Table of Contents
A huge transformation has occurred in the world of MotoGP which has been expect for 2026, and it is with no doubt the most unexpected thing ever. Harley-Davidson is not just simply appearing in the Grand Prix paddock- not as a lean prototype but alongside a whole squadron of baggers. Yes, big-sized American cruisers will be seen on the same stage together with the most advanced and expensive racing motorcycles in the world.
The Hot Rod and Harley Ice Outfit represent a solid partnership that forms the International Bagger Series within the MotoGP Tournament. The series will host a set of races that will take place on the channel at five key MotoGP weekends across Europe and North America. The racing machines are not for show, but they are real performance-tuned bikes running up to 200 horsepower, and the battle of wits, factory teams, and performance tuning come into play.
Let’s check it out!
What do riders and fans need to know?
What is the International Bagger Series?
The 2026 International Bagger Series stands as a new spec-class championship that rides Harley-Davidson’s race-modified Road Glide baggers and with the usual cruisers normally seen outside diners, these bikes are uniquely strapping.
Capability is analysed in terms of engine power and torque figures, which are given as:
Over 200 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque
The potential of reaching a maximum of 300 km/h (186 mph) is possible
A lightweight race chassis reduces the curb weight to about 280 kg (617 lb)
The specification is provided and the support is made for all bikes by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing, its representatives being six to eight teams of two riders each. The event aims to highlight the rider’s performance and the tactic, the common legislation, and the rider’s ability to cope with the intricate race environment and the competitive format.
Every race weekend is composed of two bagger races simulating the entire race. Altogether, there will be twelve races.
2026 Bagger Series Race Weekends
The International Bagger Series is scheduled to be held at six of the MotoGP weekends. Even though the specific dates are still tentative, the affiliations of the roads have been almost finalized:
- Grand Prix of Thailand (Buriram) – April 2026
The Chang International Circuit will be the venue for the possible first season introduction of baggers in Southeast Asia.
- Grand Prix of the Americas (Austin, Texas) – April/May 2026
One of the major rounds in North America COTA is issued as the confirmed site of the event.
- French Grand Prix (Le Mans) – May 2026
Le Mans is not only the site of the public launch of the series but also a substantial early stop.
- Italian Grand Prix (Mugello) – May/June 2026
The outdoor course at Mugello is the perfect stage for baggers to demonstrate their true speed, agility, and maneuverability.
- Dutch TT (Assen) – June 2026
Assen’s tight course and variety of technical turns will test these rugged machines comprehensively, and this would be an excellent location to do so.
- British Grand Prix (Silverstone) – August 9, 2026
The place is suitable for end or duel the Bagger Series; certainly one of the underpinning reasons for it is that it is among the most popular and iconic places in Europe.
Summary of Confirmed Rounds
MotoGP Round | Tentative Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
Thailand GP | April 2026 | Buriram (Chang Circuit) |
Americas GP | April/May 2026 | COTA, Austin |
French GP | May 2026 | Le Mans |
Italy GP | May/June 2026 | Mugello |
Netherlands GP | June 2026 | Assen |
UK GP | August 9, 2026 | Silverstone |
Why It Matters to Riders and Fans
The International Bagger Series will take place in six of the MotoGP weekends. Though the announced dates are still tentative, the related routes have almost been finalized:
- Grand Prix of Thailand (Buriram) – April 2026
The Chang International Circuit could possibly host the first season of baggers in Southeast Asia.
- Grand Prix of the Americas (Austin, Texas) – April/May 2026
This is one of the primary rounds in North America COTA which has been identified as the confirmed location of the race.
- French Grand Prix (Le Mans) – May 2026
Le Mans is not just the public launch site of the series, but is a significant early stop as well.
- Italian Grand Prix (Mugello) – May/June 2026
The Mugello racetrack is a spectacular outdoor venue for baggers to speed, maneuver, and outperform their competitors.
- Dutch TT (Assen) – June 2026
Assen’s close circuit and mixed technical lay-out will fully assess these robust machines, and this is the right place to do it.
- British Grand Prix (Silverstone) – August 9, 2026
Silverstone is, on the one hand, a fitting place for either the end or duel the Bagger Series partially because it is one of the most loved and iconic destinations in Europe.
What Fans Can Expect on Race Weekends
Every bagger event will contain:
– Practice sessions and qualifying
– Two points-paying races during the weekend
– Paddock access for fans at select venues
– Exclusive merchandise, meet & greets, and viewing zones
MotoGP fans should take note and plan accordingly. Besides the regular schedule, they will have the chance to see the unique, bagger races at which the show promises unique action, such as close battles and a roaring atmosphere.
What’s Next?
The championship is currently established for six rounds in 2026 at the venue, but initial interest and feedback were received to increase the number of rounds in the future seasons. The talks are already in progress to promote the project for 2027 and far away. As the groups of manufacturers are participating and the worldwide scope is increasing, the Bagger Series might be incorporated as a default event in the MotoGP championship.
Final Thoughts
The International Bagger Series is not just a one-time incident, it’s a significant breakthrough of what motorcycles competitions can be like. Via hooking up with Harley-Davidson in the motorcycle tour, MotoGP tells us that speed is not only a single aspect of racing.
For bike enthusiasts, this journey is a must-visit to the long-awaited tribute given to them at the world stage. Along with the traditional racers, they will have the chance to enjoy the thrilling spec-class motorcycle racing with no technical adherence at all, thus, awarding the right to brain vs. brain, as it really should be. And for the rest, it will be just a great time to see it all.
Whether you are a bagger bike aficionada or you just share the love of the sound that they make, 2026 is going to be the most exciting season in motorcycle sports for sure.
Also Read
