Harley-Davidson and MotoGP Revolutionize the Racing World with a New Bagger Series

A New Chapter in Motorcycle Racing History

This announcement marks a bold step forward for Harley-Davidson's ambitions in the world of global racing. With a rich history of over 120 years of innovation and performance both on and off the road, Harley-Davidson has recently demonstrated its potential through its participation in the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series and with high-performance products like the new CVO RR and CVO Road Glide ST motorcycles. Jochen Zeitz, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson, expressed his enthusiasm: "This is a bold, new step for our global racing ambitions. We've seen how the performance has resonated with riders and fans, and we know they're hungry for more. With this new series, we're excited to bring a new way of racing to the world stage. Not only is this a bold, new chapter for our brand, celebrating our heritage while moving into the future, but it will also add incredible spectacle to the world's biggest motorcycling event."

The Power and Engineering Behind the Racing Baggers

The machines that will compete in this new series are true works of engineering, designed by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing and built specifically for head-to-head competition. These racing baggers weigh approximately 280 kilograms (617 pounds) and produce a raw power output of over 200 horsepower and a staggering 245 Nm (180 lb-ft) of torque, allowing them to reach speeds in excess of 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph). Crucial to ensuring close competition is that each motorcycle will be identical, eliminating mechanical advantages and focusing the attention on rider skill and team strategy. The starting grid is expected to be made up of six to eight teams, each with two riders, all supported by the experience of Harley-Davidson Factory Racing.

MotoGP and Harley-Davidson: A Strategic Collaboration

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, the rights holder of MotoGP, also highlighted the potential of this collaboration: "This collaboration with Harley-Davidson is an exciting opportunity for both parties. We offer a truly international platform for Harley-Davidson to expand its global reach, and Harley-Davidson is perfectly positioned to join us in bringing our sport to new audiences by partnering with one of the most iconic lifestyle brands in the United States." United. This partnership has great potential for both strategies and will offer a true spectacle for fans, bringing a completely new flavor to the Grand Prix weekends where the series will compete."

The inclusion of this bagger racing series within the MotoGP framework is a strategic move with the potential to attract a diverse audience. MotoGP, recognized as the pinnacle of motorsport and overseen by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), already attracts millions of passionate fans around the world. By adding the unique style of Harley-Davidson bagger racing to select Grand Prix weekends, both organizations will benefit from cross-promotion and increased viewership. For MotoGP fans, it's a chance to witness a different style of racing, one that blends American motorcycle culture with the high-octane atmosphere of Grand Prix events. For Harley-Davidson, it's an unparalleled platform to showcase the performance capabilities of its motorcycles on a global stage, reaching new demographics and reinforcing the evolution of its brand beyond traditional touring bikes.

The Harley-Davidson Road Glide: From Road to Racetrack

The choice of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide as the base model for these racing machines is also significant. Known for its distinctive "shark-nose" fairing and comfortable touring capabilities, the Road Glide is now being reinvented as a high-performance racing machine. This transformation underscores Harley-Davidson's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance within its existing model lineup. The engineering prowess of Harley-Davidson Factory Racing will be crucial in adapting these touring-focused motorcycles into racing machines capable of handling the rigors of high-speed track battles.

A Global Calendar for a World Spectacular

The twelve-race series, spread across six Grand Prix events in Europe and North America, indicates a truly global ambition. While specific circuits have yet to be announced, the inclusion of both continents suggests a desire to leverage Harley-Davidson's strong presence in North America and further cultivate its brand recognition in the European market, where MotoGP enjoys immense popularity. Holding two races per round will undoubtedly increase the excitement of race weekends, giving fans a double dose of bagger racing action.

Next Steps and How to Follow the Action

The announcement leaves some tantalizing details yet to be revealed. Both motorsports enthusiasts and Harley-Davidson fans will eagerly await the release of the official race schedule, the names of the participating teams and riders, and crucial information on how fans around the world can tune in to witness the unfolding of this groundbreaking series. Anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in the world of motorcycle racing, one where the roar of American V-twin engines will echo across the hallowed grounds of the MotoGP circuits. This partnership between Harley-Davidson and MotoGP is more than just a new racing series; it's a merging of two distinct but passionate communities. It's about heritage meeting innovation, and the raw power of American motorcycles colliding with the precision and speed of Grand Prix racing. As the 2026 debut approaches, the world will be watching to see if this bold new venture can deliver on its promise of a truly spectacular and unique racing experience. One thing is certain: the sound of the Harley-Davidson bagger tearing around the MotoGP circuits will be a sound like no other.