Why? Are a 394 and 500i comparable? Always read the 394 was better than the 395. Idk how much truth there is to that.
Just thinking about longevity. Also a 32" bar is about the largest I need. Don't get me wrong I love the 394. Maybe I will keep it and buy a 500.
Nope, I wouldn’t. I like my old school muscle saw. 394 is a hoss in the torque dept and it oils much much more than any current saw. It’s crazy easy to work on and you can do all repairs at home. Probably can’t say that for the current plug-in saws. If you roach the cylinder on the 94, since it’s NLA, you can always replace the top end with one from a 395(along with the intake boot). All the other parts are pretty much still out there. And let’s look at the msrp on those others. Save that money. You’d end up with a less powerful saw anyway. Longevity wise, I’ve milled a crap ton with mine. I’ve pulled the cylinder off several times and everything is tight and right. Use good oil at a ratio recommended by trusted builders who’ve seen the good, bad and ugly and your saw should go for a looong time.
Not really much difference in the saws. Main thing, 394 uses a dual port arrangement and a solid intake block while the 395 has quad ports and a rubber boot. Lot of guys say that dual port setup produced more torque. If it did, it isn’t a lot. I’ve run both back to back, ported and not ported. After porting, 395 is the winner IMO. But it’s not by much. Dual; Quad;
Don't get me wrong, I'm not disappointed in the performance of the 394; it's a beast. Guess it all boils down to just wanting something new. Like I said may just get a 500 and keep the old school big block.
If you have the new saw itch, and you already have a "hoss", think about a nice light zippy "everyday, do-it-all" saw, like a MS261
Couldn't sleep so I got to work really early, thinking a 400 might fit the bill. Or stay in the family and get a 2 or 3 series husky in the 65 to 70cc range.
I would sell any Husky to buy a 500i Just BYB Husky guys! Honestly that's a tough call. I have a good running 460 that I've been tempted to sell but keep it for the same reason as you.