Harley Davidson in the MotoGP: a new championship starts in 2026

What do Harley-Davidsons have to do with the MotoGP World Championship? Simple: the iconic Milwaukee brand and the top two-wheel series have launched a new championship that in 2026 will feature bagger bikes made by Harley-Davidson. The series, consisting of 12 races, will be held in six Grand Prix between Europe and North America, with riders competing on track-prepared Road Glides in two races per round.

The bikes – 280kg with over 200 horsepower and 245Nm of torque – will all be identical to ensure close competition at every race between the six (possibly eight) teams that will take part in the series. “This partnership with Harley-Davidson is an exciting opportunity for both parties,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports. “We offer a truly international platform for Harley-Davidson to expand its global reach, and Harley-Davidson is perfectly positioned to join us in bringing our sport to new audiences as we partner with one of the most iconic lifestyle brands in the United States. This partnership has great potential for both our strategies and will provide a real spectacle for fans, bringing a whole new flavour to the Grand Prix weekends the series will race.”

“This is a bold new step in Harley-Davidson’s ambition to compete globally. Harley-Davidson has pioneered performance on and off the track since our inception more than 120 years ago. More recently, we’ve demonstrated our commitment to competition through our participation in the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series, and with performance-focused products like our new CVO RR and CVO Road Glide ST. We’ve seen how performance connects with our riders and enthusiasts who want more,” said Jochen Zeitz, Harley-Davidson Chairman, President and CEO. “With this new series, we’re excited to bring a new level of competition to the global stage. This is not only an exciting new chapter for our brand that celebrates our heritage while looking to the future, but it will also add incredible spectacle to the greatest motorcycling show in the world.”