When you think of cruising motorcycles, you can think of Harley-Davidson. This bike is from the USA, whose headquarters were in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and was founded in 1903.

Harley is a very popular bike in the UK amongst bike clubs, Hells Angels and people who like to cruise. There are quite a few models available, and below are a few pics of some.

So what’s your favourite model?

The Group B Era: A Symphony of Speed and Reckoning

The Group B era of rallying stands as a defining chapter in motorsport history, celebrated for its astonishing pace, radical design, and the electric tension it created among fans, teams, and governing bodies. It emerged from a desire to push performance to the outer limits, while simultaneously exposing the sport to profound risks that would ultimately shape its fate.

Speed and Rule Philosophy

Group B cars were built to deliver unparalleled acceleration, top-end speed, and dynamic handling. Light-weight chassis, turbocharged engines, advanced four-wheel-drive systems, and sophisticated aerodynamics combined to create machines capable of propelling down gravel stages with breath-stealing velocity. The regulatory framework favoured minimal weight, maximum power, and reduced homologation constraints, encouraging bold engineering solutions and rapid development. The result was a generation of cars that could surge from standstill to astonishing speeds in a matter of seconds, while negotiating tight, winding courses at a pace that astonished spectators and challenged drivers alike.

Public Adrenaline and Spectator Experience

Rally events of this era cultivated a visceral atmosphere that transcended typical motorsport spectacles. The roar of turbocharged engines, the plume of dust and gravel, and the rapid-fire succession of stage starts and finishes created an electric cadence that drew massive crowds. Spectators lined the routes, often closer to the edge of danger than modern safety protocols would permit, savouring the drama of high-stakes performance in real-time. The immediacy of on-stage battles—an essential feature of Group B—translated into enduring memories, heated debates, and an enduring sense that anything could happen on any given rally day.

The Drivers: Courage, Skill, and Precision

The era attracted a cadre of fearless, exceptionally skilled drivers who balanced technical mastery with nerve-steely composure. These competitors faced unpredictable surface conditions, demanding layouts, and the constant pressure of competing against some of the most powerful machines ever built for the sport. The drivers’ talents ranged from flawless car control on loose surfaces to strategic pit-to-pit decisions under race conditions that could pivot at a moment’s notice. Their reputations were forged in the crucible of high-speed contested stages, where precision, instinct, and audacity were equally vital.

The Cars: Pioneering Technology and Bold Design

Radical engineering choices hallmarked group B cars. Lightweight structures, high-output turbocharged engines, and all-wheel drive enabled exceptional traction and acceleration. Ingenious suspension setups, wide fenders, and aggressive aerodynamics contributed to stability at extraordinary speeds, while compact dimensions facilitated agility through tight bends. Iconic models from the era—ranging from compact hatchbacks to purpose-built podium contenders—pushed the boundaries of what was technically feasible, driving a wave of innovation that influenced rally design for years to come.

Impact on the Sport

The Group B movement left an indelible imprint on rallying. It elevated the sport’s spectacle, drawing larger audiences and expanding global media coverage. The emphasis on performance spurred rapid technological progress, prompting manufacturers to invest heavily in research and development. Yet the period also exposed safety vulnerabilities, as the sheer power of the vehicles, combined with high-speed stage conditions, led to serious incidents. The lessons learned—especially regarding driver protection, crowd management, and event governance—prompted reforms that reshaped regulations and safety practices in the subsequent era.

Legacy and Reflections

Today, Group B is remembered for its audacious spirit and its paradox: a triumph of engineering brilliance and a sobering reminder of the costs of pushing limits too far. Its legacy endures in the emphasis on safety, the appreciation for technical innovation, and the enduring fascination with machines that could conquer extreme terrains at extraordinary speeds. For engineers, drivers, and fans alike, the era remains a benchmark of bold ambition tempered by the responsibilities that accompany exceptional capability.

The Cars

Era early Group B (1982–1984)

• Audi Quattro (Ur-Quattro)
• Renault 5 Turbo
• Citroën BX 4TC
• Lancia 037

Era mid Group B development (1985–1986)

• Lancia Delta S4
• Peugeot 205 T16
• MG Metro 6R4
• Ford RS200

Era peak and evolution (1986–1987)

• Peugeot 205 T16 Evo 2
• Lancia Delta S4 Evo
• Ford RS200 Evolution
• Audi S1 (Sport quattro S1 variants)

There seems to be a lot going on at the moment, and all seemed hopeless before the war as it was; now it’s even worse. Let’s start with fuel.

The war has caused the price of oil to increase, causing panic buying and garages to rip the public off. After the price of fuel went up after war broke out in Ukraine a few years ago, we are back to square one in terms of price. In March, the price of petrol per litre went up 20p, and the price of diesel increased 40p.

But fuel shortages lead to more things than a tank of fuel, costing us more. Gas, electric, and other utility bills change. Indirectly, this leads to interest rate and inflation rises.

The UK government are also threatening in this crisis to put up fuel duty just to add insult to injury. Some EU countries, Australia, and New Zealand, too, are dropping the price of duty to help their citizens. As usual, the British public must absorb the squeeze. Oh, every time the PM has a conference or is on the news, he wants the best for the British public. Nothing new, he acts like a robot, not fully programmed.

That Racheal Reaves is a power-hungry Chancellor who does not care one iota about you or what’s in your pocket. Keir Starmer, as usual, wavers between should we ” and ” shouldn’t we. Solid leadership is what a country looks for. We have no stability, nothing solid to look up to. This Labour government is run by all and sundry in the Labour Party and not by Keir Starmer himself.

So, the government has said they may have to introduce fuel rationing sometime in the near future, but not to panic buy. Come on, as soon as this type of message comes out in the media, people will queue for miles to get fuel and panic buy. Currently, the garages are running out of fuel constantly, allowing garages with fuel to rip you off. Fuel has been seen at 1.99.9 for diesel, and the government is not going to stand for this. Anything done, NOTHING.

It’s about us, the public, that should matter. We have Keir Starmer in PMQs not answering questions at all, and he looks weak and frankly pathetic. He bleats on about how he wants the best for the country, but fails to resign as PM, allowing someone else to have a chance and fix his failings.

The war has not been good to the downtrodden UK people. With inflation set to rise and interest rates going the same way, it’s going to affect our pockets, and does anyone care? NO. It’s ok for these multi-millionaire MPs that run our country. They can go spend what they want, but they do not know what meeting ends meet means.  Oh yes, they’re secure in their big houses and a second house in the city.

They don’t have to care about the UK people, and they don’t in some cases. Perhaps they are too well paid and have too big an expense account. We need some stability and leadership in the UK. We have neither now, and people are crying out for this.

The petrol crisis is hitting people in the pocket with a full tank costing £23 more than it did before the war, which can pay for shopping, utilities, etc. When it will end, no one has any idea now.

We have to push through and hope someone helps the public like the chancellor.