Harley-Davidson and MotoGP Launch a Championship!

Harley-Davidson and the MotoGP World Championship join forces for an unprecedented race series in 2026.

The world of motorsports is about to experience an unexpected and bold collaboration: Harley-Davidson and MotoGP will launch in 2026 a new international race series featuring Harley-Davidson “bagger” motorcycles. This announcement, made jointly by Jochen Zeitz, CEO of Harley-Davidson, and Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, promises to shake up conventions and attract new audiences to motorcycle racing.

The new series, which will run alongside six MotoGP Grand Prix races in Europe and North America, will include a total of 12 races. These events will feature specially prepared Harley-Davidson Road Glide bikes for racing. Between six and eight teams, each consisting of two riders supported by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing, will compete in two heats per weekend.

According to Jochen Zeitz, this initiative represents a strategic turning point for the brand. “For over 120 years, Harley-Davidson has pushed the limits of performance on road and track. This new series is a bold step for our brand, celebrating our heritage while looking to the future. It also enhances the world’s biggest motorcycle spectacle, MotoGP.”

On his side, Carmelo Ezpeleta emphasizes the strategic importance of this partnership. He states that this collaboration will provide Harley-Davidson with an ideal platform to expand its international presence while allowing MotoGP to attract a new audience, especially North American fans. This partnership is designed to create a unique synergy between two different but complementary worlds.

The adaptation of bagger motorcycles, known for their weight and comfort on long distances, to competitive requirements promises a fascinating technical challenge. These races will offer a striking contrast with ultra-lightweight MotoGP prototypes, creating a unique visual and auditory experience. For Harley-Davidson fans, this initiative could become a must-see event, blending lifestyle culture with competitive spirit. For MotoGP enthusiasts, this diversification may be seen either as a distraction or an opportunity to discover a new dimension of motorcycle racing.

The full calendar, as well as details on broadcasting and partnership opportunities, will be revealed in the coming months. Racing stakeholders and enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to see how this alliance of tradition and innovation will materialize on the track.

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