Generators

Jayco23FB wrote:
I just did the same thing. I choose the Yamaha for the following reasons:
1. Yamaha has a longer EPA engine life rating (twice that of the Honda).250 vs. 500 hours"
This is a expected lifespan of the emission system provided to the EPA. Basically, it's saying how long the manufacturer expects the emissions to be in compliance. It should not be an indicator of overall engine life. Neither Yamaha or Honda provide any "hours of engine life" warranty.
The difference between being in compliance or not could simply be a spark plug! Nobody knows for sure.
Hondas are well known for long life. I read here once of a concessionaire that had over 15,000 hours on his EU2000!
I know that I have several thousand on mine.
Point is that durability just isn't a issue between the two.
2. Yamaha has an easy to access fuel shut off which allows you to run the fuel out of the carb each time. (my hondas had hard starting due to fuel issues)
3. Yamaha has a fuel gage - Honda has none.
4. Yamaha uses a traditional head design (2 pcs) Honda has a 1 piece cylinder and head design.
5. Yamaha has a steel cam shaft, Honda uses a plastic design with a cam drive belt.
6. The Yamahas are the same unit. This allows me to equal the run time when I only need 1 unit running. If you have a Honda companion and a standard 2000 you will need to switch connections on the gen. ( not a big deal but a nice convenience).
One can buy two of the same Hondas. Either a regular, or the Companion, or even camo. Not sure what the point is of this. Hardly a disadvantage to having more choices.
Which ever unit you pick I would suggest getting hour meters. Both units are excellent machines. I have 2 hondas at work and 2 yamahas for camping.