A Bold New Category Joins the Pinnacle of Motorcycle Racing
Harley-Davidson and MotoGP have officially announced a partnership to launch a new global racing series in 2026, adding a strikingly unconventional category to the world’s premier motorcycle championship. The race machines will be competition-spec bagger models based on the iconic Harley-Davidson Road Glide. This all-new racing experience will blend Harley’s commanding presence with the speed and thrill of MotoGP.
The series will consist of 12 races held across six MotoGP™ weekends in Europe and North America, with two races per round. Between six and eight teams are expected to participate, each fielding two riders. Supported by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing, the series promises to be a full-fledged, high-level competition.
Although there has been no official announcement regarding the participation of current MotoAmerica Harley-Davidson Factory Team riders—such as Kyle Wyman, James Rispoli, or Bradley Smith—the released images strongly suggest the factory team’s involvement.
Clear Differences from the American “King of the Baggers”
The American series “MotoAmerica King of the Baggers” features multi-brand competition with Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles both participating. While that series highlights highly modified race machines with diverse characteristics, it has faced challenges in maintaining balanced competition.
In contrast, the MotoGP-linked bagger series will be a true one-make format: Harley-Davidson will supply identical machines to all teams, eliminating performance disparities and shifting the focus entirely to rider skill and race strategy. This approach aims to ensure fairness and a spectacle aligned with the MotoGP ethos, enhancing its compatibility as part of the international racing weekend.
Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and CEO, Harley-Davidson
“This new series is a bold and innovative step in Harley-Davidson’s racing journey. For over 120 years, we’ve pursued performance on and off the road. Through our success in MotoAmerica’s King of the Baggers and the development of high-performance models like the CVO Road Glide ST and CVO RR, we’ve won the hearts of many riders and fans. This new global series marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Harley.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO, Dorna Sports
“Partnering with Harley-Davidson is a compelling opportunity for both sides. Through MotoGP’s global platform, Harley will be able to deepen its reach into international markets. This series will bring a unique new flavor to GP weekends and deliver an unforgettable spectacle for fans around the world.”
Stay Tuned for More Details
The official series calendar, broadcasting information, and participating teams will be announced in due course. Harley-Davidson has also set up a contact point for potential participants, sponsors, and media inquiries, signaling an open door for those interested in being part of this groundbreaking series.
Inquiries: factoryracing@harley-davidson.com