Stamp of Approval: The Honda CT110, Australia's Postal Powerhouse

If the original Honda Cub were human, it would be in the record books for having the greatest number of children, grandchildren… and great grandchildren on the planet. One such distant relative is a seemingly humble bike that has now reached legendary status.

honda ct110

The CT110 was a development of the older CT90 which was used in both urban and some farming communities. When enlarged to 105cc (no we don't know why its not called CT105 either!) the CT110 was born, complete with a spec that was like a godsend to the Australian and New Zealand postal services – thus the legend of the “Postie Bike” began.

Needing a machine that could transport the postman on a long round – and with quite some post (this started in the early 70's before both email and Amazon) - the Postie Bike had a step through frame making it easy to get on and off, a centre stand plus two side stands…. on each side!… and a hidden lever below the four speed semi-auto engine that offered the option of normal and low ratios. (This feature disappeared for a few years in production then reappeared so check below the engine when buying a CT).

From 1971 onwards, the Australian Postal Service alone purchased around 2500 CT110's a year and they became a familiar sight across the huge expanse of the antipodean continent. Inevitably machines were “pensioned off” and private individuals became seduced by the ease of use, reliability and sheer charm of the basic bike that ran 17-inch wheels and drum brakes for its whole life.

CT's are now regularly customised as the small capacity shed build culture grows while many are pressed into service for charity events and epic rides; including one intrepid individual who rode one from Australia to the UK on his own and with no real preparation. If you have a CT110, or the idea appeals of restoring one, look on the CMSNL web site as we regularly “post” new OE items and give them our “stamp” of approval!