Jiffnkrn, there was a time I could lift more than two hundred pounds. This thing weighs as you know around 148 lbs dry. So, I need all the help I can get. I lost the use of an arm in Viet Nam and now pushing 70 I can't do it anymore. My old open frame Honda 3000C weighs about 85 lbs, dry and it takes all I have to lift it in and out of the RV front bay.
I've only started this new one twice to show it off, next week will be the real test. After much research and thought I decided to pay the extra and get the Honda 300IS over the cheaper Champion of equal size. I really needed the quietest unit out there, and that was it. You are right, it seems like a nice unit especially with the electric start.
They told me the remote was more problems than it was worth and could run your battery down if not watched, so I didn't get it.