The announcement that made waves in the paddock was that beginning in 2026, Harley-Davidson x MotoGP are taking bagger racing global by launching an entirely new championship series featuring race-prepared Harley-Davidson bagger motorcycles. This collaboration bridges Harley-Davidson’s rich heritage with the unparalleled global platform of MotoGP, creating an electrifying synergy.
Harley-Davidson x MotoGP – Racing on the World’s Grandest Stage
Scheduled to kick off in 2026, the Harley-Davidson x MotoGP series will run across six high-profile MotoGP weekends spanning iconic circuits throughout Europe and North America. The championship will consist of twelve adrenaline-packed races, with two fierce battles per Grand Prix round. Teams of elite riders—between six and eight squads, each fielding two racers—will compete aboard race-tuned Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles. This is MotoAmerica’s King of the Baggers on steroids.
“This is a bold new step for Harley-Davidson’s global racing ambitions,” declared Jochen Zeitz, Harley-Davidson’s Chairman, President, and CEO. Indeed, Harley-Davidson’s modern performance lineage, sharpened through fierce competition in the MotoAmerica Baggers series and embodied by its CVO RR and CVO Road Glide ST motorcycles, has prepared it well for this next move.
Zeitz emphasizes that Harley-Davidson enthusiasts have long embraced the brand’s performance-driven identity, and this series represents a dynamic new chapter that will captivate and energize riders and spectators alike. The intersection of Harley-Davidson’s powerful motorcycles and MotoGP’s elite racing standards promises to elevate the excitement and spectacle of global motorsport.
Harley-Davidson x MotoGP – A Strategic Alliance for Growth
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, MotoGP’s governing body, underscored the strategic value of the partnership: “We offer a truly international platform for Harley-Davidson to expand their global reach.” Indeed, Harley-Davidson gains an unprecedented opportunity to connect its vibrant, passionate community directly to MotoGP’s massive global audience.
In turn, MotoGP benefits from aligning with Harley-Davidson’s cultural cachet, significantly broadening its appeal among American and lifestyle-oriented audiences. Together, Harley-Davidson and MotoGP are perfectly positioned to introduce fresh excitement and new fans to the thrilling spectacle of motorcycle racing, redefining the landscape of global motorsport.
Fans attending these select MotoGP weekends will witness a groundbreaking showcase: the mighty Harley-Davidson Road Glide—long famed for its touring comfort and power—reimagined as a high-performance racer. The sight of these heavyweight baggers ripping wheel-to-wheel through some of the most notable circuits will be a unique addition to the MotoGP ecosystem and a rare visual and auditory thrill.
Beyond racing, Harley-Davidson x MotoGP events promise to deliver unforgettable experiences celebrating motorcycle culture, heritage, and innovation, bringing together fans of speed, style, and American muscle.
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