Let's be honest here...there is not ANY machine out there comparable to the 500..it is in it's own class with its small 475cc engine, rear rack, paddle shifters, and 50" width....not one other machine goes there..hard to compare apples to oranges. If I had the choice now, with the prices in this area almost as low for the Wolverine, I would have thought hard about that....but having owned the 500 with the paddle shifters, I don't know if I could go back to a belt. The joy and dependability of this machine alone is amazing..that being said, the only other machine I would own is a Yamaha and when (or if) they ever put the paddle shifters in the Wolverine, I will have one...till then I'll continue lovin this machine!! Shift, shift, shift!! You'll be happy either way but with the money you save on a Pioneer, you can buy some goo accessories