Lou Schneider said:
, this looks like just another Honda clone. You can get similar prices from many Quartzsite vendors and from Harbor Freight on their inverter generator. At least with Harbor Freight you know they'll be around to honor the warranty if there's a problem (90 days and 2 years on emission control components) . . . The biggest question with a no-name clone is where will you get parts and service?
Hello Lou
You bring up several points that I considered, and I think there is more to the Pulsar brand than you're giving credit for . .but, I have done much more research, and read many, many reviews, including folks who own Hondas so have been able to compare them operationally, so that is understandable. The Pulsar warranty is 3 years on mechanical parts, and is more than just a Honda no-name clone I think-- Pulsar makes a full line of gas generators, with this being their smallest 4-stoke, up to about 7500 W I think. They also make other power equipment like compressors and power washers and are sold all over North America. According to some reviews, parts are more available than for other non-Honda brands.
Interesting you should mention Harbor Freight, and looking at their only offering in the 2000W inverter model, I would also consider it a Honda "knock-off". Secondly, when doing broad searches, the Harbor Freight model didn't show up anywhere -- and likely within 6 mos. HF will be offering yet another brand and no longer carry the one they have now. Pulsar is sold by Sears, Menards, Home Depot, Overstock, Wayfair, Northern Tool, Walmart, Amazon, and on and on. If the products weren't reliable and competitive, I don't think that many big name retailers would be offering various models. HF's current 2000W inverter genny offering is the Predator brand, and Predator genny's are also sold by Sam's Club, Target, and a couple other retailers, but not nearly as extensively as the Pulsar brand.
http://www.generatorpowersource.com/pulsar-products-generator-review/#1
I've been sold on Hondas all along, but it's down to the nitty-gritty so was doing more research. I've also looked closely at the Champions and Generac, and in fact, WEN and Westinghouse get some high marks in the rankings also. But, the Pulsar still wins out as the alternative to the ~$500 more Honda (yes, I quoted the wrong differential price in my original post - got confused with the Honda EU1000i!).
And, like you mention, I had thoughts that the Pulsar could be a "throw-away" unit, but, I don't think it will come to that. If I perform a decent break-in on it, and run it periodically, change the oil etc. I do expect it to perform more than satisfactorily for my needs. Besides, it is so cute!!
Thanks for your comments.
Linda