Milwaukee, USA & Le Mans, France – Get ready for a new kind of roar on race weekends. Iconic American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson and MotoGP are joining forces to launch a groundbreaking global racing championship featuring customized Harley-Davidson bagger motorcycles, set to debut in 2026.
The new twelve-race series will see riders compete across six Grand Prix weekends in Europe and North America. This marks a significant collaboration, bringing one of the world’s most recognizable motorcycle brands directly into the thrilling atmosphere of MotoGP.
The announcement detailed that competitors will battle it out on race-prepared Harley-Davidson Road Glide® motorcycles, with two races scheduled for each round.
These specially engineered machines, developed by Harley-Davidson Factory® Racing, are built for intense, head-to-head competition. Each bike:
- weighing approximately 280 kilograms (617 pounds)
- boast over 200 horsepower and 245 Nm (180 lb-ft) of torque
- capable of reaching speeds exceeding 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph).
Critically, every motorcycle on the grid will be identical, ensuring that rider skill is paramount and promising close, exciting racing.
The championship is anticipated to feature six to eight teams, each fielding two riders, all supported by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing.
Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson, expressed that this venture is a “bold new step” for the company’s global racing ambitions. He noted Harley-Davidson’s long history of performance, recently showcased in series like the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers and through performance-oriented models. Zeitz believes this new series will resonate with riders and fans eager for more, adding an “amazing spectacle” to the MotoGP world.
Echoing this enthusiasm, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports, described the collaboration as an exciting opportunity. He highlighted MotoGP’s international platform as a benefit for Harley-Davidson’s global reach, while Harley-Davidson’s iconic status is expected to draw new audiences to the sport. Ezpeleta anticipates the partnership will deliver a “completely new flavour” to Grand Prix weekends.
Further details, including the full race calendar and how fans can watch the action, are expected to be revealed soon.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is a name synonymous with motorcycle culture for over 120 years, aims to build its legend through innovation and the timeless pursuit of adventure. The company, which also has a controlling interest in LiveWire Group, the first publicly traded all-electric motorcycle company in the United States, provides a wide range of motorcycles, accessories, and financial services.
MotoGP, renowned as one of the most thrilling sports on Earth, features the world’s fastest bikes, most innovative manufacturers, and most fearless riders, consistently pushing the boundaries of two-wheeled competition.
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