{"id":167347,"date":"2026-01-04T08:33:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T07:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/?p=167347"},"modified":"2026-01-04T08:06:54","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T07:06:54","slug":"bradley-smith-harley-bagger-motogp-comparison","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/en\/bradley-smith-harley-bagger-motogp-comparison\/","title":{"rendered":"Bradley Smith on Harley-Davidson baggers: Between powerful torque and weight disadvantage"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mc-badges\" aria-label=\"Medien\u00fcbersicht im Artikel\">\n        <span class=\"badge badge-image\" title=\"Bilder im Artikel\">\n            <svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                <path d=\"M21 19V5c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2H5c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 \n                2v14c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h14c1.1 0 2-.9 \n                2-2zM8.5 13.5 11 17l2.5-3.5L18 \n                19H6l2.5-5.5z\"\/>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/span><\/div>\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Harley-Davidson baggers weigh around 280 kg (617 lbs)<\/li>\n<li>MotoGP bikes weigh around 165 kg (364 lbs)<\/li>\n<li>The Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup comprises 6 events with 12 races<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After joining the American King of the Baggers series in 2025, former MotoGP rider and test rider Bradley Smith gained extensive racing experience on the heavy <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/en\/tag\/harley-davidson-en\/\" target=\"_blank\"  rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Harley-Davidson\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"3189\">Harley-Davidson<\/a> racing machines for the first time.\u00a0 Compared to the highly tuned prototypes from MotoGP, there are clear differences that bring both fascination and limitations.<\/p>\n<p><!-- notionvc: 27eaec97-45bb-4253-983d-3dc9c48aab9f --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1030\" height=\"687\" src=\"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-2-1030x687.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-164859\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-2-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-2-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-2-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-2-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-2-1600x1067.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>Torque instead of high tech<\/h2>\n<p>From Smith&#8217;s point of view, one of the greatest strengths of Harley-Davidson baggers is the enormous torque of their large-volume engines.\u00a0 Power delivery is direct and unfiltered, as there are no complex electronic assistance systems.\u00a0 Control lies entirely in the rider&#8217;s right hand.<\/p>\n<p>Smith describes this riding experience as both exciting and challenging, especially on roads with low grip levels.\u00a0 On some American race tracks, the motorcycle often skids on both wheels, which is impressive but also a lot of fun.\u00a0 It is precisely this raw character that fundamentally distinguishes baggers from modern MotoGP machines.<\/p>\n<h2>Weight as the biggest disadvantage<\/h2>\n<p>On the other hand, the Brit sees one clear weakness: the heavy weight.\u00a0 At around 280 kg (617 lbs), baggers weigh almost 115 kg (253 lbs) more than a MotoGP bike, which weighs around 165 kg (364 lbs).\u00a0 This difference is particularly noticeable when braking and changing direction.<\/p>\n<p>To make matters worse, there is currently no front tire specifically designed for Baggers available.\u00a0 Instead, a tire originally designed for superbikes is used.\u00a0 This significantly limits the maximum braking performance.\u00a0 For Smith, however, it is precisely this limitation that adds to the sporting appeal of the series, as it is all about getting the most out of the given conditions.<\/p>\n<p><!-- notionvc: 0ba24227-c728-4fbe-b6ed-0602c7d65969 --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1030\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-1-1030x667.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-164858\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-1-1030x667.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-1-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-1-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-1-1536x994.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-1-2048x1326.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-1-450x291.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-1-780x505.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-1-1600x1036.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>Different riders, equal opportunities<\/h2>\n<p>King of the Baggers, which has been running since 2020, attracts riders from a wide variety of racing disciplines.\u00a0 In addition to former MotoGP and Superbike riders, racers with completely different backgrounds also compete.<\/p>\n<p>Smith sees this as one of the most exciting features of the series.\u00a0 The motorcycles are relatively versatile, which means that a classic GP career does not necessarily determine success or failure.\u00a0 The series so far has shown that riders with very different experiences can be competitive.<\/p>\n<h2>European Grand Prix tracks as ideal terrain<\/h2>\n<p>In August 2025, the new Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup was officially unveiled during a MotoGP weekend.\u00a0 \u00a0The calendar includes six events in Austin, Mugello, Assen, Silverstone, Aragon, and Spielberg.\u00a0 These tracks differ significantly from many American courses where the King of the Baggers series has been held to date.<\/p>\n<p>Smith expects the European racetracks to be a particularly suitable environment for the heavy machines.\u00a0 The long straights, fast corners, and flowing track layouts would suit the Baggers&#8217; long wheelbase.\u00a0 Narrow and twisty courses, on the other hand, would be more difficult to ride, as the motorcycles prefer high cornering speeds.<\/p>\n<p>It is precisely this characteristic that makes the new World Cup so appealing to Smith.\u00a0 Even though his priority remains MotoAmerica, he describes competing in the Bagger World Cup as a personal dream.<\/p>\n<p><!-- notionvc: 9d89098f-5840-47c6-8a36-463e70e38539 --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1030\" height=\"687\" src=\"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-3-1030x687.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-164860\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-3-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-3-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-3-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-3-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Harley-Davidson-Bagger-World-Cup-2026-Ankuendigung-3-1600x1067.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>Outlook for the Excavator World Cup<\/h2>\n<p>Six to eight teams, each with two drivers, are set to compete in the Excavator World Cup.\u00a0 Teams from the USA, Australia, and Italy have been confirmed so far, but the specific drivers have yet to be announced.\u00a0 The first race weekend is scheduled for the end of March 2026 in Austin, which happens to be Harley-Davidson&#8217;s home market.<\/p>\n<p>With its combination of heavy motorcycles, prominent race tracks, and an international field of riders, the new series promises an unusual but athletically challenging concept that clearly sets itself apart from established motorcycle world championships.<\/p>\n<p><!-- notionvc: 4c36eace-e243-49c3-adae-79e31363280c --><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"g g-1\"><div class=\"g-single a-37\"><div class=\"atkp-container atkp-bestseller-box  atkp-template-bestseller\">\n                        <div class=\"atkp-box atkp-clearfix \"\n                 style=\"\">\n                <div class=\"atkp-predicateheadline atkp-predicate-highlight\">\n                    <span><\/span><\/div>\n                <div class=\"atkp-ribbon\"><span>#1<\/span><\/div>\n                <div class=\"atkp-thumb\">\n                                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"atkp-image\" 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MwSt., zzgl. Versandkosten<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                            <span class=\"atkp-disclaimer\">Zuletzt aktualisiert am 3 April, 2026 um 08:40 . Wir weisen darauf hin, dass sich hier angezeigte Preise inzwischen ge\u00e4ndert haben k\u00f6nnen. Alle Angaben ohne Gew\u00e4hr.<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bradley Smith speaks openly about the differences between a MotoGP bike and heavy Harley-Davidson baggers.  The Brit explains why the approximately 280-kilogram racing machines are supposed to perform particularly well on European Grand Prix tracks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":172307,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"iawp_total_views":183,"footnotes":""},"categories":[46,711],"tags":[842,764,714],"class_list":["post-167347","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-motorsport-en","category-news-en","tag-harley-davidson-en","tag-motorsport-en","tag-news-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167347","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=167347"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167347\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/172307"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=167347"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=167347"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorcycles.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=167347"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}