>>1324132Honds are great gens. They'll last forever with minimal maintenance, they're quiet, and they tend to "just work".
1000's are smaller than the 2000's, but not that much smaller. If you're really concerned about size/weight, and you don't need 2kW (not just running watts, but starting wattage as well), then maybe the 1000 is a good option.
Personally, i'd recommend the 2000. You get twice the available power, a bigger fuel tank, and they're really not any louder than the 1k's.
Yamaha gens are right on par with Hondas.
If you're looking for something a little cheaper, check out the Generac iQ series. They're still good quality, quiet/efficient, and a few hundred less than the Honda/Yamaha's are.
I bought a pair of Generac iX2000's used a few years ago, serviced both, got them cleaned them up. One runs great now, it's my primary gen, other's got a bad ignition coil. One of these days i'll pull the stator out and rewind it.
Put an hour meter on it to track its use (dirt bike meters are like $15). Check oil level before a trip, change it at least once a year. Keep the air filter clean. I recommend non-ethanol fuel if you can get it in your area (
pure-gas.org).
Let it warm up with no load for a few minutes before you load it, and let it cool down with no-load for a few minutes before you shut it down.
