The motorcycle racing scene is preparing for a significant addition starting in 2026, the result of a recent collaboration between Dorna Sports , the operator of MotoGP , and Harley-Davidson Motor Company .
On May 11, a new competition category was officially announced: Baggers Racing , which will be integrated into six MotoGP events spread across Europe and North America, with two races per event.
This new series will feature six to eight teams, each consisting of two riders, and will receive direct support from Harley-Davidson. The riders will compete on identical motorcycles, developed by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing .
These machines, weighing over 272 kg (600 lb), will be powered by Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin engines with four valves per cylinder, generating power over 200 hp and a maximum torque of 244 Nm (180 lb-ft).
While maintaining the distinctive Road Glide aesthetics, including its front fairing and saddlebags, these motorcycles have proven capable of reaching speeds of up to 299 km/h (186 mph) at events such as Daytona.
A Question of Business Strategy
Dorna Sports' choice to partner with Harley-Davidson, rather than MotoAmerica, is part of a clear business strategy that seeks mutual benefits.
For Dorna, the introduction of Baggers Racing represents a visual and aural novelty that promises to capture the attention of MotoGP viewers. The image of large motorcycles drifting around corners with surprising agility, unrelated to the dynamics of MotoGP, could offer a distinctive and engaging spectacle .
From Harley-Davidson's perspective, this alliance offers a global platform to revitalize and expand its presence in international markets, a crucial objective given the current slowdown in new motorcycle sales in the United States.
Participating in MotoGP circuits provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the performance capabilities of their motorcycles to a massive, global audience, capitalizing on the growing interest Baggers Racing has generated in the U.S.
Diversifying the offering in competitive motorcycling can attract new segments of fans, just as variety is valued in other cultural spheres.
Harley-Davidson: Adaptation and Evolution
Harley-Davidson's history has been marked by its ability to adapt and reinvent its brand identity . Traditionally associated with Sportster models for a younger audience and touring motorcycles for a mature segment, the brand has evolved.
The emergence of the chopper phenomenon and factory customizations starting in the 1970s, followed by a proliferation of styles, helped maintain its relevance.
King of the Baggers (KOTB) is a racing series featuring touring motorcycles, primarily Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles, that have been modified and prepared for road racing.
The motorcycles, known as "baggers" for their saddlebags, compete in a number of racing events, notable for their weight and power, turning a road bike into a racing machine .
The concept of King of the Baggers:
The "Baggers": These are touring motorcycles, usually Harley-Davidson Road Glide or Indian Challenger, modified for competition.
The competition:
It consists of circuit races, where these touring motorcycles, which are usually large and heavy, compete for the title of "King of the Baggers."
The phenomenon:
It has become a popular phenomenon in the motorcycle community, capturing the attention of fans, racing teams, and organizations.
Innovation:
The series has proven that touring motorcycles can not only be used for touring, but can also be prepared for competition, creating a new category of motorcycle racing.
The rise of bagger racing in the U.S. underscores a renewed interest in performance among cruiser riders.
The new motorcycle market in the U.S. grew significantly in the mid-1990s, reaching a peak of 1.09 million sales in 2005, but the Great Recession of 2008 caused a dramatic 60% decline. Although there has been a gradual recovery, current sales , at 581,000 units (2022-2024), represent only 53% of that peak.
The partnership with MotoGP to introduce Baggers Racing is not only a new show for Dorna, but a strategic opportunity for Harley-Davidson to capture the attention of a global audience and renew the perception of its brand in a high-competition environment.
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