Harley-Davidson and MotoGP have officially revealed a new racing championship featuring Harley-Davidson Factory Racing bagger motorcycles. The series is set to kick off in 2026, coinciding with six MotoGP Grand Prix events in both the U.S. and Europe.
Why Harley-Davidson and MotoGP want this series
Since its inception in 1903, Harley-Davidson has played a significant role in motorcycle racing, involving both factory teams and private riders who purchase their bikes. The introduction of the bagger racing series underscores Harley-Davidson’s dedication to the sport and its importance for brand visibility.
In turn, MotoGP, as the premier motorcycle racing championship, also stands to gain from this new series. Similar to Formula 1 Grand Prix racing, MotoGP is enhancing its weekend events with live entertainment, fan engagement, and additional racing series like F1 Academy. These added features aim to keep fans entertained throughout the event days.
The new racing series features
More details will emerge as we approach the 2026 season, including the names of participating teams and riders, as well as the series’ official title. Currently, Harley-Davidson and MotoGP have shared the following information:
- Each team will consist of two riders, with six to eight teams anticipated.
- The motorcycles, crafted by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing, will be uniform across teams.
- The bikes will be race-ready Harley-Davidson Road Glides.
- These bikes will boast over 200 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, reaching speeds exceeding 186 miles per hour.
- The series will consist of six events, each featuring two races, totalling 12 races for the season.
Jochen Zeitz, the current CEO, President, and Chairman of Harley-Davidson, expressed excitement about the new series. “With this new series, we’re thrilled to introduce a fresh type of racing to the world stage. This marks a bold new chapter for our brand, honoring our legacy while advancing into the future, and it will offer an incredible spectacle at the greatest motorcycle event in the world,” Zeitz stated.
