Honda marketed the vehicle as a heavy-duty recreation bike with a large load capacity.

[1][2] The Motra has a distinctively rugged appearance, with angular steel tube and panel framework supporting large racks fore and aft.

The utility/military style is emphasized by a lack of decorative chrome, and a solid yellow or green paint scheme for all bodywork and wheels.

The Motra's 3-speed gearbox is coupled with a second stage to provide the same 3-speeds with a lower final ratio for low-speed off-road travel in steep terrain.

The Motra's CT50 designation is a slight exception in Honda nomenclature in that 'CT' does not indicate a mechanical family of bikes.