FE/FC 350 or 501??

This has probably been asked before but here goes....... Which one would you recommend, 350 or 501 for someone who's keeping his TE-630 for more dual sport riding but looking for a light dirt bike/dual sport? I mostly do two track and easier single track riding, big Death Valley/desert riding that has several miles on asphalt. I've tried both bikes side by side and at first I was all about the 501 but found the 350 a bit smoother and every bit as fast (granted a bit less torque) then the 501. Power wise they're within 10-12ho of each other and weight and cost is marginal and why I keep leaning back to the 350 despite thinking the 501 might be a little better bike after adding a bigger tank etc, etc. My buddy (granted coming from a DRZ and doesn't know what torque feels like) thinks I'll always have it in the back of my mind.....should have gotten the 501, more power etc. What would you guys say......toss up, buy one and don't look back? I don't plan to sell the 630 and don't plan to supermotard either bike. Am I tacking out a 350 if I ride it 60mph down the road too much.......would it be easier on a 501?

Thanks for your time.

501 is going to be a way better DS bike....

That's about the most street it would see too. I head out to DV about twice a year and the 630 is perfect for 90% of it BUT going up pleasant canyon (I'm not a motocross guy) I felt like I was over my head with it. That's what started me looking at a lighter bike.

I'd say, since you're keeping the 630, to go with the 350. It's got a 14,000 Rev ceiling so it should be fine for the road. Then you'll have the best of both worlds.

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You'll get worse mileage on 350 I'd say.... if on open stuff you'll be reving a lot...plus a big tank will make the 350 fell like an under powered turd

I would get the KTM 350, not the Husky. It is much more powerful and bridges the gap better. Desmog, aftermarket exhaust, pcv and it will be a little rocket.The 501 is a great bike, but it's also a lot of bike.

Totally disagree on this one!
The 501 is a much easier bike to ride! Weight is hardly different from a 350 but it is so much smoother and will ride uphill like a tractor at low rpm if needed.
The 350 needs more revs and is more nervous.
off course if you twist it's neck it will go like stink but it is very controllable. Does the odd ride on the road to a riding spot no problems.
I was a beginner when I got it and pretty sh!t off road and I love it. I test rode the 350 and it's great but I'm 100% glad I got the 501!
And no I'm not a body builder and young and foolish. I'm 74 kg (what's that 150 lbs?) 52 years young 6 foot fit.
Now that the forks are sorted it takes me anywhere no problem. It rides almost all day on a tank of fuel too. Love it, love it!!!

totally agree sparky

I'm sure you have some pretty harsh places to ride down under, but I can assure you that Death Valley is anything but snow bunnies and marsh mellows. The 350 is a really great bike for those types of technicals. Personally, Ty and I both like the 350SX, although it isn't normally street legal, it does have more hp to the ground stock than a FE501. Even the dual sport 350 is pretty nice with aftermarket add-ons.

If you are going with the 501, there's really no need to keep your 630 as the 501 is superior to the big bikes. It will take more moto-skills to navigate it down tight single track and nasty rocky areas.

350SX more power than FE501, mmm don't think so! We have only full power versions here not the S!
BTW here it's winter and we still have 27C during the day. I know death valley is pretty hot but I can name Tom Price! LOL pissing contest anyone?!

The FE501 (non S) puts out 60hp at the crankshaft, but only 49hp to the rear tire. The KTM 350SX-F puts out 65hp at the crankshaft 51-55hp at the tire. The Husky 350 does not put out this kind of power because they put a smaller head on it, but it can be made to produce this kind of power. It doesn't have the low end torque, but yes, the KTM 350SX-F does put out more horsepower than a stock 501. MY2016 350sx puts out even higher horsepower and weights 225lbs. My original point being is that the 350's are smaller and nimble in the technicals without sacrificing output power.

Now overlap that graph with the 501.... that will tell the story.... the peak power is probably 3000 less rpms.... which is going to equal either more maintenance on the 350 plus just more comfort on the faster stuff....

Cairoli is now riding a 450. 350 wasn't working for him this year. I also agree about the 501, easy to control and don't have to Rev the snot out of it. Also, HP isn't everything torque moves you out, the 350 isn't going to top the 501 in the torque dept.

My 501 works very well for me and matches my personality and rIding style. My riding buddy rides a 350 exc and complains about the lack of torque and how it feels like it wants to come apart while on pavement connecting trails. He does love the 350 with that being said and rides it very well. Both are awesome bikes at the end of the day.