The base CT110 105 cc (6.4 cu in) four-stroke air-cooled single-cylinder engine which is nearly horizontal in the step-through tube/stamping frame.

That coupled with a 2:1 ratio gear reduction box known as the dual range sub-transmission, which switched into operation using a small lever under the transmission case, allowed the bike to climb steep slopes.

In the US the CT110 came with factory street legal lighting and mirrors, a large luggage rack, center stand, and an auxiliary gas can.

In Australia and New Zealand the Honda CT110 is known as a "Postie Bike" due to its longtime use by Australia Post and New Zealand Post as a delivery bike, without the dual range sub-transmission and upgraded to 12 volt ignition in 1998.

[2] After almost 30 years of only being available via second-hand sale from Australia Post in bulk lots, Honda began selling the road-registerable model to the domestic market in July 2009.