The owner's manual says to run the next colder NGK spark plug if you're going to do a lot of freeway riding. I would change motor oil much more frequently than what Honda suggests (its only 1 qt). The Grom can def handle the commute, but you're going to be looking over your shoulder constantly to make sure nobody rear-ends you. If you know you're going to modify the bike, goon around, AND the GROM isn't your only mode of transportation - then go for the Grom. If you need a trusty bike to make the commute everyday - and its your only vehicle, I would think about a bigger bike.

For the amount of money you'd need to spend to upgrade the Grom's top speed - you could totally buy a used big bike. But where's the fun in that?

 

For a standard bike, the top speed will be around 55mph plus or minus 5mph (depending on which way the wind is blowing)
I use my 2014 bike for a 35mile commute on 70mph UK roads once or twice a month in summer.
The bike can handle the trip. It's the comfort of the seat that causes problems.

A 2017 model might be better than the original 2013 designed version I ride, but this is what I found with my UK spec bike.
The speedo reads 10% too high, 60 indicated is really 55mph.
A 140 rear tyre and 16 tooth front sprocket will correct the error.
The 16t gearing also allows me to drop into 3rd for long up hill climbs.
Air box mod and " no cat" header pipe will allow the bike to rev cleaner up to the 8k red line in the lower gears.
A tb cam and radiator hose mod will allow the bike to hold speed up hill, and rev hard before selecting 4th gear (no bogging down in top)
The older bikes need the pcx150 injector and EFIE controller for those mods, the 2017/18/19 versions do not need the injector.
A narrow band air fuel gauge for £15 ($19) will work with the stock ecu and efie.

I spent around £200 to gain 5mph on the 55mph top speed (2-way runs)
The bike rarely runs less than 55mph because I can use 3rd gear when the going gets tough.
Top speed to date is 71-73mph down a very big hill.
The norm is 55-65mph.

The bike can take high revs between 6500 and 8200 rpm on long runs no problem.

 

Thank you both for the input. I have a truck for a daily driver now and is not that I'm looking for a motorcycle, I just love the Groms. The looking over my shoulder is a real concern. I'd like to increase the top speed a little but I don't want to kill the bike in the meantime. All the info was very helpful! Now to decide on new or used!

 

USED! You're gonna replace all the stock parts with better stuff anyways....

 

If you want to stay up in speed but ride a cute small Mc such as the grom than I would look into the Kymco 150cc spade, it has 4v F/I engine, 5 speed trans and will do real 70mph and is around $2,999 plus your bend over fees.

this a mod Kymco spade but you can see the possiblities