- First-ever Bagger World Cup held alongside the MotoGP World Championship
- 280 kg Road Glide racing motorcycles with over 200 hp and 245 Nm
- Over €561,000 ($600,000) in prize money in the expanded 2026 sponsorship program
The Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup marks a new approach to motorsport for large V2 baggers. The series aims to offer authentic racing and relies on largely uniform technology for all participants. At the same time, the manufacturer is supporting riders in the USA with an extensive prize money program.
Global racing series with six to eight teams
The new Bagger World Cup will be held in 2026 as part of the MotoGP events. The venues are Austin, Mugello, Assen, Silverstone, Aragon, and Spielberg. Two races will take place at each Grand Prix. The season begins at the end of March in Austin, with the final decision coming after the Austrian GP in September.
Six to eight independent teams will compete, each with two riders. Harley-Davidson Factory Racing will support all participants and provide uniform equipment. The teams are still being put together, with the aim of creating an international starting field. Three teams have already been confirmed at EICMA: Saddlemen Race Development from the USA, Joe Rascal Racing from Australia, and Cecchini Racing Team from Italy.
Technical concept: Uniform basis, limited modifications
Race-ready versions of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide are used. According to the manufacturer, the machines deliver over 200 hp (147 kW) and develop a maximum torque of 245 Nm (180 lb-ft). The weight is around 280 kg (617 lbs). Electronic interventions are deliberately kept to a minimum. According to Harley-Davidson, traction should be controlled solely by throttle control.
A fixed ECU offers predefined mappings for throttle response and engine braking, which can be adapted to the riding style. Riders have access to chassis, transmission, brake pressure, and engine data to make setup adjustments. However, chassis components are predetermined and cannot be freely selected.
Production in Milwaukee and global support
All racing motorcycles are built at the new Factory Racing headquarters in Milwaukee. Harley-Davidson delivers all bikes to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin for the season opener. From there, Dorna takes over worldwide logistics.
A technical team of mechanics and engineers travels with the participants to each race weekend to provide support. According to Harley-Davidson, the goal is to let differences arise primarily through the riders and teamwork.
2026 prize money program in the USA
In parallel with the new world series, Harley-Davidson has confirmed its prize money program for the 2026 US racing season. The manufacturer is providing over €561,000 ($600,000) for this purpose. The program is aimed at qualified riders in the MotoAmerica series and the Progressive American Flat Track Championship. Support will be provided for the King of the Baggers, Super Hooligan, AFT SuperTwins, and AFT Adventure Trackers classes.
Prize money totaling €210,000 ($224,500) is available for King of the Baggers alone, including bonuses for first to tenth place and a championship bonus of €23,450 ($25,000).
In the Super Hooligan program, €135,000 ($144,200) will be distributed, accompanied by bonuses for places one to ten and a championship bonus payment of €18,750 ($20,000).
Successful riders such as reigning King of the Baggers champion Kyle Wyman and 2025 Super Hooligan champion James Rispoli are also set to benefit from the program. Private teams will also have access to parts and support services.
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