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KTM Exits MotoGP While Suzuki Unveils New Sportbike Lineup

KTM Exits MotoGP While Suzuki Unveils New Sportbike Lineup

Today, we cut through the fog of cheese hangover that accompanies end-of-year festivities with a shocking deluge of to-do’s about the industry:

  1. KTM leaving MotoGP, and they’ll be gone by 2026
  1. Despite Suzuki having already left the Grand Prix circuit, their President has hinted at another sportbike range; could this be the return of the reigning GSX-R?
  1. Europe is finally getting a bagger racing cup… but this one hasn’t got anything to do with MotoAmerica or MotoGP. 
  1. Yamaha’s made their newest motorcycle concept in commemoration of Netflix’s hit sci-fi series, “Tokyo Override.”

Let’s sart with Team Orange’s move to save millions by leaving their MotoGP paddock.

KTM to Exit from MotoGP After 2025

KTM Exits MotoGP While Suzuki Unveils New Sportbike LineupKTM Exits MotoGP While Suzuki Unveils New Sportbike Lineup
KTM Exits MotoGP While Suzuki Unveils New Sportbike Lineup
 

A view of a KTM racer. Media sourced from KTM.

Move to Save Team Orange Nearly $48 Million

KTM is in a state of restructuring, and this recent update has proven the gravity of KTM’s current situation. 

For those of you who haven’t been keeping abreast of happenings at Team Orange headquarters, here’s a super short list of KTM’s recent movement (via a brilliant run-down by Jamie Elvidge at ADVPulse):

  1. On November 29, Pierer Mobility (KTM Group) voluntarily entered insolvency proceedings  with more than $3 billion USD in liabilities brought to the table. 
  2. Out of 60 subsidiaries, KTM Group is only continuing payments to two main branches: KTM Forschungs & Entwicklungs GmbH and KTM Components GmbH (the latter includes motorcycles, thank heavens).
  3. Due to the above, KTM’s majority stake in MV Agusta is now up for sale.
  4. A production freeze is in effect until the end of February, with KTM, Huaqvarna and GasGas motorcycles sold off in the meantime. 
  5. KTM/Pierer is on the hunt for investors to keep things running, and they may very well have one to bring to the next hearing.
  6. Pierer has enough money to keep the company going until the next deadline, January 24th, in 22 days. 

The residuals accompanying restructuring a holding company like Pierer are complex, to say the least – but, as always, there’s one element of our industry that will always save the day: Money. 

In the interest of saving funds, a report from Der Standard tells us that KTM will be cutting costs in the racing department. This news begins with a report made after a first meeting between KTM and its creditors at the Regional Court of Ried im Innkreis; there, Alpenlandischer Kreditorenverband (AKV) was quoted to have said the following:

“To reduce costs, [KTM’s] withdrawal of MotoGP/Moto3/Moto2 is planned…”

– Alpenlandischer Kreditorenverband (AKV) spokesperson (Motorsport)

In fine form (and  very shortly after the above quote was recorded), KTM made their own statement that they would continue to race for 2025:

“Today marks an important day for KTM with the confirmation of our restructuring proceedings. This milestone secures our plan moving forward, and we are proud to confirm that motorsport remains an integral part of this restructuring plan.

“KTM stands firmly committed to motorsport. We repeat our statement for 2025: We will continue to race in MotoGP!”

– KTM statement  (Motorsport)

There’s a detailed look at KTM’s departure, including how much the company would be saving in leaving after present-day contracts ended in 2026:

“From the 2026 season, KTM also wants to say goodbye to motorsport, specifically to the road racing series MotoGP, Moto3 and Moto2. 

The contracts of the drivers are limited to two years, and because the KTM management expects “significant PR damage” in the event of early termination, they do not want to leave until 2026; the annual savings would be €46 million (euros).”

– Renate Graber, 29.12.2024 (Der Standard)

Apparently, KTM spent $208 million on R&D in 2023, with “overall motorsports activity spending at approximately $98.8 million.” This figure is quite high for a motorcycle brand, and as such, KTM/Pierer will be able to save a pretty penny.

Additional impact of the company’s insolvency proceedings are to include a further reduction in employees from the original early resignations. Between January and February, 391 workers will cut and 83% of the company’s workforce will be reduced to 30-hour weeks, the latter possibly being extended into March. 

We’ll keep you updated on all happenings re. The fated Haus of Mattighofen, so stay tuned. 

What do you think is going to happen to KTM motorcycles?

