while the 500 may handle like it, it is 10lbs heavier which is one thing I was looking to shed and the 350 rev's quicker than the 500. For the tight, twisty of the mtns and the rocky single track of the desert, that type of power delivery is more preferrable for me. I find it much more managable. The DOHC allows for a faster, higher reving motor than the SOHC of the 500. I found it much easier to keep the bike pointed in the direction I was going or to change that direction like threading a needle through the pine trees.
It's all about what and where you find yourself riding most of the time. Kinda like the 80/20 rule. You get a bike for the 80% of the riding and you deal with it for the other 20%.