When it comes to bold moves, few pairings rival the groundbreaking partnership recently unveiled: Harley-Davidson x MotoGP. Set to debut in 2026, this unprecedented collaboration introduces a new class of racing—heavyweight bagger motorcycles—to the pinnacle of two-wheeled motorsports. Featuring Harley-Davidson’s iconic Road Glide motorcycles, meticulously race-tuned for competition, this series will undoubtedly redefine expectations and elevate bagger racing to the global stage.
Rooted deeply in Harley-Davidson’s 120-year legacy of power and performance, the Harley-Davidson x MotoGP series represents more than just racing—it’s a celebration of innovation paired with tradition. Harley-Davidson’s evolution in recent years, particularly through the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series, demonstrated that the American powerhouse can dominate racetracks traditionally reserved for sportbikes.
With powerful performance models such as the CVO RR and the CVO Road Glide ST already captivating riders globally, the MotoGP partnership propels Harley-Davidson’s mission even further, bringing American muscle into the arena of global motorsport spectacle.
Harley-Davidson x MotoGP – The Championship Format
Spanning six premier MotoGP weekends throughout Europe and North America, the Harley-Davidson x MotoGP championship consists of twelve races. Each weekend hosts two fiercely contested rounds, amplifying the excitement and stakes for competitors and fans alike. The lineup will feature six to eight factory-supported teams, each fielding two riders piloting specially prepped Harley-Davidson Road Glide race bikes.
MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta sees the partnership as an ideal opportunity to expand the sport’s horizons. “We offer Harley-Davidson a truly international platform,” he noted. Harley-Davidson’s passionate fanbase and the allure of heavyweight baggers promise a unique and thrilling addition to the MotoGP weekends.
Central to the excitement is the race-modified Harley-Davidson Road Glide, a staple of American touring culture, transformed into a high-performance racing machine. Featuring precision-engineered components, high-spec suspension, advanced braking systems, and aerodynamic refinements, these Road Glides are designed to handle the demanding high-speed conditions of world-famous MotoGP circuits.
Every aspect—from power delivery and cornering dynamics to aerodynamics and weight reduction—has been carefully optimized, ensuring these Harley-Davidson baggers aren’t just contenders, but serious racing machines that demand respect on the grid.
Beyond trackside thrills, the Harley-Davidson x MotoGP collaboration promises to deliver an unmatched event experience. Fans will enjoy a fusion of MotoGP’s adrenaline-fueled environment and Harley-Davidson’s distinctive community atmosphere. These race weekends will become not only a showcase of speed and skill but also cultural gatherings that celebrate motorcycling passion, craftsmanship, and camaraderie, bridging the gap between racing enthusiasts and devoted Harley-Davidson riders worldwide.
By introducing bagger racing to an international motorsport audience, Harley-Davidson and MotoGP are collectively paving the way toward an exciting future where tradition meets performance innovation.
Come 2026, fans around the globe will witness the spectacular sight of heavyweight American iron battling wheel-to-wheel on world-famous racetracks. This partnership not only redefines what it means to race but boldly signals the start of an extraordinary chapter for Harley-Davidson and MotoGP alike.
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