Rumor Has It: Suzuki’s Getting a New Sportbike Lineup for 2025

A view of Suzuki's President. A view of Suzuki's President.
A view of Suzuki's President.
 

A view of Suzuki’s President. Media sourced from Suzuki.

President Hints at Incubating Range to MCN

Gixxer bois beware: Suzuki’s bolstered their labs for a sportbike range debut, and apparently, a GSX-R revival isn’t out of the cards. 

To recap, Suzuki’s famed GSX-R lineup was pulled from Europe with the update to Euro5+ compliance, the most recent removal having been the GSX-R1000. 

In an exclusive interview with MCN, Toshihiro Suzuki – the current President of Suzuki Motor Corporation – imparted that the Company was working on something big, and likely to be debuted at Milan’s Expo in the Fall.

“We cannot tell you the detail, but we think it’s important to bring supersport motorcycles to the market, adapting to the new regulations. We think it’s important, because it’s Suzuki’s heritage.

…Please enjoy the next EICMA.”

– Toshihiro Suzuki, President, Suzuki Motor Corporation (MCN)

Up until this point, Suzuki was making headlines for exiting MotoGP, rebalancing with an initiative towards sustainability, setting wild company goals for 2050 and beyond, and finding other energy solutions for their bigger motorcycles. 

Today, the move to create a new sportbike segment begs the question: Where will these models sit compared to the big-wig giants of the supersport community? 

Should Suzuki’s new range shore up to competitors like Kawasaki’s ZX-6R,  Honda’s CBR600RR and even the new, big-bore Yamaha R9, we’ll definitely be in for a treat on par with the GSX-R’s previous place in moto society proper. 

Of course, news of a sportbike lineup also brings forward questions of whether or not Suzuki si considering returning to racing; to this, the answer seems a definite “no:”

“The most important thing, we think, is to bring motorcycles to the customers, by meeting all the regulations. 

Of course, racing is important, but we prioritise bringing motorcycles for customers – including considering carbon neutrality.”

– Toshihiro Suzuki, President, Suzuki Motor Corporation (MCN)

What do you think?  Will Suzuki make a reimagined GSX-R lineup, or will they bring something more sustainable to the table, per their previous focus on carbon neutrality?

Europe Establishes New Bagger Racing European Cup

Rispoli on a racing bagger.Rispoli on a racing bagger.
Rispoli on a racing bagger.
 

Rispoli on a racing bagger. Media sourced from Motorcycle Sports.

…Supported by FIM EU, Zero Ties to Dorna/MotoAmerica

Everybody loves a neck-and-neck circuit brawl, and bagger racing has certainly brought “bigger is better” to the grid in a way that is fresh, exciting and, at times, downright ludicrous. 

The EU wants one, and according to Lewis Duncan’s article on Crash, they’re getting one for the new season. 

Here’s what we know so far about the Bagger Racing European Cup:

  1. The FIM Europe-sanctioned series is bring brought to the EU by former World Superbike and MotoGP rider Ruben Xaus, a Bagger Racing League champ in his own right.
  2. He series will be “open to any machinery “that can be equipped with bags on the market.”
  3. Xaus’s efforts are supported by the Andorran Federation 
  4. The series will consist of two races for each round on Saturday and Sunday, “preceded by free practice and official sessions that will define the starting grid.”

FIM Europe was even so polite as to include a list of motorcycles applicable for this new Bagger Racing European Cup:

  • Harley Davidson Street Glide
  • Harley Davidson Road Glide
  • Harley Davidson Road King
  • Harley Davidson Ultra
  • BMW R18
  • Honda Goldwing
  • Kawasaki VN Voyager
  • Suzuki Intruder
  • Yamaha Star Cruiser
  • Moto Guzzi MGX 21
  • Moto Guzzi California
  • Triumph Rocket
  • Ducati Diavel V2
  • WYCHE Motorcycle

Naturally, Xaus is excited about the residual partnerships and success of the series – but more importantly, he’s keen on ensuring everybody has a good time: 

“I found fertile ground for this project in FIM Europe, which immediately embraced it with enthusiasm. I am convinced that this championship can be an added value for the events in which it will be hosted, raising the level of entertainment and interest of the same. 

We are in the process of defining the calendar, which will be made official within a few days, but will include the main European countries. The regulation will also be simple and open to all. 

We want the riders registered for the championship to have fun and have fun”.

