So just how reliable are they...
 

Honda CT110's, otherwise known as Posties Bikes!

Perhaps it's the romance of traveling on such a small bike, or maybe because of the great things i here about reliability and economy. It could just be i'm fed up with the plank of wood jokingly called a 'seat' on my current bike. Who knows... but..

I'm trying to get around Auz on a 04' XR400 and, for whatever reason, i'm fairly tempted to trade it in for one of these wee beasts. Like i said, people seem to rave about them, but are they really that good? What are they like for long distance travel? How much luggage can they handle? Can they travel at highway speeds? Any more questions..? Just one? Ok, what's everyone's opinion? Good idea or not..?

Cheers,
Gavin

Hey Gavin,

these Postie bikes seem to be much more reliable than they look like. I cant tell of my own experience but there is a great thread on the ADV Rider forum about someone having ridden all the way from Sydney to London on a CT110. There's lot's of good info around the CT110 as well. Just check for 'Nathanthepostman's story there (Sydney to London on a moped called Dot - ADVrider)

Good Luck!

Marco

Gavin, I've owned one for 6+ years but I ride it rarely.

The CT110X (postie bike variation) is not a great tourer unless you plan on cruising at no more than 60kmh (top speed is around 85-90kmh but is not sustinable) - a perfectly adequate speed for most asian countries, but not Australia.

Comfort factor is relative - these are VERY small bikes and you will feel cramped after a short while unles you are 165cm tall, or shorter.

Economy is fine, wind protection is minimal, reliability is so-so because most ex-postie bikes have covered around 30k km and are pretty much worn out in one way or another (mine had very bad shift selection and a totally worn out drivetrain but other components were as new).

The postie bikes also DON'T have the low ratio dual speed box so they don't have the versatility of the genuine CT110s, but they do have an overall stronger frame and running gear as compensation.

It really does depend on where and how you want to ride, but given the long distances between towns in Australia on boring straight roads, I think the speed limitations of a postie bike would become very frustrating, very quickly.