Postie Bike: History, Significance, and Specifications

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The Postie Bike has a rich history dating back to the 1950s. It was first introduced by the Australian Post Office as a cost-effective way to deliver mail to rural areas.

The Postie Bike was designed to be a reliable and versatile vehicle, capable of handling various terrain and weather conditions. It was an instant hit with postal workers and the public alike.

The Postie Bike's significance extends beyond its functionality, as it has become an iconic symbol of Australian culture. It's a reminder of the country's history and its people's resourcefulness.

The Postie Bike's specifications include a 49cc engine, a top speed of 60 km/h, and a fuel tank capacity of 3.5 liters.

Postie Bike

The Postie Bike, a unique and fascinating mode of transportation. The first Postie Bike was introduced in Australia in 1940.

These bikes were designed to be durable and reliable, with a robust frame and a powerful engine. The first Postie Bike was powered by a 98cc Villiers engine.

Delivery man biking through urban cityscape with modern architecture, ready for fast and eco-friendly delivery service.
Credit: pexels.com, Delivery man biking through urban cityscape with modern architecture, ready for fast and eco-friendly delivery service.

The Postie Bike's distinctive design features a long wheelbase and a high seat, making it perfect for carrying heavy loads and navigating rough terrain. This design has remained largely unchanged over the years.

In the 1950s, the Postie Bike became a staple of Australian rural life, with thousands of bikes being used to deliver mail and packages to remote areas. The Postie Bike's popularity peaked in the 1960s.

Today, the Postie Bike is still used in some parts of Australia, particularly in rural areas where roads are rough and infrastructure is limited.

History and Significance

The postie bike has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. It was introduced in Australia in 1958 to improve mail delivery efficiency.

The significance of the postie bike lies in its ability to navigate through Australia's vast rural areas. This allowed for faster and more reliable mail delivery to remote communities.

The postie bike's design was influenced by the need for a lightweight and rugged vehicle. Its compact size and simple mechanics made it an ideal choice for rural mail delivery.

See what others are reading: Kiki's Delivery Service Bike

Post Master General

Bike courier in orange uniform delivers food on Amsterdam street.
Credit: pexels.com, Bike courier in orange uniform delivers food on Amsterdam street.

The Post Master General is a significant figure in the story of the Honda C110X. It's a title that still holds weight today, as Honda Australia sells a CT110X model, which is only available to registered Australia Post contractors.

One interesting fact is that the bikes were not available for purchase by the general public directly from Honda until 2009. This exclusivity only adds to their cult status.

Red Letter Day

The Red Letter Day bikes were designed to be as vanilla and brutally functional as possible, reflecting their purpose as a practical replacement for bicycles. They featured a semi-step-through frame, a nod to their moped-ish influences.

These bikes were issued to postal workers who needed something reliable and easy to ride, not to provide a life-changing experience. They were meant to be quiet, innocuous, and easy to handle, making them perfect for their intended use.

Specifications and Models

The postie bike is a versatile vehicle that comes in various models. The most common engine size is 49cc, which provides a good balance between power and fuel efficiency.

The Honda PCX is a popular model, known for its reliability and low maintenance costs. It has a top speed of around 55-60 km/h, making it suitable for urban areas.

The Yamaha YBR is another well-known model, offering a comfortable ride and a spacious under-seat storage compartment.

Honda CT 110

A bicycle courier in an orange jacket and delivery bag on a city street, ready for delivery.
Credit: pexels.com, A bicycle courier in an orange jacket and delivery bag on a city street, ready for delivery.

The Honda CT 110 is a legendary motorcycle.

It's known colloquially as the 'Postie Bike' in Australia, and is the most common motorcycle in the country.

Over 60 MILLION have been produced by 2008, making it the most produced vehicle in history.

I recently picked up a 1981 CT90 in dual range format for $450 on eBay, and it's in almost 'mint' condition with only 5K on the 'clock'.

It had been 'buried' in a shed for over twenty years, but started first kick and ran like a watch after a fresh petrol fill.

Club registration is available for older vehicles like this one, costing around $70 per year.

In low range, it can creep up the steepest hill and go places a 4WD can't.

The 'Australia Post' models are only single range, but look for the oval transfer case on the left hand side of the transmission to find a dual range version.

A Woman Riding a Bike with Food Delivery  Bag
Credit: pexels.com, A Woman Riding a Bike with Food Delivery Bag

The front rack is also a good indication, though my bike doesn't have one – I'll be adding one soon!

It has a spare petrol tank underneath the rear rack, which should give me a range of 300 kms or more.

The bike has pillion footpegs, though a cushion might be a good idea for passengers.

A different take: One Bike Carrier

Bike Models Serial Numbers

If you're looking to identify the model year of your Postie Bike, you can do so by checking the serial number.

Postie Bike models from 1980 start with "JD01-5000001".

To narrow down the model year, you can also check the serial number's prefix. For example, models from 1981 start with "JH2JD010*BS100002", while those from 1982 start with "JH2JD010*CS200001".

Here's a quick reference guide to help you identify your Postie Bike's model year based on its serial number:

Honda CT110 Specs 2005

The Honda CT110 Specs 2005 make it a reliable choice for riders. The engine is a single cylinder, four-stroke air-cooled unit.

Close-up of a black Honda motorcycle in an industrial garage, showcasing detailed mechanics and design.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a black Honda motorcycle in an industrial garage, showcasing detailed mechanics and design.

This engine displacement is 110 ccs, perfect for city commuting or off-road adventures.

The gearbox is a 4-speed, allowing for smooth and efficient shifting.

The fuel tank capacity is 5.5 liters, or approximately 1.4 gallons, giving you plenty of range between fill-ups.

The wheelbase is 1210mm or 47 inches, providing stability and balance on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What model is the Honda Postie bike?

The Honda Postie bike is a CT110 model, known for its enclosed chainguard and long association with Australia Post as a mail carrier vehicle.

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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