– Ruben Xaus, BRL champ and MotoGP racer (FIM Europe)

FIM Europe’s Secretary General concurs:

“I am always very satisfied when we manage to add a new title to our sporting offering. Adding a new title is an indicator of health for our world and also indicates that there is confidence in what FIM Europe can offer. 

…The Baggers will offer a wide range of riders, from young to older, the opportunity to compete in a safe and dynamic environment that, thanks to the new Promoter, will also offer attractive entertainment to accompany the race.”

– Alessandro Sambuco, FIM Europe Secretary General (FIM Europe)

Are you excited to see the birth of the Bagger Racing European Cup?

Yamaha Shows Off Netflix Series “Tokyo Override” Motorcycle Concept

“Y/AI” Includes Glow-In-The-Dark Wheels and AI Tech

A new Netflix show challenges the perks and cons of an AI-assisted life, and the creators called Yamaha to borrow some of their bikes for the task. 

Naturally, Yamaha—known for creating insane concepts like the Motoroid 2, a bike that recognizes its rider—decided the show needed something extra: A neoteric machine to fit the show’s saturated, futuristic streets. 

According to The US Sun, the bike to represent moto-kind in “Tokyo Override” is a brainchild of two of Yamaha’s iconic models. Merging aesthetics of the YZF-R1 supersport with elements of their VMAX muscle cruiser, Team Blue combined elements of the two models with a good shake of minimalism to solidify into a thinned-out skeleton with glow-in-the-dark wheels. 

Oh, and per the plot of “Tokyo Override,” the motorcycle supposedly runs on AI tech. 

For those of you worried about the grunt box, don’t worry; Yamaha hid the engine of this concept in the bike’s bridge, making for a seriously lean silhouette. Cafe racer-style handlebars dip below the bike’s head, while the “tank” area has been raised to meet the headlight “antennae.”

For the record, Yamaha’s “Y/AI” is a full-scale concept model that got some air time at the Motor Expo 2024 in Bangkok, eight days after “Tokyo Override”’s debut on November 21st. 

Here’s what a member of Yamaha’s Design Group has to say about the collaboration for the creation of “Y/AI:” 

“It’s not just about having fun imagining what the future might be like, but about thinking about what it will be like in 5 years, 10 years, and so on, and creating a timeline all the way to 100 years from now. It was very stimulating and interesting to use a method where we first created the world and then put things into it, rather than doing it model-first.

‘Jin-Ki Kanno’ is an important philosophy that our company upholds, and the word “contrast,” which is very important in design, and the idea of clearly separating the courageous and the inorganic, are all reflected in this model. 

We incorporated the ‘Jin-Ki Kanno’ of the future and the “contrast” of the future into the design of this model.”

– Kohei Sakata, Co-Creation Design Group, Planning Design Division (Yamaha, via Youtube)

Naturally, a concept like this wouldn’t be fit for the streets of our good markets, but still, a very fun project between Yamaha and Netflix!

Would you like to try riding a “Y/AI?”

*Media sourced from Motorcycle Sports, Suzuki, and KTM*
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Harley Davidson News

MotoGP Video: Harley-Davidson’s Baggers Dazzle Riders – “Captivating Yet Daunting, the Engine Roars Like a Cannon, Reminiscent of the Honda V5”

MotoGP Video: Harley-Davidson’s Baggers Dazzle Riders – “Captivating Yet Daunting, the Engine Roars Like a Cannon, Reminiscent of the Honda V5”

The iconic American brand Harley-Davidson created a buzz at the recent MotoGP tests by bringing its renowned baggers to the Barcelona circuit. This venture, a product of collaboration with Dorna, ushers in exciting new possibilities for Harley-Davidson and the motorcycle world championship.

The Harley-Davidson bikes, emblematic of American culture and synonymous with the open road and cruising, are poised to transform their image through a distinctive partnership with MotoGP. These substantial machines, often viewed as detached from competitive track performance, made a remarkable appearance during MotoGP testing at the Montmelò circuit. This move signifies a pivotal moment in the American brand’s strategy for international expansion and a key development for MotoGP’s presence in the North American market.

Harley-Davidson’s presence at Montmelò stems from a partnership with Dorna, the MotoGP organizer, which aims to broaden Harley-Davidson’s appeal beyond U.S. borders while bolstering interest in MotoGP within the United States, a crucial market. This collaboration is also timely with the forthcoming investment from Liberty Media (owner of Formula 1) as the majority stakeholder of Dorna in 2025, reinforcing a global vision for MotoGP.

