A Cambodia-based engineering start-up is gearing up to establish itself in a motorcycle field currently dominated by Japanese giants. Startech Dynamics Cambodia is aiming to accelerate ahead with a custom-built machine designed for the always exciting yet sometimes challenging arena of the Kingdom's roads.

First registered in 2021, SDC is – with safety as their mantra – blending cutting-edge technology and modern design to bring affordable and stylish two-wheel mobility to the masses.

“Here at Startec, we like to say we are the ‘Robin Hood’ of the motorcycle industry. The features found in the high-end motor vehicle industry animate us; we take inspiration from the most expensive bikes and technology and then try to bring it to the people,” explains Bastien Sbrovasso, Cambodian operations director.

“But our focus isn’t solely on existing technology, even though it can serve as inspiration. We are also dedicated to developing new features that are not yet available in the market, particularly within the motorcycle industry.

“Basically, motorcycles are the number one vehicles here, but many Cambodians are missing out on great safety features and other innovations.”

The company has far deeper roots than its youthful spirit suggests.

Its parent company, Startec Limited, was established more than 20 years ago in Hong Kong. It has long been a major player in the regional motorcycle market, specialising in electronic engine management systems. Its proprietary technology and several patented components have been supplied to many household brands.

The ‘Robin Hood’ approach to technology

The company found itself wondering how it could launch modern tech into a developing market, introducing features that were once the domain of expensive high-end machines while cutting through the dull and unchanging nature of the currently available offerings.

Although the company’s long-term goal is to develop transportation solutions for the entire planet – especially the developing world – the Kingdom was selected as an ideal starting point. After eight years in Cambodia, Bastien knew the heavy rains, hot temperatures and dusty conditions would be the ultimate test for new technology.

Our motorcycle development concept is based on observing and understanding people’s needs. By doing that, we have a better picture of what the bike should be in terms of shape, reliability and materials, and how it should be matched with the environment in Cambodia,” he says.  

“Creating our own models allows us to oversee the entire production process, from developing our technology features to manufacturing the vehicles. This approach allows us to ensure the perfect integration of our smart systems into the vehicles we produce.

“This is how our brand ‘Calypso’ was born.”

A new concept is born

The company’s team of specialist engineers – from the Kingdom, Hong Kong, France and Canada – conducted extensive market research, while working closely with Cambodian designers, engineers and technicians to develop their first entry-level model – the Calypso ORI, short for origin, or original.

The company’s cutting-edge engine management – tailored for the sometimes variable quality of the Kingdom’s petrol – utilises “Smart” technology which integrates unique safety features. Combined with a blend of clean lines and retro styling, they are key to the ORI’s appeal.

Assembled entirely in Cambodia, by Cambodians, for Cambodians, the bike aims to eliminate the superfluous while maintaining modern standards. With a torquey 125cc engine and a four-speed semi-automatic transmission, ease of use was at the forefront of the designers’ minds.

“While semi-automatics are still extremely popular here, the market is very dull, with many models essentially remaining unchanged for 20 or 30 years. Not many brands focus on these models anymore, so we thought we would try to implement modern technology – like a front disc brake and a digital dashboard with connectivity features – with the shape of a classic bike,” adds Sbrovasso.

Cutting-edge connectivity 

Among the many features included in the low sticker price is a Euro-standard LED headlight, as well as Startec’s proprietary Athena Smart System.

The Athena app allows riders to connect with the large TFT LCD console on their bike, syncing their phone to the display for a large onboard map when required. The dash even gives them the ability to answer phone calls on the go with a simple click of the handlebar-mounted switchgear, with the screen displaying the name of the caller and then linking to the rider’s own earbuds and mic.

Among the ambient back-lit controls is a “passing switch”, meaning riders can flash their headlight with a single squeeze of the trigger, a useful function on the Kingdom’s roads.

Naturally, the screen also features a sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness, ensuring that it does not ruin the rider’s night vision. 

Riding into the future

In the final stages of development are additional features, including an emergency function which will alert up to five pre-set contacts in the event of an accident. This feature is expected to appeal especially to young riders, or parents who want to give their children their first “new-bike” experience.

If an onboard sensor detects that the machine has fallen over (once a certain speed has been reached), it will gives the rider the option of cancelling an alert. If no answer is forthcoming, because the rider is injured or unconscious, it will share its location with pre-saved emergency contacts. The system relies on GPS, and only the rider and his or her contacts will be aware of the location.

In addition, a tracking function and anti-theft remote disabling are also in the pipeline. A Canadian team of engineers from Startec’s North American operation will be in the Kingdom at the end of this month to conduct the final testing, with these features expected to be available to the public early next year.

Built by Khmer, for Khmer

Each machine is hand-assembled by a team of Cambodian technicians at a modern facility in Phnom Penh’s Toul Kork district, with a range of quality parts sourced from Japan, Thailand and Taiwan.

As each ORI is completed, it is put through a battery of tests on a custom-built rolling road tester. These include braking checks, a high speed run, wheel alignment and even headlight calibration.

Thanks to the fast-paced nature of globalised supply chains, development of the model is ongoing, with updates released regularly as new components become available. 

As part of Startec’s commitment to their customers, a mechanical warranty is offered, and as new updates are introduced, ORI owners are given the option of receiving complimentary overhauls.

In the interests of maintaining full transparency, open days are planned at the factory. 

The first one, exclusively for existing customers and retailers, took place last weekend, and was well-attended.

In the near future, similar events will be made open to the public, so Startec can show people how they work, discuss plans for future improvements and celebrate some of their milestones.

They plan to make test units available for anyone who wants to take a spin, and most of their team will be there to chat and connect with any interested motorcycle enthusiasts.

Just like at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy, customers will be able to meet the man or woman who assembled their bike in person.

The Calypso ORI is now available for $1,580, with the purchase price including a one-year warranty and four scheduled maintenance checks.

Salesrooms and service centres are established in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with motorcycles also available from retail partners in several other provinces, including Battambang, Preah Sihanouk and Kampot. Discussions are underway for more to open shortly.

Other models – including two Calypso-branded traditional underbone-framed scooters – are also in the works, with Startec’s electric vehicle brand, Novae, also scheduled to reach the market in 2025.