The Postie Bike – Honda CT110

I’ve splashed out and made a new purchase – an ex-Australia Post “Postie Bike”.

For years, Australia Post has been delivering our mail on this trusty workhorse, the Honda CT110. When the bikes hit just over 20,000kms, Aussie Post puts them up for auction. They’re very popular with students and people who want a cheap, reliable commuter. They’re also popular with an odd breed of adventure rider.

I first heard of people using them as long-distance adventure bikes when I saw an article on the Postie Bike Challenge. This is a charity ride that starts in Brisbane and ends somewhere like Alice Springs, Darwin, Adelaide or the Gulf. At the end of the ride, they donate the bikes to charity.

Here’s a video of the Challenge – look on YouTube – there’s heaps more.

The other lot that I’d read about were the “Hardcore Postie” rides. These are slightly different – still going way “out back”, and still donating to charity, but these guys go one step further – they’re keen CT110 owners. They buy the bikes, maintain them, and usually modify them with long-range fuel tanks, knobby tires, better luggage systems, etc.

That got me thinking… perhaps I could one of these, do them up, and head off on one of these adventures…

Here’s the beastie on day 1.

Day 1 - From a distance, it looks okay

A closer look at that engine. A bit "weepy"...

Rear Wheel & Chain. Hmmm..... a little grubby.

It kicks over first go, and runs well. Just needs a little TLC.

Stay tuned… I’m going to be tearing this down & refurbishing it, then modifying it for extreme adventure!