The highlight of this partnership was the demonstration of the Harley Davidson Road Glide, motorcycles from the King of the Baggers category in MotoAmerica. Weighing close to 280 kilograms, these bikes impressed with their performance capabilities.

These Harley-Davidsons are only 20 seconds slower than a MotoGP bike and 9 seconds behind a Moto3

Clocking a lap time of 1’54 seconds at the Montmelò circuit, these bikes are just 20 seconds off the pace of a MotoGP motorcycle and 9 seconds behind a Moto3, showcasing impressive performance for machines built primarily for road use.

Rider Kyle Wyman of Harley-Davidson Factory Racing demonstrated the bikes’ capabilities, achieving knee-down lean angles, precise cornering, and a top speed of 275 km/h thanks to their twin-cylinder engines generating nearly 180 horsepower.

Renowned riders such as Marco Melandri, Randy Mamola, James Rispoli,
Simon Crafar, and John Hopkins also had the chance to experience these baggers. Melandri praised their power and torque, describing his experience as “fascinating yet intimidating” due to the weight and unconventional ergonomics of these bikes. “The engine is a cannon; the torque reminded me of a Honda V5 engine,” he remarked on
speedweek, appreciating the absence of electronic aids that made riding even more thrilling.

Established in 2020, the King of the Baggers category has quickly gained popularity in the MotoAmerica series. In 2023, it made its first international appearance at the Grand Prix of the Americas, setting the stage for a potential inclusion in the MotoGP schedule. Although nothing is confirmed yet, Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz has expressed a desire to elevate this competition to a global stage.

Through this collaboration, Harley-Davidson and MotoGP are laying the groundwork for a partnership that could redefine motorcycle racing perceptions. By merging the raw strength of baggers with the skills of MotoGP riders, this venture promises to engage a broader audience while bridging the worlds of racing and touring motorcycles. One thing is certain: Harley-Davidson is just getting started in terms of surprises.

MotoGP Video: Harley-Davidson’s Baggers Dazzle Riders – “Captivating Yet Daunting, the Engine Roars Like a Cannon, Reminiscent of the Honda V5”

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Harley Davidson News

Harley Baggers in MotoGP? Surprisingly Perfect!

Harley Baggers in MotoGP? Surprisingly Perfect!

Harley-Davidson baggers mingling with grand prix prototypes in the MotoGP paddock? Outrageous! Unthinkable! It’s akin to letting a bunch of old, shaggy draft horses roam the Kentucky Derby, where elegant, thoroughbred racehorses strut their stuff for the crowds.

However, perhaps there’s something to be said about this clash of aesthetics – baggers seem such an odd match for MotoGP that maybe they could surprisingly fit in quite well.

Consider this: Dorna oversees two major international motorcycle racing championships – MotoGP and WSBK – both of which exhibit a similar look and feel, especially to the casual observer. Baggers, on the other hand, appear to hail from an entirely different universe – Planet America! – so perhaps their unconventionality could play to their advantage.

Ultimately, whether you fully embrace the notion or vehemently oppose it, the recent Dorna/Harley announcement of a collaboration involving MotoGP and baggers revealed… absolutely nothing concrete. While the MotoGP rights holder and the long-standing motorcycle maker have struck a deal, there are currently no intentions for baggers to compete at MotoGP events. At least not in 2025. And for 2026? They’re uncertain.

Baggers have made their presence known at a MotoGP event before, specifically at last April’s Americas Grand Prix at COTA, and one would think this would become a recurring spectacle at the US MotoGP round, given the popularity of bagger racing in America. However, that’s not the case. Baggers do not feature in the 2025 Americas GP lineup, as their spot will be filled by the MotoAmerica Talent Cup, a new competition aimed at helping young American riders progress towards MotoGP.

So, what’s really happening here, aside from Harley’s significant investment to hop aboard the MotoGP train?

“We are exploring all possibilities, and we believe there’s potential brewing here that could be quite impactful, but we want to approach it step by step and not rush into things,” explained Harley CEO Jochen Zeitz during our conversation on Monday. “It’s a timely opportunity for us, especially with Liberty Media potentially entering the fray. There’s a shared interest in exposing fans to the brand and creating something innovative. We’re eager to collaborate [with Dorna].”

Announcement of bagger bike and MotoGP collaborationHarley Baggers in MotoGP? Surprisingly Perfect!

