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Bagger Racing Series fans are witnessing history in motion. In less than four years, the FIM Motorcycling World Championship will be celebrating its 80th anniversary. In an unexpected and bold move, Harley-Davidson’s Bagger World Cup is officially partnering with MotoGP
It’s not merely a marketing gimmick — it’s a revolution. This collaboration marks the first global expansion of the Bagger Racing Series, setting a precedent in the world of motorcycle racing.
What makes this even more surprising is that it’s cruiser-style motorcycles, typically known for laid-back road cruising, that will now be competing under the banner of the world’s fastest and most prestigious racing organization.
What is Bagger Racing, Anyway?
If you’re unfamiliar with bagger motorcycles, they are large-sized touring bikes equipped with saddlebags (hence “bagger”), upright windshields, and massive V-Twin engines. Think of bikes like the Harley Street Glide, Road Glide, or Indian Challenger. Traditionally, they’ve been built for comfort — not cornering.
But that’s changing.
Recently, a rebellious, boutique racing scene has emerged. Enthusiasts have modified baggers with extended suspension travel, stripped-down weight, improved brakes, and aggressive lean angles. This gave birth to the now popular King of the Baggers (KOTB) series in the U.S., which quickly captured the attention of riders and fans alike. Now, with the evolution into the Bagger Racing Series, the sport is stepping onto a truly international stage.
From King of the Baggers to the Global Stage
The Bagger Racing Series, already featuring factory-supported Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle teams, was making waves in the U.S. With MotoGP joining as a global partner, the series is being elevated to a full-fledged international championship with multiple rounds across continents.
The new format will feature:
- Factory race baggers from Harley-Davidson and other OEMs
- Races hosted at international MotoGP tracks
- Global rider participation
- Expanded factory and privateer team slots
This isn’t just a new racing class. It’s a cultural bridge between American cruiser traditions and global racing prestige, bringing the V-Twin thunder to the most elite tracks in the world.
Why the Bagger Racing Series Matters for Riders and Fans
This new association unlocks huge opportunities for both brands and audiences:
• Spectators
Bagger racing brings that American muscle and attitude to a global stage. Paired with MotoGP, fans in Europe, Asia, Australia, and beyond will experience a new form of racing entertainment.
• Motorcycle Diversity
Modern paddocks are full of supersports and naked bikes. Baggers add a different style — and a completely different sound.
• Performance Innovation
Racing drives technology. Expect to see new suspension kits, high-performance exhausts, and tuning packages for touring motorcycles in the aftermarket soon.
• Harley-Davidson’s Brand Evolution
Often seen as traditional and slow to adapt, Harley-Davidson is making a bold statement. This partnership positions the brand with performance, youth appeal, and international exposure.
What to Expect from the 2026 Season
While official details are still under wraps, here’s what enthusiasts can likely expect from the inaugural Bagger Racing Series 2026 season:
1. Race Calendar
Rumors suggest the series will be aligned with existing MotoGP rounds in iconic circuits such as:
- Austin (USA)
- Jerez (Spain)
- Mugello (Italy)
- Sepang (Malaysia)
- Silverstone (UK)
The goal is to schedule bagger racing series as support events during MotoGP weekends, pulling massive crowds and global media coverage.
2. Factory vs Privateer Teams
A factory Harley-Davidson team is expected, likely based on the Road Glide ST or CVO. Indian Motorcycle may respond with their Challenger RR platform.
Privateers will also get their chance, which preserves the grassroots energy of the original King of the Baggers events.
3. Not Your Average Cruiser
These baggers are built to handle corners and racetracks, not just highways:
- Fully adjustable race suspension
- Radial-mount brakes
- Performance slick tires
- High-clearance controls
- Weight reduction packages
You’ll see them scraping floorboards and carving corners with surprising agility.
How This Impacts the Motorcycle Industry
This initiative goes far beyond racing itself:
• Dealer Engagement
Expect watch parties, demo rides, and special editions hosted at dealerships around the world.
• Youth Appeal
Racing draws thrill-seeking, younger audiences — exactly the demographic Harley needs to engage.
• Cross-Brand Marketing
We could soon see MotoGP and cruiser brand collabs, with limited edition bikes, racing kits, and co-branded merchandise.
This is both a marketing masterstroke and a cultural shift for the motorcycle world.
Could Other Brands Join the Bagger Battle?
Though Harley-Davidson and Indian dominate the the current Bagger Racing Series, others may enter the fold:
- A modified BMW R18 is rumored
- Honda could adapt the Gold Wing
- Yamaha may consider MT-based baggers
If momentum continues, this could become the cruiser-class equivalent of Moto2 or World Superbike.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Fast V-Twins
Bagger racing, once a fringe curiosity, is now becoming a global spectacle thanks to this collaboration with MotoGP. For Harley-Davidson, it’s a branding leap into performance and progress. For fans, it’s an exciting evolution of what motorcycles can be.
As the sound of a leaned-over V-Twin echoes through MotoGP circuits, a new generation of racing fans will emerge — where touring bikes meet track day thrills, and the bagger finally finds its place on the podium.
