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
Harley-Davidson
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.
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.
Recent achievements in the King of the Baggers racing series have rekindled enthusiasm for high-performance Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The surprising popularity of bagger racing has prompted both Indian and Harley-Davidson to introduce some stunning “sport” touring bikes. While it’s exciting to witness these motorcycles perform outside their intended design, this isn’t the only type of racing where Harleys excel.
The XR750, for instance, continues to set multiple records in flat-track racing and has experienced a revival in recent years. However, drag racing presents the most accessible entry point into motorsports for Harley enthusiasts. Realistically, nearly any bike can be brought to a local drag strip, but if you aim to compete, these specific models will provide the best value for those on a budget. Just a note: any form of racing can escalate in cost rapidly, regardless of the initial price of the bike.
To ensure the information presented in this article is current and accurate, data has been gathered from various manufacturer websites and other credible sources, including official brand sites. Purchasing a used motorcycle always carries a certain level of risk, so do your homework and proceed with care. The motorcycles on this list are assessed based on power, using our established rating methodologies.
With race-inspired engineering, carbon-fiber design, and unbeatable performance, this bagger redefines premium power
10 2015 Iron 883
Power: 50 Horsepower
Harley-Davidson
This essentially includes any fuel-injected Sportster. We believe the 883 is a fantastic starting point as you will need to replace the heads eventually. Aftermarket heads serve as an economical launch point for a Sportster build, and with a vast aftermarket, you can increase its horsepower significantly based on your budget.
Specifications
Price Range
$4,000 – $6,000
Engine Type
V-Twin, air-cooled
Displacement
883cc
Max Torque
54 LB-FT
Transmission
5-speed
Weight
564 lbs
9 1995 Sportster 1200
Power: 57 Horsepower
National Motorcycle Museum
This 90s classic effectively symbolizes any older carbureted Sportster. You might opt for an even older and less expensive model, but we wouldn’t advise going too far back, especially with AMF-era bikes. Notably, this model is much lighter than the newer 883 mentioned earlier and offered significantly more torque from the factory.
Specifications
Price Range
$2,000 – $4,000
Engine Type
V-Twin, air-cooled
Displacement
1200cc
Max Torque
71 LB-FT
Transmission
5-speed
Weight
494 lbs (dry)
8 2000 FXST Softail Standard
Power: 67 Horsepower
Harley-Davidson
2000 marked the end of the Evo era for Harley as they transitioned to the more advanced Twin Cam 88. This new engine significantly raised performance capabilities compared to the Evo, although the bike’s considerable weight will necessitate further investment to enhance drag strip performance beyond the more economical Sportster options. If you’re prepared to invest more, companies like S&S can help boost performance.
Not as fast as a sports bike, but it will beat all your favorite Harley cruisers and tourers
7 1995 Dyna Wide Glide
Power: 67 Horsepower
Mecum Auctions
It’s an understatement to say that the Dyna was a beloved motorcycle. Even if it may seem an odd choice for performance, the nostalgic appeal for Evo fans makes it a strong contender. It’s vital to mention that this generation faced the notorious “Dyna death wobble,” so initial upgrades should focus on the suspension and frame. Consider using polyurethane frame mounts and replacing the steering head bearings as a good starting point.
Specifications
Price Range
$6,000 – $8,000
Engine Type
V-Twin, air-cooled
Displacement
1337cc
Max Torque
72 LB-FT
Transmission
5-speed
Weight
648 lbs
6 2012 XR1200X
Power: 89 Horsepower
Harley-Davidson
This motorcycle could very well be the ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers. It combines good performance and has, unlike most Harleys, retained little of its original value. Thanks to its naked bike ergonomics and suspension, prepping it for racing will require significantly less effort. Though some work is still needed on the stock 1200 V-twin engine, the extensive aftermarket support makes achieving performance upgrades fairly straightforward.
We listed the power figure with the Street Performance kit since it’s something that could be fitted through authorized dealers, making it possible to find a used bike already equipped with it within the price listed below. While it’s undeniably hefty, for those seeking a speedy and adept tourer capable of occasional drag outings, this model is a solid option. The additional weight also assists in maintaining stability when accelerating hard from a standstill.
Specifications
Price Range
$10,000 – $12,000
Engine Type
V-Twin, air-cooled
Displacement
1690cc
Max Torque
110 LB-FT
Transmission
6-speed
Weight
822 lbs
4 2013 Breakout
Power: 103 Horsepower*
Harley-Davidson
In contrast to the Street Glide, you can equip the same performance kit on a significantly lighter bike. Since it’s designed to resemble a drag bike, the Breakout is an excellent platform, provided the budget allows. However, foot controls must be modified; mid-controls or drag pegs attached to the swingarm are necessary, unless you’re comfortable attempting to navigate the drag strip like a flying squirrel.
