I own a 99 335. I bought it for hunting, and that's mostly what it's been used for. I have taken it out on some trails a few times. I have rode the 500 and it does have more power, but I don't think the 335 is so underpowered like everybody likes to think it is. I guess it all depends on what your going to use it for. I bought the 335 because I liked what the sportsman had to offer and I saved some $. Another thing I like about the 335 is I don't have to worry about coolant. Don't get me wrong I'm sure liquid cooled is better, but like I said I use mine for hunting so it sits alot in the summer. It's just one less thing I have to keep my eye on. If mine where stolen tonight I would buy another 335 tomorrow.

 

TG1,
Both the 500 and 335 share a lot of the same features and are great rides. One major difference besides the engine size is the 335 does not come with EBS. This may not be that important to a lot of flat-land riders, but if you live and ride in the mountains like I do, the EBS is a MUST HAVE. I'd much rather be riding than replacing brake pads all the time, not to mention the extra safety of engine braking. You can have the EBS installed as an option on the 335, I believe it costs about $400. By doing that though the price is getting very close to the 500, so I would lean toward the 500 as the better deal and most "bang for buck".

 

When I go down a steep hill that looks spooky (not many)I put the bike in low range which causes the bike to crawl down the hill.

 

I added the violet spring to the secondary clutch and it will only free-wheel downhill in low-range is when you are creeping. Also noticed that a new belt holds back better than an old one.