The Story of Nono Sumarno: From Fine Arts to National Motorcycle Design

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Behind the design of electric motorcycles from Indomobil Emotor, such as Adora, Tyranno, Sprinto, and the QT scooter, stands an experienced local designer, Nono Sumarno, or Mang No as he is fondly called.

Mang No’s journey in design did not start in the automotive industry, but in fine arts from a young age.

“I was a painting champion in primary, secondary, and high school in Majalengka. Then I could create gardens and sculptures. That’s why when I graduated high school and was told to go to university, I didn’t want to. Because I was already used to making gardens and painting,” he told Kompas.com in Jakarta recently.

From art projects, his path to the automotive world began unexpectedly.

“I made a cool motorcycle back then. And that motorcycle caught the attention of a dealer in Majalengka, West Java, because it was good. So I was advised to come to Honda Motor Jakarta,” he said.

Mang No then became involved in forming the research and development (R&D) division in Indonesia.

“Then I, along with the leadership, managers, division heads, and directors, formed the R&D here in Indonesia, Honda Motor’s R&D,” said Mang No.

His experience in R&D led him to participate in various design projects, including providing ideas for several legendary models.

“Yes, there was a lot of work like design ideas for the Honda Supra motorcycle. Yes, design ideas, but not purely. Because we were still a Japanese company. We couldn’t just base ideas on surveys,” he said.

“Then I resigned in 1992 to start my own company. Making motorcycle accessories in Cirebon, specifically for Honda motorcycle accessories. And they were already marketed throughout West Java,” he said.

However, two years later, in 1994, he was called back for a bigger project, namely the development of the national motorcycle named SMI Expressa.