1.  What is a Postie bike?  

A Postie bike is a Honda CT110 or CT90.  These bikes are used by Australia Post as mail delivery vehicles hence the name "Postie bike".  There are several models and versions available.  The CT's used by Australia Post are made to order and are therefore different to the standard model that went out of production in the late 1980's.  Since then they have been made exclusively for Australia Post by Honda Japan and are still made today. 

The original CT's are still available in Australia from Honda and until recently did not have a ADR (Australian Design Rules) compliance plate so they could not be registered for road/highway use. Here is a brochure in pdf format for the current model CT110P with dual range transmission, 12v electrical and front carry rack. On 15th July 2009 Honda Australia announced that they were now releasing the Honda CT110AG as a road registerable motorcycle. See the press release here Honda’s Humble CT110 Hits The Road 
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2. Where can I buy a Postie Bike?

NEW?  Honda Motor Cycles Australia still sells the CT110, however until July 2009 this model could not be road registered as they did not have an ADR Compliance Plate. The 2009 model can be road registered. The model made for Australia Post is not available to the general public as new but can be obtained second hand (see used below).
  
USED? There are numerous sources:   

i. Australia Post usually dispose of their bikes when they reach 20,000 kms (12,500 miles).  They are usually sold by Pickles Auctions.  see www.pickles.com.au
ii. News Papers. You will usually find a postie bike or two for sale in the newspapers in Sydney. e.g. Sydney Morning Herald, Daily Telegraph, The Age, Courier Mail.
iii. The Web.  The weekly Trading Post is a good one, they usually have a dozen or more. www.tradingpost.com.au You can also try ebay www.ebay.com.au and News Classifieds www.newsclassifieds.com.au
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3.  How much should I pay for a Postie Bike? (in Australia)

The price you pay will depend on the condition of the bike, age, model etc but generally speaking they usually sell for between $500 and $1000 dollars unregistered. You will see road registered ones on sale for $900 to $1500 AUS.    At the Pickles Auctions the ex Aussie Post bikes with 20000 kms, in good working order usually go for around $600 to $1200 unregistered and they come with a road worthiness certificate (pink slip).  
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4. Where can I get parts for my Postie Bike.

Since the CT110 is still sold in Australia you can order NEW parts for the later models from any Honda Parts Dealer. You can also get 2nd hand parts from Motorcycle wreckers, ebay and fellow CT enthusiasts.  
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5. Where can I get a Workshop Manual for my Postie Bike?

I recommend the Clymer Honda 50cc to110cc Singles Service, Repair and Maintenance Manual. Description: 50-110cc OHC Singles (1965-1996).  Reference Number: CM310

It covers the following bikes:
Z50A (1969-1972, 1974-1978), Z50R (1979-1989, 1991-1996), S65 (1965-1969), C70 (1980-1983), C70M (1970-1973), CL70 (1969-1973), CT70 (1969, 1972-1982, 1991-1994), SL70 (1971-1972), XL70 (1974-1976), C90 (All Years), CD90 (All Years), CL90 (1967-1969), CL90L (1968-1970), CT90 (1969-1972, 1974-1979), S90 (1973-1975), SL90 (1969), ST90 (1973-1975), CT110 (1980-1984, 1986)

Try searching for "Clymer" on Google. These Clymer books are also available or can be ordered through bike shops and books stores. Price $21.95 US or around $75.00 AUS (There is currently no known "free" online version available.)
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6. How can I make my Postie Bike go FASTER?

This is the question I am, without a doubt, asked the most. There are many ways to increase power of your postie bike. Below are some that I know of: (Warning: Most of these mods will make your bike illegal for on road use).

i. Reduce weight - remove everything that is not needed e.g. rear rack, crash bars, lights, battery etc.  Note: The rear carry rack incorporates an airflow restrictor which will cause the engine to run too lean if removed.  In order to get around this you need to install some other form of air flow restriction in the air intake hose or employ option ii. below.
ii. Modify the exhaust (by removing the baffles) and air intake (remove the rear carry rack) and
increase main carby jet size to approx 0.85mm.
iii. Change front/rear chain sprockets to alter gear ratios.  e.g. Reducing the front sprocket by 1 tooth to a 14 tooth will increase acceleration but reduce top speed.
iv. Re-tune engine to run on Methanol (A Racing Fuel) Involves increasing
main jet to about 1.5 mm and changing engine oil. (a significant increase in power is achieved)
v. Increase compression ratio (requires cylinder head to be machined)
vi. Install a modified racing cam (available from Tighe CAMS in Queensland)
vii. Install a 125cc big bore kit - these are rare but turn up on e-bay from time to time.
viii. Have your engine professionally modified and dyno-tuned. (eg lightened
flywheel, lightened crank shaft and incorporation of mods listed above)
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7. What other modifications can I make for off road use?  