Selling or buying an old Breakout can be a tricky decision. Here’s everything you need to keep in mind.
3 2002 VRSCA V-Rod
Power: 115 Horsepower
Mecum
In terms of value, the V-Rod stands out as the most compelling option. While it features forward controls, opting for swingarm-mounted pegs might be preferable. The liquid-cooled V-twin engine may have sparked some controversy among traditional Harley enthusiasts, but it undoubtedly offers the greatest efficiency for increased power. Though modifying this engine may present challenges, the potential performance enhancements certainly justify the effort for those aiming for competitiveness.
Specifications
Price Range
$5,000 – $7,000
Engine Type
V-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement
1131cc
Max Torque
84 LB-FT
Transmission
5-speed
Weight
619 lbs
2 2007 VRSCR Street Rod
Power: 120 Horsepower
Harley-Davidson
While newer models aren’t always superior, the Street Rod boasts 5 additional horsepower. Its limited popularity typically results in lower prices compared to the first generation V-Rod. However, it is slightly heavier, but this minimal difference shouldn’t affect its potential power with the proper modifications.
Specifications
Price Range
$4,000 – $6,000
Engine Type
V-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement
1131cc
Max Torque
80 LB-FT
Transmission
5-speed
Weight
655 lbs
1 Bonus: 2006 V-Rod Destroyer
Power: 170 Horsepower
Harley-Davidson
While this isn’t a “cheap” Harley by any means, it serves as a relevant benchmark for aspiring racers. Produced for just a single model year, the V-Rod Destroyer had an extremely limited run of only 646 bikes, with 625 available to the public. Pro-level riders could achieve low 9-second runs on these machines with relative ease.
Considering all aspects, paying around $20k for one of these is practically a steal, especially when it would likely cost more to bring an older V-Rod up to similar specifications. While all models on this list represent “budget” options, they’ll each require some level of investment to prepare for racing. Thus, this journey is as much about the process as it is about the end goal.
Harley-Davidson Factory Racing rider Kyle Wyman competes for a podium finish during the 2024 King of the Baggers season.
Motorcycle racing is an exhilarating sport where victories can be counted in microseconds. An edge can sometimes rest upon millimeters of tire gripping the track.
Luca Mazzei, strategic growth officer at Protolabs
Engineers and designers work diligently to eliminate any unnecessary weight, all while ensuring parts remain resilient enough to endure falls and continue functioning effectively.
When Harley-Davidson Factory Racing (HDFR) reached out for assistance in developing and producing components for their involvement in the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers racing series, we eagerly embraced the opportunity. Crafting motorcycles of this caliber (weighing over 600 lbs) involves continuous iterations that lead to enhanced safety and performance metrics.
The ability to efficiently iterate and swiftly manufacture was essential to HDFR’s goals. This collaboration underscored the advantages of partnering with a singular, digital manufacturer for everything from prototyping to the production of usable parts.
The crucial design objectives were to enhance safety and maximize cornering speeds for bikes capable of exceeding 180 mph. With as many as 14 turns per lap, even a half-degree improvement in lean angle can drastically decrease race completion times.
3D Printing: A Viable Solution
Among the components developed for HDFR was a seemingly straightforward exhaust pipe. Running alongside the bike, the original design encountered issues with tight turns at high speeds, occasionally scraping against the ground and causing loss of control. Refining this design had the potential to yield significant performance enhancements.
The two-part exhaust system was printed via direct metal laser-sintering at Protolabs facility in Raleigh, N.C.
Working alongside our engineers, the design team from HDFR examined various manufacturing methods for their prototypes before ultimately opting for 3D printing—specifically, direct metal laser sintering (DMLS).
Why Choose DMLS?
DMLS utilizes powdered metals in an additive manufacturing process, providing remarkable design flexibility along with the creation of robust metallic components.
In a sizable build chamber, at least one laser is employed to fuse metal powders, layer by layer. Once a layer has adhered to the previous one, the platform gradually descends, followed by another layer of powder being applied for continued fabrication.
The new 3D-printed, titanium exhaust features a new design that equips it closer to the bike, allowing for greater lean angle on turns.
After initial prototypes in stainless steel, HDFR opted for strong yet lightweight titanium for the final part. This material not only ensured durability but also offered outstanding resistance to corrosion—a crucial factor as the bikes must perform well across varying weather conditions. While titanium typically incurs higher costs, it was imperative that the part could withstand the abrasions of the racetrack while also significantly reducing weight.
Subsequent cycles of prototyping and testing allowed the team to refine the design based on insights from the riders. Each version was evaluated, leading to the creation of a production-ready component. With 3D printing’s speed in delivering complex parts, the design team could continuously improve the outcomes based on real-world testing.
The updated pipe design improved lean angles, enabling the riders to navigate turns faster without risking damage to the exhaust system.
