A Brief History Of The New Zealand “Postie Bike” by Honda

The New Zealand Post Office has a rich history of utilizing Honda C110 motorcycles, affectionately known as “postie bikes.” These motorcycles have played an integral role in the country’s postal services for over five decades, providing a reliable and efficient means of delivering mail to even the most remote areas of the country.

The history of postie bikes in New Zealand dates back to 1962 when the New Zealand Post Office ordered its first batch of Honda C110 motorcycles. The C110 was a small, lightweight motorcycle with a 50cc engine, capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h. At the time, the Post Office was looking for a vehicle that was economical, reliable, and easy to maneuver on New Zealand’s narrow and winding roads.

The C110 proved to be the perfect solution, and the Post Office quickly ordered more bikes to add to their fleet. These early postie bikes were painted bright red and fitted with specially designed postal carriers to hold the mail. They quickly became a familiar sight on the streets of New Zealand’s towns and cities, as well as in the rural areas where they were used to deliver mail to remote farmhouses and other outlying areas.

Over the years, the postie bike has undergone several changes and evolutions. In the early 1970s, the C110 was replaced by the Honda CT110, a slightly larger and more powerful motorcycle with a 105cc engine. The CT110 was capable of reaching speeds of up to 85 km/h, and it featured a larger carrier box to accommodate more mail.

In the 1990s, the Post Office began to experiment with electric scooters as a more environmentally friendly alternative to the gas-powered postie bike. However, these vehicles proved to be less reliable and efficient than the trusty postie bike, and they were eventually phased out in favor of the Honda CT110 once again.

Today, the postie bike remains an essential part of New Zealand’s postal services. While the bike itself has undergone some changes over the years, the basic design and functionality have remained the same. The current model, the Honda CT125, features a 125cc engine and a carrier box that can hold up to 25 kg of mail. It is still painted bright red, making it easy to spot on the streets of New Zealand.

In conclusion, the history of the postie bike in New Zealand is a testament to the vehicle’s reliability, efficiency, and adaptability. Over the past five decades, these motorcycles have played a vital role in the country’s postal services, providing a dependable means of delivering mail to even the most remote areas. While the postie bike has undergone some changes and evolutions over the years, it remains an iconic symbol of New Zealand’s postal service and a beloved part of the country’s cultural heritage.