Celebrating the Ardingly Spring Classic Motorcycle Show and the Rise of Two-Stroke Legends

The Ardingly Spring Classic Motorcycle Show marked a thrilling start to the season at the South of England Showground. Held in the modern Queens Jubilee Hall, the event brought together enthusiasts, riders, and experts passionate about classic motorcycles, with a special spotlight on two-stroke machines.

The Heart of the Show: Two-Stroke Motorcycles Take Centre Stage

Two-stroke motorcycles have a special place in the hearts of many classic bike enthusiasts. At Ardingly, these machines were not just on display; they were celebrated for their engineering, racing heritage, and distinctive sound. The event featured some remarkable examples, including the ex-Barry Sheene 1973 Suzuki Seeley TR500. This bike is legendary, having helped Barry Sheene win the FIA Formula 750 Championship and several other prestigious titles. Visitors had the rare opportunity to see, hear, and even smell this iconic machine as it fired up in the paddock, bringing history to life.

Another highlight was Martin Kemp’s 1977 500cc Ossa Yankee. As an organizer for the British Two Stroke Club, Kemp’s presence and bike added depth to the show’s focus on two-stroke culture. These motorcycles represent a golden era of racing and innovation, and their presence at Ardingly reminded everyone why they remain beloved.

Download the Show Results Here!

Results The South of England Classic Motorcycle Show 29MAR2026 - Copy.pdf

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Insights from Stan Stephens, the Two-Stroke Tuning Legend

One of the standout moments of the show was the talk by Stan Stephens, a legendary two-stroke tuner. His presentation was both entertaining and informative, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of classic motorcycle racing’s golden era. Stan shared stories that brought the past to life, revealing the challenges and triumphs faced by riders and mechanics alike.

Following his talk, Stan engaged in a live Q&A session with Mike Jackson, ex-Works Greeves rider and NVT Sales Supremo. This session allowed attendees to ask detailed questions about technical issues and stubborn mechanical problems. Stan’s expert advice on tuning and maintaining two-stroke engines was invaluable, especially for those restoring or racing classic bikes.

The Best Two-Stroke Machine was chosen by Stan Stephens, on the basis that he had never seen one before. Tony Harmer, of KENT and a member of the British Two Stroke Club was the winner with his 1969 350cc Yamaha YR3. First time at this Show for this rare Yamaha YR3 350cc, less than 70 of these machines were imported into the UK so, a relatively unusual bike.

Celebrating Young Talent: The NextGen Award

The show also celebrated the future of classic motorcycle riding with the NextGen Award. This award, which includes a £100 cash prize, recognizes the best under-30 rider with a pre-1980 machine. This year, the prize went to Jamie Weaver from Shropshire for his 1959 650cc BSA A10 Golden Flash.

Jamie’s bike is a remarkable example of preservation and history. The Golden Flash had been with its longest owner, Mr. D W Morris, for 45 years. Jamie shared that the bike still has its original pistons and crankshaft grind, with patinated paintwork that tells its story over 67 years. The bike’s authenticity and well-preserved condition make it a standout at the show. The cash prize was generously donated by Greystone Enterprises, specialists in Triumph Tiger Cub motorcycles, supporting the next generation of classic bike enthusiasts.

Great Turn-Out in the Autojumble

With nearly 2 acres of indoor space and outside autojumble, we welcomed jumblers and traders from all over the UK who reported good trading, with Andy Teirnan from Suffolk and Kursaal Classics, Southend, and Sky Classics all the way from Scotland! Iconic Auctions reported a good day for their first time at the event.

Charities we supported with free stalls included whizz-kidz.org.uk  fundraising to provide children with wheelchairs with book-stall in the Robins Hall, Doc Bike Sussex, The Royal British Legion and MAG Motorcycle Action Group.

Complimentary copies of Old Bike Mart were warmly received, with all gone by lunchtime.

Here’s what one of our visitors had to say:

“The atmosphere is always great from the moment we arrived, with a great mix of bikes, people, and conversations.

One of the highlights had to be hearing some of the classics being fired up. Every time the engines kicked over, it certainly pulled a crowd, phones out, smiles everywhere, just soaking it all in. Especially seeing and hearing Barry Sheene's winning 1973 Seeley-Suzuki TR500.

Full of surprises as always, you never quite know what you’ll come across, from rare parts and hidden gems to bits you didn’t even realise you needed until you saw them. It’s all part of the fun, having a rummage and chatting with people who know their stuff.

But it’s never just about the show bikes, but all the machines people rode in on. Rows of character, history, and individuality, each with its own story. That’s what makes these events special.

Be sure to follow Julie and the team to get along to their next event. They are definitely ones to keep an eye out for, we can't wait.”

For anyone interested in classic motorcycles, attending Ardingly offers more than just a chance to see rare bikes. It’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired by the stories and skills that keep this passion alive. We're back there on Sunday 26 July 2026 for the Summer Classic Bike Show & Bikejumble.