I like both, and like the fact that the Yamaha has a separate fuel petcock so you can run the generator dry for storage.
However, I'd lean to Honda for this one. Why?
1: Honda has more dealers. Yamaha is good, but when in the middle of nowhere with an inverter generator, there is always some expertise with Hondas. Just check Youtube for mods on generators.
2: Hondas have the controls on the short side. With this in mind, you can easily stagger the generators for access to the recoil start cord.
3: The biggest advantage is that extended run kits are easy to get for the Honda twins. When boondocking and needing A/C (like during most of the year in Texas), having the ability to run the generators for long times is a must, so an extended run tank is a must.
This isn't saying Yamaha is bad. In theory, their generators should last longer due to the steel cylinder sleeve and the fact that their engines don't use a timing belt, but what matters with the 2000 watt generators is the extended run ability.
Either red/blue will be better than the Chinese inverters, in both noise, reliability, and finding parts. (Not to say the Chinese ones are bad, but you do get what you pay for -- good luck finding an extended run kit for the CPE inverters.)
They are both top of the line small gensets. Double check; I believe the Yamaha has a petcock that allows you to shut off the fuel and evacuate the carb; a good thing to have to avoid ethanol-related problems.
2002 Keystone Cougar 286, 8,400lbs loaded, pulled with a 2004 F150 Supercrew, 5.4, 3.73 gears. Retired and enjoying life
Actually, my first choice when I bought my Honda EU2000 about 6 years ago was the the Yamaha 2400, for several reasons: has a bit more power, and as I recall the 2400 is slightly quieter than the EU2000, plus the fact the company I work for makes parts for Yamaha motorcycles so I could have gotten it for about $700. But the 2400 was new, just came out, and I was leaving on a big trip in a few days and nobody had them. I picked up my Honda EU2000 and have been very pleased.
If you don't need to run them in parallel, why don't you buy one of each? One Honda, one Yamaha and one Champion. You could then experience all three and report back about your findings. That would help the group a great deal.
Personally, I bought three Champion 2000i from Costco. I am only using them for emergency power and plan to use two in parallel. The third one is a back-up for my emergency back-up system. A bit like a spare tire for your car.
I am going with the Honda for one important reason. It is slightly shorter than the Yamaha and will fit in the tool box in the back of my truck, whereas the Yamaha won't.
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