Dorna’s sporting chief Carlos Ezpeleta, Harley’s CEO Jochen Zeitz, and Dorna’s CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta during the unveiling of the Harley baggers

Oxley

Previously, Zeitz led Puma as CEO before joining Harley a few years back.

“During my time at Puma, I made the decision to enter Formula 1, and many laughed, questioning why a sports company would venture into F1,” he recounted. “We collaborated with Lotus and later with Ferrari, and it became the brand’s most significant business venture.

“I’ve always held racing in high regard as a remarkable opportunity. F1 took time to gain traction in the US, and perhaps we can now introduce something from America that could resonate internationally. The combination of MotoGP, Harley, and Liberty Media presents an exciting proposition, and even without Liberty, we believe there’s substantial interest, so why not embark on something refreshing and thrilling?”

The factory Harley baggers – known as Screamin’ Eagle Road Glides – may be hulking, clunky machines, but there’s no denying their impressive presence.

“People questioned, ‘What’s he doing winning on a BMW?’ Then I further annoyed them by adding saddlebags!”

Let’s discuss their specifications: the minimum weight is 288kg, which is 26kg lighter than the combined minimum weight of TWO MotoGP bikes. The modified 2146cc v-twin produces around 150 horsepower at the rear wheel, enabling these behemoths to approach speeds of 180mph on the Daytona banking.

While bagger frames must adhere to standard specifications, the Screamin’ Eagle Road Glide is equipped with superbike-quality Öhlins forks, finned Brembo race calipers, and Öhlins twin shocks featuring remote reservoirs positioned next to the panniers. The swingarms, however, can be custom, and the Glide’s swingarm is notably sophisticated: it is CNC-engineered from a 180kg aluminum billet, resulting in an 8kg swingarm.

These machines certainly aren’t slow. The current superbike record at COTA stands at 2 min 8.6 secs, while these v-twin giants complete the lap in 2 min 14.6 secs. It’s hard to fathom how that’s even achievable.

Although official bagger racing has only been around for four years, the concept isn’t exactly new. Many might not realize this, but it traces back to the 1970s, long before US 250cc champion and custom bike legend Roland Sands established the King of the Baggers series in 2020.

Swingarm of Harley Davidson bagger bikeSwingarm of Harley Davidson bagger bike

The swingarm of the Harley bagger is a masterpiece – CNC’d from a 180kg aluminum billet, resulting in an 8kg swingarm

Oxley

In the early days, the iconic German-American tuner Udo Gietl was achieving remarkable speeds with BMW R90S boxer-twin sport-touring motorcycles, and his top rider Reg Pridmore was triumphing in open races against full-on race machines.

“Once I began to win open races on them, people were saying, ‘How is he winning on a BMW?’,” Pridmore reflects. “Because back then, nobody rode BMWs! Then I compounded their frustration by adding saddlebags to the mix!”

Interestingly, both Gietl and Pridmore have unique histories: Gietl was injured during an Allied bombing raid in WWII, while British-born American Pridmore was hurt in a Luftwaffe attack in East London, requiring him and his mother to be rescued from the ruins of their home. Gietl was truly a talent: prior to working on BMWs, he contributed to projects for the Apollo rocket and Polaris nuclear submarine.

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Harley Davidson News

MotoGP: Harley-Davidson Enters the Scene – A Pivotal Moment for the Iconic Brand

MotoGP: Harley-Davidson Enters the Scene – A Pivotal Moment for the Iconic Brand

As the MotoGP testing in Barcelona prepares to host the top names in motorcycling, a major surprise is on the horizon: the debut of Harley-Davidson. The iconic American brand, renowned for its cruisers, will showcase its baggers on the Catalan circuit, signaling a new chapter in its journey and in the MotoGP arena.

Harley-Davidson, the legendary U.S. brand, is set to make its MotoGP debut next Tuesday, during the pre-season testing in Barcelona. This event, which takes over the traditional end-of-year tests in Cheste, will feature a special guest from Milwaukee, as the brand steps into the world of elite motorcycle racing.

While Harley-Davidson may not yet be prepared to launch an official MotoGP rider, the company has bold ambitions to bolster its competitive presence. It has already established a footing in the United States through its participation in The King of the Baggers, a category that sees cruiser motorcycles reaching speeds of 300 km/h, competing in the MotoAmerica championship. However, the upcoming test in Barcelona is poised to be a pivotal moment, setting the stage for a broader global future.

