The Harley-Davidson Factory Racing motorcycles from MotoAmerica’s King of the Baggers series will compete in a six-round series in 2026 as part of the MotoGP World Championship Series.
The highly modified Harley-Davidson Road Glide race bikes will compete in two races per round at circuits in Europe and at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin. There will be a least six two-rider teams in the series.
“This collaboration with Harley-Davidson is an exciting opportunity for both parties,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports. “We offer a truly international platform for Harley-Davidson to expand their global reach, and Harley-Davidson is perfectly placed to join us in bringing our sport to new audiences as we team up with one of the most iconic lifestyle brands in the US. This partnership has big potential for both our strategies and will deliver a real spectacle for fans, bringing a completely new flavor to the Grand Prix weekends where the series will compete.”
The Road Glide-based racers produce over 200 horsepower, 180 ft-lbs of torque, weigh just over 600 pounds, and have a top speed of over 185 mph. This is a spec racing class, with all the bikes on the grid identical.
“This is a bold new step for Harley-Davidson’s global racing ambitions, explains retiring Harley-Davidson Chairman, President, and CEO Jochen Zeitz. “Harley-Davidson has been pioneering performance on and off the road since our beginnings over 120 years ago. Most recently, we’ve showcased performance through our racing at the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series and through performance differentiated product such as our new CVO RR motorcycle and our CVO Road Glide ST. We’ve seen how performance has resonated with riders and fans, and we know that they’re keen for more.
“With this new series,” Zeitz continued, “we’re excited to bring a new form of racing to the world stage. Not only is this a bold and new chapter for our brand, celebrating our heritage while pushing into the future, but it will add an amazing spectacle to the greatest motorcycle show in the world.”
The MotoGP rounds featuring the Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Road Glides are pending confirmation.
