[9] The CBX's advanced DOHC 24-valve inline six-cylinder engine was its outstanding feature; but in other respects the bike was conventional, having telescopic forks, a tubular frame, twin rear shocks and straight handlebars.

[9] The width across the crankshaft was relatively narrow as the CBX had a stacked engine accessory arrangement, whereby the alternator and ignition items were positioned behind the cylinder block.

[8] Journalist L. J. K. Setright wrote of the CBX's width: "Don't tell me that its engine is too wide: It is no wider than the legs of a rider, so it adds nothing to the frontal area, and personally I would rather have my legs shielded by a cylinder apiece than exposed to every blow ..."[12] In 1981, Honda repositioned the CBX into the sport touring category with the CBX-B, detuning the engine to 98 hp (73 kW) and adding Pro-Link monoshock rear suspension, air-adjustable 39 mm front forks, a fairing and optional panniers with a stronger frame to support these additions.

[12] The CBX was pre-dated by the six-cylinder 1972–1978 Benelli 750 Sei based on the Honda CB500 Four, but it was the latest and most advanced entry into the competitive superbike market.

A review in Cycle magazine called the CBX a "breakthrough for the Japanese motorcycle industry" and praised its design, concept, and performance.

[19][20][21][22] UK journal Motorcycle News listed the Martin CBX as third-fastest in their table of road test statistics in 1980, with a top speed of 142.9 mph (230.0 km/h), bettered by two different models of Dunstall Suzuki.