What do malfunctioning generators and bad weather have in common? They’re both horrible to experience. Whether it is a blizzard in the north or a tropical storm of hurricane proportions, the experience will teach you that you need a reliable generator to protect your family.

The Honda EM6500SX is that generator that can honestly ‘have your back.’ Its power, reliability, ease of use, and protection come rolled into one.

Honda is a long-established brand that no longer requires an introduction. The quality behind the Honda brand is built on consumer trust. The EM6500SX proves it.

Honda Quality Features Defined

Perhaps you already own smaller, more portable Honda generators, but with an increase in bad weather, you’re seriously debating about adding another unit for extra protection. During inclement weather, your experience can go sideways quickly.

Enter the EM6500SX with 7000 watts, a 10-second jump-start for appliances, and prolonged run time on a larger tank and a powerful IGX 390 Honda engine.

Instant power source:

• Powers larger appliances efficiently
• 10-sec start control
• Easy storage
• Larger gas tank and run time
• Electric start and Bluetooth
• Honda technology and reliability

Power direct from Honda becomes important when you’re forced to leave the safety of your property.

However, when the time comes, the less time you spend exposed to the elements could be a matter of life and the unthinkable.

Technology Behind the Technology

One of the key questions a generator needs to answer is, ‘What can it power?’ The EM6500SX is ideal for home backup and remote workstations because it’s so reliable. This powerful generator can support freezers, fridges, and, more importantly, well pumps and furnaces.

Literally, the engineers and designers at Honda thought of everything. iAVR (intelligent automatic voltage regulation) is an exclusive feature in EM (and EB) generator models.

This feature is crucial as it reduces voltage fluctuation by up to 50% over other AVR systems. As a protective feature, it protects the electronic components in your appliances and your generator from surges.

Consistent RPM control provides constant voltage and frequency without the typical rise and fall of voltage in other products.

Honda’s unique iAVR works in conjunction with delivering consumers in distress with the 10-second start power to safely fire up their appliances and motors.

Consult the Honda Appliance Consumption Guide to understand your power consumption habits.

FirePower Options

Honda fully understands that consumers require their generators in less than ideal situations. While the EM6500SX is a powerhouse in controlled conditions, when the lights are out and the wind is howling, Honda reliability is essential tool consumers love about this generator.

The last thing you want to deal with is recoil start-up (a backup standard) on generators. Honda provides a seamless electric start that partners well with Bluetooth remote stop and start and wireless technology.

Through Bluetooth connectivity, you start your generator and monitor generator performance from a safe distance. 

Monitor performance from within 75 feet:

• Output power
• Fuel and oil gauge
• Runtime
• Alerts and maintenance
• 12V DC Auto Charging (optional cord)

Design Specs and Transport

Honda also included the folding handles on the EM6500SX for easy maneuverability and transport on a wheel kit standard. For a permanent storage solution, consider building a climate-specific shelter.

Dimensions: 41.4″ x 27.8″ x 28.3″

For bad weather situations, Honda-designed housing panels to keep the multiple outlets protected and dry. 

Although weighing in at 231.7lbs, this portable generator requires a bit of heft to get it moving. Once in the air, the extended handles and superior wheel kit make it transportable when needed.

Once in place, the generator rests on reinforced standing legs for maximum stability.

Additional Features

Honda thinks outside the box and includes the consumer’s safety in all design aspects. Most homeowners know to store their generators in a ventilated area at a safe distance from harmful fumes backtracking into a home.

However, Honda includes the CO-Minder (Advanced Carbon Monoxide Detection System)  as a standard in all generator models (post-2020). This advanced feature allows a generator to automatically power down when excess and dangerous CO levels register on the monitor.

This non-inverter gas generator is powered by a Honda’s IGX 390 engine and includes a circuit breaker protection switch to prevent generator overload. 

20A 125V GFCI Duplex (2), 30A 125V locking plug, 30A 125/250V locking plug round out the added safety features with plate covers.

The Competition

The portable generator category surges as consumers race to find alternative methods to power their homes, escape into the wilderness and prepare for the worst.

Honda generators aren’t the only power source on the market. Briggs & Stratton is also a quality brand, and the Q6500 or Westinghouse WGen 7500 are formidable competition at a lesser cost.

The unanswered question here is, ‘can you take the chance?’ Or, is Honda, with its unbeatable performance and quality record, the best option?

Having lived through a hurricane with an unreliable second-rate generator, the answer is simple. Price differences, however, may sway opinion.

Control Center

Like other Honda generator models, the easy-to-read dashboard provides access to the brain of the operation. 

