At one time, I seriously considered a GROM...thinking that it'd be cool to have a non-classic, current-production, bike with a growing list of aftermarket parts support...and EFI. You know, just get on and ride, change anything out as the mood strikes, if it gets scratched no BFD...a carefree workhorse/"beater". But, I'm a big-picture thinker and into the gearhead game before the first z50 rolled off the line. Extensive research, I do some serious homework, showed that by the time the rubber meets the road (i.e. comparable road-worthiness) the cost differential was insignificant.
These are all quality machines. I'd expect either of the newest Honda minis to "deliver the goods", IOW run, reliably, for a long time. With the cost-of-acquisition playing field levelYou're the only one who can decide what the priority list comprises.ed, the choices largely revolve around the characteristics of the machines themselves and that means what you're going to live with...hopefully for a long time. I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that I'm now 2 decades+ back into the small Honda game...and my main rider has been back on the road for 18 years now(!). If I were to opt for a new model, no question, it'd be the Monkey. I'd likely as not end up doing fork & shock upgrades, which are not cheap and really enjoy the results. Wouldn't do much of anything to the engine. 60mph, with a fat-n-flat torque curve is adequate for a small bike and overall balance is what counts the most, as the mileage adds-up for real. I'd miss the roominess of the CT70, along with the versatility (transportability, 2-passenger capability) but, that's the world; everything has its compromise(s). At this stage of the game, with more years behind than ahead of me, I can honestly say that I'm still more than happy with what I've built...and that's my point. If you're thinking longterm, consider every angle before committing cash. Life is short.