Do you own a Champion, Generac or Yamaha?

robert@honda wrote:

69 Avion wrote:

I'm also curious about the EX650 and why it isn't imported anymore.

Honda tends to progress models (at least in the USA) with newer technology. Inverter-type (Honda EU-series) offer far better performance and specifications (emissions, weight, warranty, etc.) than traditional AVR-type models like the old EX-series.

Dealers tell me they often get a customer who's convinced they "only want the smallest, least expensive Honda.." and demand to purchase an EU1000i, then come back later to trade up to an EU2000i or larger. They don't realize how much they really wanted to power with the unit, and 1,000 watts (peak) isn't a lot for most applications.

Think about what you might want to power when camping back in the 60s-70s. Maybe a small appliance or TV, so 650w would have been fine. Today's RV customers want to run a rooftop A/C, larger appliances, and charge a laptop, cell phone, iPad, etc. More power demands = less demand for smaller generators.

-Robert@Honda
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding is my opinion alone.

All I know is the specs say the EX650 is the most quiet Generator in this class ever. This is primary for just charging the battery bank, large or small. All the folks who have owned this unit have high praise for the older but great EX650!!! These same folks enjoyed the quiet places for camping. Who really wants to hear the EU2000i running full bore? The only really nice reports of "Honda quiet' come from the EU3000i. Which, the way I understand it, is this unit is needed for RV A/C. Not two EU2000i's and their noise.

If Honda can't give the USA a quiet small generator (like the EX650)for battery charging, they are missing perhaps 50% (maybe higher like 70%) of RV'ers needs.


O&S
Floyd

Owner of the Champion C46540 used in the genhouse for back up power.

69 Avion wrote:

I'm also curious about the EX650 and why it isn't imported anymore.

Honda tends to progress models (at least in the USA) with newer technology. Inverter-type (Honda EU-series) offer far better performance and specifications (emissions, weight, warranty, etc.) than traditional AVR-type models like the old EX-series.

Dealers tell me they often get a customer who's convinced they "only want the smallest, least expensive Honda.." and demand to purchase an EU1000i, then come back later to trade up to an EU2000i or larger. They don't realize how much they really wanted to power with the unit, and 1,000 watts (peak) isn't a lot for most applications.

Think about what you might want to power when camping back in the 60s-70s. Maybe a small appliance or TV, so 650w would have been fine. Today's RV customers want to run a rooftop A/C, larger appliances, and charge a laptop, cell phone, iPad, etc. More power demands = less demand for smaller generators.

-Robert@Honda
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding is my opinion alone.

............looks like if the mfgers want to really come full circle on improving their engine technology......fuel injection and turbo charging to compensate for decreases in performance due to high altitude operation would be in order ! , jf

pnichols wrote:

Old & Slow wrote:
Please bring back the EX650 to the USA. I see you continue to sell it in India. So not asking for something you do not mfg.

Now that is interesing - EX650's still being sold in India!

I can still get parts in the U.S. for my EX650. I got a minor part through a Florida Honda marine supplier a couple of years ago. It's great for charging our RV's batteries ultra-quietly any time, any weather, anywhere when boondocking.

By the way, I also have a mint condition EX1000 that powers tools - including my 10 amp skill saw - just fine. It starts with only a 1/4 to 1/2 pull on the rope. But ... it is heavy at about 57 lbs. ... there must be a lot of steel and/or cast iron in there somewhere.

I'm also curious about the EX650 and why it isn't imported anymore.
I have an older Yamaha 1000 and the only complaints are the weight (but it is heavy duty for it's size) and the steel gas tank that corroded and rusted in Arizona while in storage. How does something rust in Phoenix while in covered storage. That is a feat that is incredible. It is also the reason that I bought a Honda when I bought my 2000 watt generator.

Old & Slow wrote:
Please bring back the EX650 to the USA. I see you continue to sell it in India. So not asking for something you do not mfg.

Now that is interesing - EX650's still being sold in India!

I can still get parts in the U.S. for my EX650. I got a minor part through a Florida Honda marine supplier a couple of years ago. It's great for charging our RV's batteries ultra-quietly any time, any weather, anywhere when boondocking.

By the way, I also have a mint condition EX1000 that powers tools - including my 10 amp skill saw - just fine. It starts with only a 1/4 to 1/2 pull on the rope. But ... it is heavy at about 57 lbs. ... there must be a lot of steel and/or cast iron in there somewhere.

They need to lower their prices if they want to stay competitive! I recently purchased a Champion 3100 inverter/generator and it was used quite a bit on my recent trip out west. It fits in my truck bed up front next to my toolbox and I leave it there when operating it, I do have to turn it sideways for airflow. It's really quiet and does an awesome job. We ran it in rest areas at night to use the AC and you could hardly hear it. Wake up Honda not everybody can afford a $3000 generator or two $1200 units to hook together!

A big "thank you" to all who contributed to this project. I've heard back from the survey team earlier this week and they were all quite pleased with the quality of data collected. They had a great mix of RV and non-RV customers, and got some excellent comments and suggestions.

Again, thanks to everyone for the help. Of course, if anybody has any Honda questions, you know how to reach me.

-Robert@Honda
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding is my opinion alone.

A compact quiet 500 watt unit that for RVers would just be primarily used for charging batteries. There is another outfit that has one right now (Powerhouse) but it's a little noisy. There are some folks that don't even have enough room for an EU1000.

I have the Powerhouse 500Wi. I wish I had a Honda that size as quiet as an EU2000 (which I also have).

Mr Honda,

Please bring back the EX650 to the USA. I see you continue to sell it in India. So not asking for something you do not mfg.

O&S
Floyd

tpi, you have found your niche.....build that perfect genny for all of us to buy from you :)