• Electric starter switch
• Circuit protector indicator
• Plug-in receptacles
• Voltage selector
• Auto-throttle 
• Oil alert gauge

For a detailed overview and other spec information, consult the Honda Manual or watch this introductory video.

Performance Security

As stated in this article, other generators are on the market. This segment will only reiterate what you already know about the Honda brand reputation for those still reading.

Reputation isn’t a sellable feature. Reputation is achieved and maintained through quality, reliability, performance, and consumer demand. A brand can’t exist for 70 years in a competitive market without consistency in all four categories.

My experience may have been different from others; I’d stake my trust in the Honda brand for those exact reasons.

Emissions

Part of the Honda standard, the EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN and EM6500SXKAAG) meet all the environmental guidelines/laws and are EPA-approved and Carb-compliant. The generator is also forest safe and has a spark arrestor.

For health concerns using any gas-powered equipment, visit P65.

Consumer Warranty

Like other Honda products, the EM6500SX comes with a limited 3-year residential and commercial use warranty. Home modifications may negate this warranty.

See details pertaining to your ownership warranty here. Or contact Honda at 770-497-6400.

Honda Performance

Throughout Honda’s production history, they have won awards for performance, innovation, and ultimately unprecedented consumer loyalty.

Founded in Japan in 1948, Honda is a trusted household name in automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment. Alongside product quality and durability, Honda is committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 30% to protect the planet’s future.

For a complete lineup of Honda performance generators, visit their homepage for a complete overview.

FAQs

Can I use synthetic oil in my Honda generator?

Any oil used must meet or exceed all oil requirements stated in the owner’s manual. 

Where can I buy Honda parts for my equipment?

Visit the Honda dealer locator and provide a model and serial number.

Can anyone buy a parts catalog?

Yes. Click here.

Can I use any type of gas?

Use regular unleaded gasoline containing no more than 10% ethanol (E10). Products like E85 do not qualify. Consult your manual.

Before You Commit to Buy

The best advice to know if a Honda EM6500SX is suitable for you is dependent on your needs. Use the wattage calculator to help you answer this riddle.

Honda products are synonymous with quality, durability, and essentially dependability.

If you’re looking for a generator compatible with your RV, consider the weight and noise and any alterations required to make it fit. 

For remote work situations, the EM6500SX is a no-brainer. It provides power and efficiency. However, other Honda options have quieter running noise and better fuel efficiency.

For food trucks, festival and concert vendors, stage equipment, and home or acreage owners, the EM6500SX is an excellent option.

Pros:

• 7000 watts of power
• Reliability and performance guaranteed
• Consumer tested

Cons:

• Less fuel-efficient
• Non-inverter technology
• Louder (64dBA) 

People Applaud

You don’t have to look hard to find consumer verified 5-star reviews. What echoes over and over is the quality and dependability. 

Of course, from time to time, all products can disappoint consumer expectations because of a faulty product or poor customer service. All companies have windows of opportunity for improvement.

Impressive Quality

One of the key elements this reviewer addresses is hooking the generator to your electrical panel in an emergency. Therefore, anyone can access the generator power with a simple flick of a switch. The reviewer is a seasoned master electrician who tested the generator on many appliances and boasted of ‘superior quality.’ 

Honda Homepage

While some may think Honda homepage reviews are biased, I disagree. When you read the reviews, you get a sense that these Honda clients are eager to share their stellar thoughts because they made the right purchasing decision by investing in a Honda generator.

Worked Perfectly

This reviewer wrote his report after a 10hour power outage and was pleased with the results. This person even ran 2 AV units on seven gallons of gas. Honda quality is peace of mind.

Comparison Chart

Honda EM6500SX $3499	Briggs & Stratton Q6500 $1331	Westinghouse WGen7500
7000-watt running non-inverter	5000 watts running/ 6500 starting	7500watt running / 9500 starting
231.7 lbs dry	144.1 lbs dry	192 lbs dry
Gas fuel/long-life battery	Gas	Gas
Electric, remote option, recoil	Recoil	Electric key, remote, recoil
120/240 AC Volt GFCI	120/240 AC Volt	120/240 AC Volt GFCI
6.4 hrs.@ rated load, 9.8 hrs. @ 1/2 load	14 hrs at 25% load & Quit Power (60%less)	11 hrs at 50 % load & 90 dBA

Whenever you compare tough competitors, you notice the subtle difference that sets one apart from the other. While Honda is more expensive, you can rest on quality and reliability.

Conclusion

Honda stands the test of time and meets consumer expectations on reliability and performance.

If you decide this is the right option to maneuver you through challenging or fun times, look no further.