Bagger racing has gained popularity in recent years, with Harley-Davidson’s involvement in the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series showcasing the thrilling potential of these large-displacement motorcycles on the track. Now, with this new MotoGP partnership, Harley-Davidson is taking bagger racing to a global stage.

Global motorcycle giant Harley-Davidson has partnered with MotoGP to launch a new racing series set to debut in 2026. The series will feature Harley-Davidson’s iconic bagger motorcycles, specifically the Road Glide model, engineered for head-to-head competition. These powerful machines will weigh in at approximately 280kg and produce over 200hp, reaching speeds of over 300km/h.

The 12-race series will coincide with six MotoGP Grands Prix in Europe and North America, with two races per round. Filipino fans can expect thrilling battles between riders as they compete on identical bikes, ensuring close competition. According to Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz: “This collaboration is a bold, new step for Harley-Davidson’s global racing ambitions, celebrating our heritage while pushing into the future.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying it will bring a new flavor to the grand prix weekends and attract new audiences to the sport.

For many Filipino riders, Harley-Davidson bikes evoke images of laid-back cruising and raw power, rather than speed and agility. The news of Harley-Davidson venturing into racing is a game-changer, similar to when they launched the Pan America for adventure touring, which challenged preconceived notions about the brand.

This new development adds an exciting layer to the brand’s evolution, showcasing its performance capabilities and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with Harley-Davidson motorcycles.