Harley-Davidson isn’t exactly a brand that would first come to mind when you hear MotoGP. The brand does participate in motorsports events across the globe, but it doesn’t participate in what is arguably the biggest stage for motorcycle road racing.
In 2026, however, Harley-Davidson and MotoGP will be launching a new global racing championship featuring the American motorcycle manufacturer’s baggers. Specifically, the Road Glide.
The Road Glides to be used in the racing series will all be identical and engineered by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing. Each one will weigh about 280kg and have over 200hp and 245Nm of torque, with top speeds said to be above 300kph—not something you’d normally expect from a Harley. There will be six to eight teams on the grid, each with two riders. In total, there could be 12 races across six GPs in Europe and America.
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“This is a bold new step for Harley-Davidson’s global racing ambitions. Harley-Davidson has been pioneering performance on and off the road since our beginnings over 120 years ago,” said Harley-Davidson chairman, president, and CEO Jochen Zeitz. “Most recently, we’ve showcased performance through our racing at the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series and through performance-differentiated products such as our new CVO RR motorcycle and our 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. Not only is this a bold and new chapter for our brand, celebrating our heritage while pushing into the future, but it will add an amazing spectacle to the greatest motorcycle show in the world.”
“This collaboration with Harley-Davidson is an exciting opportunity for both parties,” said MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. “We offer 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 as we team up with one of the most iconic lifestyle brands in the US. This partnership has big potential for both our strategies and will deliver a real spectacle for fans, bringing a completely new flavor to the Grand Prix weekends where the series will compete.”
Exciting stuff, folks. What do you think?
