Last month we profiled a German rider with what we thought was the coolest first scooter in history. However, Sonni Howe thinks otherwise…
The owner of this Vespa smallframe, Sonni Howe, is a fortunate young man. He’s had the benefit of being brought up in an environment surrounded by scooters and the scooter scene.
His dad, Jamie, featured in Scootering with his amazing Lambretta street racer, The Beast from the Green Hell, which was inspired by the Nürburgring racing circuit. With influences like that, it doesn’t take a genius to realise that Sonni has developed a preference for fast, high-performance scooters.
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Sonni’s introduction to two wheels started when he had motocross bikes in his early years. This sparked his interest in tuning and two-stroke mechanics, which then led him into his teenage years and to his first scooter.
During that time, Jamie was also taking him to scooter events. As Sonni explained: “I love going to rallies with my dad to see all the scooters. All his mates make me laugh and I also help him work on his scooters.”
Family time
The concept for this build developed when Jamie and Sonni decided they needed a project they could work on together at home.
“Part of my intention was to work alongside Sonni to help him improve his practical application of the skills needed to build a performance machine,” said Jamie.
“Experiencing the process would help Sonni to learn every aspect of scooter development, so hopefully he won’t have to rely on other people or dealers when he’s older.”
During the project, Jamie was also keen to introduce Sonni to dyno testing. At Mersea Island, Jon Gilbert kindly allowed him access to the dyno machine, which helped him understand the importance of ensuring that the engine set-up is completed correctly.
In 2022, the project started from scratch with the purchase of a Vespa 50 Special frame and a box of bits for £500, which importantly came out of Sonni’s savings.
While a reasonably comprehensive list of parts came with the frame, there were no legshields. However, Jamie and Sonni played this to their advantage because they had a pair of SS90 legshields which could be incorporated into the build and would enhance the scooter’s sporty appearance.
With the initial plan beginning to take shape, Sonni and Jamie called on the services of Chris Sadd, who made the frame solid and got everything ready for paint.
Not 50, but certainly Special
In the meantime, the pair started looking for a suitable engine. During their search, they had seen the work David Payne was completing with EGIG conversions and liked what they saw.
Having made contact with David, they commissioned him to complete the work.
The final specification of the engine included a full-circle crank with a 115 Primatist CNC-forged con rod and 51mm stroke.
The original Vespa 50 Special engine casings were retained and house four gears, with a short fourth gear. A 30mm PHBL carburettor delivers the fuel, while a five-plate, one-finger clutch manages the transition of power. The whole process is finished off with a Mamba S expansion chamber.
While David was building the engine, he also constructed the forks, which house a Crimaz front disc brake.
There are Carbone adjustable suspension components all round the scooter, delivering smooth, reliable and reassuring roadholding.
When it came to the paintwork, Sonni wanted the scooter to have a street-style patina.
“I wanted it to look old, so people would be surprised when it powered past them!”
In response to that wish, Sonni’s uncle was brought in to complete the work, while Jamie developed the stencils for the graphics, which include the name of the scooter and Sonni’s day of birth.
Looking around the machine, it’s clear to see that the objectives Sonni and Jamie set themselves have been achieved.
The paintwork delivers Sonni’s intentions and the scooter’s headset is packed with high-tech gadgets which provide accurate readings and data.
Alongside those features is a neat Streamline slope-back race-style seat, which continues the sporty street look of the scooter.
Meanwhile, the neat little rear rack gives off an essence of innocence which always brings a tongue-in-cheek smile when you know what’s hidden under the engine side panel.
Some day, all this will be yours
Although Sonni was under 16 when the feature was produced and not yet old enough to ride the scooter on public roads, he had ridden it on private land and loved the power band.
“The ride is great. It will run smoothly when it’s being ridden slowly in a high gear, but then, if I want, it will immediately power up.
“I can’t wait to be old enough to ride it on the roads so I can show my dad up!
“I’m also looking forward to the day when I stop at a set of traffic lights, a big bike pulls up next to me and they don’t realise how quick it is off the mark because it looks old and rusty,” Sonni grinned.
When a lot of teenagers are constantly on their mobile phones, using social media or gaming in their bedrooms, it’s inspiring to see a young man like Sonni take an active interest in building a machine with which he has been thoroughly involved.
“My scooter’s called Very Special because it is. I wanted a scooter like my dad’s, which would help me develop my own style and learn about engines, which I love.”
It’s clear to see that the scootering influences Sonni is being exposed to are helping him shape a bright scootering future.
I’ve also no doubt that this machine will not be the only high-performance scooter to enter Sonni’s fold.
Words: Stu Smith
Images: Gary Chapman/Jamie Howe
Owner
Name: Sonni Howe
Scooter club: Norwich
What was your first scooter, when did you get it and how did you first become interested in them?
My dad’s been taking me to scooter rallies and events for a few years. I love seeing all the scooters, helping my dad work on his scooters and all his mates make me laugh. This is my first scooter, but I’ve owned and ridden motocross bikes for a few years.
What was your first or most memorable rally or event?
I went to Mersea Island with my dad and Jon Gilbert let me help him on the dyno machine.
Any interesting or funny scooter stories?
I’m looking forward to the day when riders of big bikes don’t realise how quick my EGIG is because it looks old and rusty.
If you had to recommend one scooter part or item of riding kit, what would it be?
Neck brace.
What is your favourite scooter model?
Smallies.
What is your favourite style of custom scooter?
Street racers and tuned engines.
Scooter specifications
Name of scooter: Very Special! Because it is! I wanted a scooter like Dad’s and I wanted to learn about engines, which I love.
Scooter model: Vespa 50 Special
When purchased: 2022
Time to build and by whom: Around six months. The engine and forks were completed by David Payne and it was put back together by Sonni, Jamie and Greg Miller.
Engine specification
Kit: EGIG
Crank: Full-circle 115 Primatist CNC-forged con rod and 51mm stroke
Carburettor: 30mm PHBL
Exhaust: Mamba S
Clutch: Five-plate finger clutch
Gearbox: Vespa 50 Special casings with a short fourth
Brakes: Crimaz front disc and rear drum
Suspension: Carbone adjustable front and rear
What’s it like to ride?
It had not been dyno tested when the feature was produced, but EGIG claimed the set-up would deliver 25bhp and 17lb-ft of torque. It can plod around in fourth and accelerate all the way up to high revs easily.
Frame specification: Vespa 50 Special frame with SS90 legshields
Paintwork and murals: Sonni’s uncle completed the paintwork and Jamie made the stencils.
Seat: Streamline
Frame modifications: SS90 legshields fitted to the 50 Special frame by Chris Sadd
Specialised parts: LED headlight and crash bobbins
Is there anything still to add to the scooter?
Maybe swap the PHBL carburettor for a VHSH. Apparently, they’ve been found to be a better carburettor, giving more revs and around an extra 1bhp – but I need extra pocket money, Dad!
Is there anyone you wish to thank?
My dad, Greg Miller, my uncle, Chris Sadd, and David Payne, who built a fantastic engine. He’s great for parts and always on the phone or messaging my dad with tips and advice. He’s the king of the smallies!
