MotoGP is set to introduce an exciting new category in 2026 with the official announcement of the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Championship, revealed this Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Le Mans by Harley-Davidson and Dorna Sports. This championship, taking place alongside six MotoGP Grands Prix in Europe and North America, is expected to bring a unique twist to the calendar by combining American bagger culture with the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.
In a move as daring as it is surprising, MotoGP will embrace a brand new category from 2026, one unlike any other. The world bagger motorcycle championship will debut alongside six Grand Prix across Europe and North America, primarily showcasing the iconic Harley Davidson Road Glide. The ambitious initiative was officially unveiled this Saturday by Dorna Sports and Harley-Davidson, promising to infuse a distinctly American flavor and an unprecedented rush of excitement into MotoGP weekends.
Similar to the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers, the series is set to feature 6 to 8 official teams, each comprising two riders, culminating in 12 races across 6 MotoGP Grand Prix. Each event will include two rounds, with motorcycles prepared for racing while staying true to the essence of American cruisers.
For Harley-Davidson, this represents far more than just a venture into the MotoGP realm. This marks a decisive step in our commitment to global competition. We have witnessed rising enthusiasm from our performances in MotoAmerica, and the public desires more.” stated Jochen Zeitz. The leader of the Motor Company describes this as a pivotal moment: “This series will honor our American heritage, while paving the way for the future by integrating with a global platform like MotoGP.”
« This partnership with Harley-Davidson is a remarkable chance »
Dorna is equally enthusiastic about the announcement. This collaboration with Harley-Davidson is a remarkable opportunity,” commented Carmelo Ezpeleta, head of Dorna. We provide them global visibility, and in turn, they present us with access to a new audience that is more lifestyle-oriented, more American, yet equally passionate.”
Ezpeleta highlighted the visual and auditory excitement this series will offer: “These baggers are about noise, power, and pure spectacle. It’s a fresh tone for our weekends, and we believe the audience will love it.”
With this new championship, Dorna is clearly making a strategic move to diversify its offerings and broaden its fan base, particularly in the United States where Harley-Davidson remains iconic. This initiative also aims to strengthen cross-Atlantic connections while demonstrating that racing can transcend futuristic prototypes.
While specific routes and dates are yet to be confirmed, the MotoGP calendar for 2026 is set to integrate this thrilling new series alongside Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP. This initiative is not only innovative but also an exciting development for motorcycle enthusiasts with grand passion and strong presence.