Machined Components for Protection
While refining the exhaust system stood out as a major achievement for rapid prototyping, another critical part was designed to protect the shift assembly—the bike’s vital gear-change mechanism located on the left side. Any damage to this assembly could severely hinder performance during races.
The shift skid protects the shift assembly on the left side of the bike in case a crash occurs.
In a push for rapid iteration, HDFR realized just a few days before the race how critical it was to design a protective piece for the shift assembly. The objective was to ensure that if the bike tipped over, the shift skid would shield the assembly, allowing the rider to potentially continue the race.
Given the time constraints, 3+2-axis CNC machining was employed to fabricate the part from a block of aluminum 7075/T651/T6. The machining process was advantageous due to its precision and speed. As with the titanium exhaust, aluminum was selected for its strength, providing a lightweight yet robust solution.
The finalized design was submitted on a Monday, and the part was delivered to the Harley team just two days later, well ahead of the Friday qualifying sessions. This timing was fortuitous; rider Kyle Wyman experienced a slide during rainy conditions, scraping the skid against the pavement. The part functioned as intended, protecting the shift assembly and enabling Kyle to compete successfully in the subsequent race.
The Speed of Digital Manufacturing
A pivotal factor in HDFR’s triumph in the King of the Baggers series was the swift iteration enabled by digital manufacturing. Unlike traditional quoting methods, a digital quoting system provides rapid—if not instant—responses to requests for quotes (RFQs), along with critical design feedback for manufacturing. Without such insights, companies must engage in lengthy back-and-forth communications to refine part designs, which can be tedious and unproductive when operating under tight deadlines.
Harley-Davidson Factory Racing rider Kyle Wyman competes on a wet track during the 2024 King of the Baggers season.
Digital manufacturing facilitates the rapid development required to keep products ahead of competition, efficiently transitioning from prototypes to final parts and ultimately crossing the finish line.
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Today Sunday 9th September 2018 I attended the annual Grampian Motorcycle Convention held at Alford Grampian Transport Museum .
I enjoy these events, always hundreds of bikes on display , some vintage, classic and current models , well organised and catering for the crowds that attend.
The weather was excellent ,I spoke to many bikers all sharing their love for the bike they had on display , many had 2 or 3 that they owned , however as usual the best part for was capturing all the motorcycles in the parking area, driven to the event by enthusiasts and owners with a love for their chosen Suzuki, Yamaha,Kawasaki ,Triumph etc.
I captured 400 bikes at the convention today , I do not have the time to list their details etc , hence please feel free to comment on any individual bike that you recognise , meantime I will slowly though surely add as much information as I can when I find time .
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Experience the thrill of Harley-Davidson Bagger Racing like never before, as we bring you some of the most outrageous wheelies, stunning saves, crashes, and mishaps featuring turbocharged and nitrous-boosted Harley Davidson Bagger motorcycles. Witness thrilling drag racing and intense Harley grudge matches. Follow the journey of emerging motorcycle drag racers, enjoy exciting side-by-side races, and see a few burnouts take a wrong turn. Get ready for some exhilarating Harley-Davidson bagger racing action!
Discover more videos on the Cycledrag YouTube channel (subscribe here), and don’t forget to like the Cycledrag Facebook page (please like here). More exhilarating content is on the way! Also, check out our NEW YouTube channel “Racing Jack” and visit us daily for updates.
Today Sunday 9th September 2018 I attended the annual Grampian Motorcycle Convention held at Alford Grampian Transport Museum .
I enjoy these events, always hundreds of bikes on display , some vintage, classic and current models , well organised and catering for the crowds that attend.
The weather was excellent ,I spoke to many bikers all sharing their love for the bike they had on display , many had 2 or 3 that they owned , however as usual the best part for was capturing all the motorcycles in the parking area, driven to the event by enthusiasts and owners with a love for their chosen Suzuki, Yamaha,Kawasaki ,Triumph etc.
I captured 400 bikes at the convention today , I do not have the time to list their details etc , hence please feel free to comment on any individual bike that you recognise , meantime I will slowly though surely add as much information as I can when I find time .
Today Sunday 9th September 2018 I attended the annual Grampian Motorcycle Convention held at Alford Grampian Transport Museum .
I enjoy these events, always hundreds of bikes on display , some vintage, classic and current models , well organised and catering for the crowds that attend.
The weather was excellent ,I spoke to many bikers all sharing their love for the bike they had on display , many had 2 or 3 that they owned , however as usual the best part for was capturing all the motorcycles in the parking area, driven to the event by enthusiasts and owners with a love for their chosen Suzuki, Yamaha,Kawasaki ,Triumph etc.
I captured 400 bikes at the convention today , I do not have the time to list their details etc , hence please feel free to comment on any individual bike that you recognise , meantime I will slowly though surely add as much information as I can when I find time .
