Baggers to race with MotoGP in 2026

What started as a one-off event, then swiftly grew to become a full championship in the USA is now going global, with bagger racing to run an international series in 2026. The six-round, 12-race championship will be held at selected MotoGP rounds in the USA and Europe.

The yet-to-be-named championship is supported by Harley-Davidson, who will provide race-prepared bikes for the entire grid. Unlike the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers series in the US that sees Harley Road Glides up against Indian Challengers (on which Australia’s Troy Herfoss won last year’s title), the international championship will use Harley-Davidson baggers exclusively, with up to 16 on the grid across eight two-rider teams.

Earlier this year, former World Superbike rider Ruben Xaus launched a Bagger Racing League European Cup, which is open to the aforementioned American models, plus Honda Goldwings, the BMW R 18, Ducati Diavel V2, Moto Guzzi MGX 21 and others – basically any big cruiser that was offered with panniers from the factory.

The upcoming international bagger series will presumably draw riders from existing American and European championships, along with some new faces.

“This is a bold new step for Harley-Davidson’s global racing ambitions,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “We’ve showcased performance through racing at the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers series and through performance differentiated product, such as our new CVO RR motorcycle and 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, we’re excited to bring a new form of racing to the world stage.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder, Dorna Sports, sees the upcoming championship as an exciting opportunity for both grand prix racing and Harley-Davidson.

“[MotoGP offers] 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,” said Ezpeleta. “This partnership has big potential for both our strategies and will deliver a real spectacle for fans.”

More details on the Harley-Davidson international bagger championship will be revealed soon.