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Description
Zoom on the Honda EM6500SX
In summary, the Honda EM6500SX is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Honda EM6500SX houses a 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 5500W along with a peak wattage of 6500W (and even up to 7000 W thanks to the iAVR technology).
At a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), this generator can be started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, or a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the EM6500SX can also be remotely started (via the My Generator App).
The fuel capacity of 6.2 gallons allows the EM6500SX to operate for around 9.8 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.63 GPH).
The EM6500SX is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its relatively high THD (<10%).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.
This Honda generator isn't quite RV Ready, but it features an L5-30R receptacle, allowing a simple RV connection through an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the EM6500SX is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
Portability
With its dimensions of L41.4 x W27.8 x H28.3 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Honda EM6500SX offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Since the generator weighs 231.7 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
Features
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
Besides the features previously mentioned, accessory-wise, the Honda EM6500SX comes with the usual documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) needed to get you promptly started. An official storage cover is available, as a separate purchase.
CO Minder

CO Minder monitors the ambient CO concentration
Honda's CO Minder is a system that monitors the ambient carbon monoxide concentration, and automatically stops the engine if the sensor detects a CO level of or exceeding 800 parts per million (ppm) at a given time, or an average of 400 ppm for 10 minutes.
A CO alarm indicator will flash for about five minutes, during which it will be impossible to restart the engine.
While it’s a welcomed additional security feature, remember to always take your generator outside (opens in a new tab).
Honda My Generator App
The Honda My Generator App (available on iOS and Android) makes owning the EM6500SX even more flexible and convenient, whether you are depending on it at home during a power outage, or enjoying an adventure at a remote campsite.
The app connects your unit and your phone via Bluetooth, across a 75-foot line of sight, giving you valuable information about your generator's operation and many additional features in the palm of your hands.
With it, you can easily monitor a range of information such as output power, lifetime run hours, oil life, or estimated remaining runtime. You’ll also receive warnings and notifications to remind you of routine maintenance.
Even better, the app allows you to control multiple, compatible Honda generators from a single mobile device, and to remotely start and stop the EM6500SX without a key fob.
iAVR Technology
Honda’s iAVR (opens in a new tab) (Intelligent Automatic Voltage Regulation) reduces voltage fluctuation by up to 50% over current AVR systems.
In conventional generators, when a load is applied, the engine’s rpm drops, which causes the voltage and frequency to drop as well, until the rpm recovers.
iAVR is a combination of the DAVR (opens in a new tab) technology and the iGX (opens in a new tab) engine technology, which serves to provide advanced and instantaneous engine rpm control when a load is applied.
As a result, voltage and frequency are precisely regulated and the EM6500SX is able to produce a starting wattage above the maximum rating, for up to 10 seconds. Therefore, thanks to iAVR, the EM6500SX is able to “overclock” itself above its 6500 starting watts and provide up to 7000 W.
Emissions
The Honda EM6500SX is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.
Product Video
The Honda EM6500SX versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Honda EM6500SX compare to generators of similar power (between 5000 and 6000 W).
- Considering its dry weight of 231.7 pounds, the Honda EM6500SX is one of the heavier generators producing between 5000 and 6000 running watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Genmax GM6000XiE, weighing just 106.9 pounds.
- Since this generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 64 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating similar power. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Honda EU7000iS, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the EM6500SX, reaching around 9.8 hours at a 50% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other products of a roughly equal output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Westinghouse WGen5500, reaching around 15 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. In fact, this generator is not among the most fuel efficient, within the aforementioned wattage range : its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 0.63 GPH. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the A-iPower SUA7000L. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.36 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 5000-6000W generators, the Honda EM6500SX is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- GFCI Outlets
- Remote start
- CO Minder
- Mobile app
- iAVR technology
- Quiet for its power (64 dBA)
- On the expensive side
- On the heavy side (231.7 lbs)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Portable | Yes |
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
---|---|
Running watts | 5500 W |
Starting watts | 6500 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps |
Peak amps (@120/240V) | 54.2/27.1 amps |
Run time @50% load | 9.8 h |
Run time @25% load | Unknown |
GFCI outlets | Yes |
---|---|
Covered outlets | Yes |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | iAVR |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A |
Data center | My Generator App |
Indicators | No |
Fuel tank | 6.2 gal |
Fuel gauge | Yes |
Weight | 231.7 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 41.4 x 27.8 x 28.3 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 64 dBA |
THD | < 10% |
Compliance | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 |
Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Bonded to frame |
Accessories included | Battery and wheel kit |
Warranty | 3 years |
Series | Deluxe |
Other model numbers | EM6500SXK2AN, EM6500SXK2AG |
UPC | 786102007429 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
About Honda
Founded in 1948, the Japanese Honda Motor Company has gained notoriety for consistently producing top quality engines, motor-powered vehicles and devices. Over the years, the company has gained a strong reputation in the motorcycle, automobile, but also power tool industry. Honda’s power tool division has been producing power tools since 1953, including tillers, mowers, blowers, sprayers and of course, power generators. While the company has expanded globally and moved a majority of its production out of Japan into other Asian countries, Honda is to this day known as a legend among the generator manufacturers.
Warranty Information
The Honda EM6500SX is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Honda generators, please consult Honda's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-770-497-6400.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
---|---|---|---|
At home | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
Radio | 100 | 100 | |
Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
Total | 4397 W | 5497 W | |
For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 | |
Radio | 100 | 100 | |
Total | 4390 W | 4980 W | |
For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
Total | 3780 W | 6480 W |
What is the difference between the EM6500S, the EM6500SX, the EM6500SXK2AN and the EM6500SXK2AG?
The final "G" in "EM6500SXK2AG" indicates that the unit is CARB-compliant. The final "N" in "EM6500SXK2AN" indicates that the unit cannot be sold in California. Regarding the rest of the model names, as a rule of thumb, they refer to the unit itself, but simply include more or less information regarding its specs, production batch, etc. Read how Honda name their generators.
Your review states the em6500sx neutral is bonded to the frame. Page 61 of the owners’ manual says the system ground is not connected to the AC neutral wire. Which is it? (Asked March 18, 2021)
Does the Honda em6500SX generator have a tracking device on it GPS (Asked July 15, 2021)
The unit does not feature GPS tracker.
does it charge onboard battery while running (Asked October 30, 2021)
The generator charges the battery while the engine is running.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.