Harley-Davidson aims to leverage this test to assert its aspirations within MotoGP. As stated by Jochen Zeitz, the company’s executive director, their goal is to enhance their global racing profile: “This MotoGP test is a crucial first step toward realizing these ambitions and showcasing our dedication to racing excellence,” he declared.

MotoGP: Harley-Davidson Enters the Scene – A Pivotal Moment for the Iconic Brand

Harley-Davidson, in partnership with Dorna, will include bagger racing in the Grand Prix calendar

Among the riders who will be present for these tests are: Kyle Wyman, from Harley-Davidson Factory Racing, along with veteran racers such as John Hopkins, Marco Melandri, and Simon Crafar. These tests will feature demonstrations of the Road Glide and the brand’s racing models.

This initiative, covered by Motor Passion, is part of a broader partnership strategy between Harley-Davidson and Dorna, the organizer of MotoGP. Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna, has already shared his excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to drawing new fans to MotoGP, which is already recognized as one of the most thrilling sports globally.

It’s anticipated that Harley-Davidson will capitalize on the momentum from this test to take part in special events at certain MotoGP occasions, like the three-lap bagger race that occurred at the Grand Prix of the Americas last April. This could very well signal a new era for the brand within the realm of motorcycle racing.

 

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Harley Davidson News

MotoGP : Harley-Davidson fait son entrée, un nouveau chapitre pour la marque emblématique

MotoGP: Harley-Davidson Enters the Scene – A Pivotal Moment for the Iconic Brand

À l’approche des essais MotoGP de Barcelone, les passionnés de moto peuvent s’attendre à une annonce surprenante : l’entrée de Harley-Davidson. La célèbre marque américaine, renommée pour ses cruisers, va faire rugir ses baggers sur le circuit catalan, marquant ainsi une nouvelle ère dans son parcours et celui du MotoGP.

Harley-Davidson, l’emblématique marque américaine, fera ses premiers pas dans le monde du MotoGP ce mardi prochain, lors des essais de présaison à Barcelone. Ce test, remplaçant les traditionnels essais de fin d’année à Cheste, accueillera un participant de marque sur la piste avec la firme de Milwaukee qui s’engage dans les compétitions de moto au niveau international.

Bien que Harley-Davidson ne soit pas encore en mesure de présenter un pilote officiel en MotoGP, la marque nourrit des aspirations ambitieuses pour élargir sa présence en compétition. Elle est déjà solidement établie aux États-Unis avec son implication dans le King of the Baggers, une catégorie où des motos cruiser avec bagages atteignent des vitesses frôlant les 300 km/h, au sein du championnat MotoAmerica. Cependant, le test à Barcelone signalera un tournant pour la marque en ouvrant la porte à un avenir plus international.

Harley-Davidson entend saisir cette occasion pour affirmer ses ambitions en MotoGP. Selon Jochen Zeitz, directeur exécutif de Harley-Davidson, l’objectif de l’entreprise est d’élargir sa présence en compétition au niveau mondial : « ce test MotoGP constitue une première étape cruciale pour atteindre ces ambitions et illustrer notre engagement en faveur de l’excellence en course », a-t-il précisé.

MotoGP: Harley-Davidson Enters the Scene – A Pivotal Moment for the Iconic Brand

Harley-Davidson, en partenariat avec Dorna, intégrera les courses de baggers dans le calendrier des Grands Prix

Parmi les pilotes qui participeront aux essais, on retrouvera Kyle Wyman, pilote de Harley-Davidson Factory Racing, ainsi que des anciens coureurs tels que John Hopkins, Marco Melandri et Simon Crafar. Ces sessions incluront des démonstrations de la Road Glide et d’autres modèles de course de la marque.

Cette initiative, relayée par motorpasion, s’inscrit dans une stratégie plus vaste de collaboration entre Harley-Davidson et Dorna, l’organisateur du MotoGP. Carmelo Ezpeleta, PDG de Dorna, a déjà manifesté son enthousiasme pour cette collaboration, soulignant l’intérêt de la marque pour attirer de nouveaux fans vers le MotoGP, déjà perçu comme le sport le plus palpitant au monde.

Il est probable que Harley-Davidson tirera parti de l’élan donné par ce test pour participer à des événements spéciaux dans le cadre de certaines épreuves de MotoGP, semblables à la course de baggers de trois tours qui a eu lieu lors du Grand Prix des Amériques en avril dernier. Ce qui pourrait bien inaugurer une nouvelle ère pour la marque dans le domaine des compétitions de moto.