i. generally anything you like, most people want their Postie to be an original,
ii. the wheels can be changed. The standard wheels are chrome plated steel, alloy wheels are lighter.
iii. install knobby tyres - you can put 2.75-17 motocross tyres on the standard rims
iv. bigger suspension. e.g.. CT125, XL125/185/250 or 500. Many other std Honda suspension will bolt straight on to a CT110.
v. remove engine crash bars and install a home made brace between the frame and the head.
vi. remove the centre stand, one of the two side stands and chain guard.
vii. remove the heavy metal front mudguard and replace it with an after market plastic one.
viii. for CDI models remove the wiring harness and battery and wire up ignition only. See Specs page for details.  
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8. Are there any clubs I can join?

The Postie Bike Racing Web Site is a cyber community of like minded people who just want to have fun and race without any bureaucracy. We have been racing posties since 1990 and our web site has been up since June 1998. We are a middle aged group (30-50 year olds with children 1-18)

There are also a few other groups around.  The "Postie Bike Club of Australia" operates in Victoria. This group is mainly an on road group (day rides, tours etc) but I have seen a few shots of them doing it in the dirt. We have also heard of other guys from Kurrajong and Mudgee who race Posties off road. There is also a South Coast group of organised people.
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9. How much does it cost to race at the Postie Bike races at Hallwood (Bathurst NSW)?

Nothing.  Just turn up on the day with your bike, helmet and whatever your taste in fuel.  You must have a CT110 or CT90 engine in order to win a race. There are no restrictions on modifications so long as your bike is safe.(i.e.. is not going to explode or cause a fire)  Your bike will be scrutineered by a race official to ensure it is safe to ride so that you do not hurt anyone else or yourself.  
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10.  How often do we meet?

We usually race bimonthly or around 6 times a year.  Typical dates: Late January (Summer1), Early March (Autumn), April (ANZAC Day 25th), Mid June (Winter1), Mid-Late August (Winter2), Early October (Spring), Late Nov (Summer2)
However we haven't raced for a while, but you never know it could start up again at any time.
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11. How do we all keep in contact?  

i) The Postie Bikes Web Site - see our "Future Events" link.
ii) Join our free Yahoo e-Group mailing list. A FREE email discussion forum where everything about Postie Bikes is discussed between people from all over the globe. You can join by going to http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/postiebikes/ All messages are archived so you can view any that you may have missed prior to joining. There are also file and image areas with further information that has been uploaded by members of the group.
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12. What do I do when my postie bike isn't running properly?

Engine Won't Start - 
    Check Fuel, 
    Check for Spark
    Check valve tappet clearance - (common problem)
    Check Air intake under rack for blockage
    Check Air Cleaner element
    Check Carby Float + needle and seat
Engine wont idle -
    Check Idle adjustment screw
    Check air intake hose is in place (ie air restricter in rack)
Engine makes noises - 
    Loose Cam Chain - Tinny rattly noise - (common problem) - easy to adjust
    Loose Tappets - high speed clicking noise - adjust
    Worn Big End and/or Little End Bearings - loud knocking sound - replace
Engine runs but has no power - 
    Spark plug not tight or leaking
    Head Gasket blown
    Needs new rings
Engine blows smoke - 
    Faulty or blown head gasket leaking oil into cylinder head or 
    Oil rings worn or gone - needs new rings.
Electrical Problems
    Make sure you have good wiring.
    The Alternator
    No headlight - alternator, wiring, switch
    Blowing Globes - alternator wired incorrectly or faulty
    Battery not charging - fuse, alternator, rectifier or wiring
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13. How do I look after my Postie Bike?

1. Keep it parked under cover if possible or use a cover. The Sun is a bitch. Keep it clean.
2. Look after the tyre pressures - keep around 22 psi or as recommended by tyre
3. Look after the battery - check levels - keep it charged using a Maintenance Charger if not riding for long periods.
4. Check Engine Oil regularly - change oil as required
5. Ride it regularly 
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14. Where do I get those saddle bags and racks that Aussie Post use?
This is a hard one, that I get asked often. The saddle bags are Australia Post property, so basically, you can't get them. The racks are fitted by local Honda dealers but supplied by Australia Post. So you cant buy them either. You can however get similar bags and racks from One Ten Motorcycles online (based in Queensland). Click on Accessories, then Bags.
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If you have any suggestions or comments about this FAQ or you have a question that is not answered here you can join the Postie Bikes Yahoo Group or email me at

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Copyright © 2001-2009 - Warren Leadbeatter
Last updated 2nd August 2009