Harley-Davidson Goes Racing: King of the Baggers Joins the MotoGP Circus

For decades, Harley-Davidson has symbolized American motorcycling—freedom, torque, chrome, and rumbling V-Twins. However, in 2025, Harley is set to elevate that roar to a whole new level. That's right: King of the Baggers is officially joining the MotoGP weekend lineup.

This move has ignited discussions across forums, comment sections, and group chats like a misfiring ignition. Hardcore race fans are expressing skepticism, while Harley loyalists are cheering with excitement. The rest of us? We’re sitting back with popcorn because this could be one of the most entertaining shakeups in modern motorsport.

But what’s really behind this bold move? What will it look like? And why are some fans reacting as if it’s the end of racing as we know it? Let’s break it down.

A Bold Strategic Move From a Brand Under Pressure

If you’ve glanced at Harley-Davidson’s recent financial reports, you’ll know they’re not exactly flying high. Sales have slumped. Their core demographic is aging. Electric bike development has been rocky. And competition from both Europe and Asia has intensified.

So how does a brand steeped in heritage—and burdened by it—reinvent itself?

By taking risks.

Adding the King of the Baggers series to the MotoGP weekend is Harley’s statement: we’re still here, and we’re not just looking backward. It’s an opportunity to detach from the “boomer cruiser” stereotype and connect with a younger, performance-focused global audience.

And make no mistake, MotoGP is the world’s premier motorcycle racing platform. Gaining airtime on that stage isn’t merely marketing; it’s a bold declaration of intent.

From Touring Couch to Racing Machine: The Road Glide Reimagined

Let’s clear something up. These bikes might look like your weekend tourer, but under the hood, they’re finely tuned weapons.

The King of the Baggers series was born from a dare in 2020. Teams rolled up to Laguna Seca with modified touring bikes—bags and all. The event was wild and so well-received that it sparked an entire race series.

Today’s race-spec Road Glides and Indian Challengers are vastly different from their stock versions. Here’s what transforms a 375kg bagger into a legit track contender:

• Weight reduction: From over 800 lbs to under 620 lbs in race trim

• Ohlins or Penske suspension: Full race-spec setups

• Big horsepower: Pushing upwards of 185hp from those iconic Milwaukee-Eight V-twins

• Big Torque: 150+ torque to get those big chassis moving

• Carbon fiber bodywork and bags

• Race-grade brakes: Brembo calipers and custom rotors

• Quickshifters, data loggers, adjustable rearsets, and titanium exhausts

• Aerodynamic fairings and—yes—*winglets*

  
  

If you still believe these are “tractors,” prepare for a rude awakening when you hear one at full tilt on a hot lap. Performance speaks volumes, and these bikes are impressively fast.

At Circuit of the Americas (COTA)—a technical and challenging circuit—the top King of the Baggers bikes clock laps just 20–25 seconds slower than full-blown MotoGP prototypes. That’s on a 5.5km circuit where every corner tests braking, agility, and outright power. Given the size and shape of these bikes, that’s astonishing. They are faster than many expect, and the gap continues to shrink as teams refine setups and riders push harder.

Who’s Racing?

This isn’t a casual backyard race. The grid features high-level teams and factory-backed efforts:

• Harley-Davidson Factory Racing (Screamin Eagle)

• S&S Cycle

• Vance and Hines

• DynoJet

• Feuling

• Saddlemen

• HPI Racing, SDI Racing, and others

  
  

Riders include ex-MotoAmerica pros, flat-track champions, and former GP test riders.

Harley’s Racing Roots Run Deeper Than You Think

It’s easy to overlook, but Harley-Davidson has a long (and wild) history in racing. From board track racing in the 1910s—arguably the world’s first organized motorcycle races—to the dominance of the XR750 in flat track, Harley has competed and triumphed in various disciplines:

• 1910s–1930s: Dominated wooden board track circuits

• 1950s–80s: Multiple AMA Grand National Championship wins

• 1970s–80s: The XR750 becomes an American racing icon

• 2000s: Short stint in AMA Superbike with the VR1000

• 2020s: Re-emerges through King of the Baggers and flat track efforts

  
  

This return to road racing is less a marketing stunt and more a homecoming. Recently, test riders like Randy Mamola, John Hopkins, Simon Crafar, and Marco Melandri have all taken a King of the Baggers machine for a spin and come away smiling. These aren’t novelty bikes—they’re serious racing machines.

An Unlikely Comparison: Moto2 and King of the Baggers

Another common critique is: “It's a Harley-only show.” Interestingly, in Moto2, one of MotoGP’s main support classes, there are identical Triumph 765cc triple engines across the grid. The key difference lies in chassis, suspension, electronics, and rider skill. Sound familiar?

King of the Baggers operates on a similar principle. While the bikes share common platforms, the competition is fierce. Modifications, engineering finesse, and riding ability all play critical roles. It’s not a spec series; it’s a battle of brands and brains.

How the Series Has Grown—and Fast

What began as a one-off race in 2020 has since evolved into a fully-fledged series under the MotoAmerica banner. Each year, the grid expands, the lap times decrease, and the crowd becomes more exuberant.

In 2023, King of the Baggers emerged as one of the most watched and attended classes during MotoAmerica weekends. Fan engagement soared, and the content went viral across social media. People love watching these beasts do the seemingly impossible. The roar. The lean angles. The sparks. It’s part motorsport, part theater—and 100% entertaining.

The Internet Isn’t Always Right (Shocking, We Know)

A quick scroll through Reddit or YouTube comments reveals typical jabs:

• “Watching tractors race”

• “This is embarrassing”

• “Harley’s just trying to win something”

• “These bikes will blow up before Turn 3”

  
  

However, every innovation in racing faces skepticism. MotoE, electric Dakar bikes, and even MotoGP’s ride-height devices all had their critics. Yet here we are. King of the Baggers is fun, loud, unique—and it's attracting new eyes to the sport. In a world where attention spans are shrinking, that's a win in itself.

Will There Be a UK Round? Fingers Crossed

Here’s the personal bit: Please let one of the rounds be at Silverstone. Imagine hearing these V-Twin beasts thunder down the Wellington Straight, bags scraping, sparks flying. It’s the stuff of dreams. MotoGP at Silverstone is already electric, but add a pack of fire-breathing American baggers, and you’ve got a showstopper.

What It Means for the Future of Motorcycling

Harley’s move isn’t just about racing—it’s a strategic repositioning. They’re reclaiming their place in the performance world right in the heart of MotoGP’s global fanbase. This is crucial for the future of the brand. By embracing racing, Harley aims to:

• Reconnect with younger riders

• Showcase engineering capabilities

• Reinforce American motorcycle culture

• Show that they are unafraid to evolve

  
  

For MotoGP fans, this is a breath of fresh air. A break from the ultra-refined, high-tech norm. Something gritty, different, and loud.

The inclusion of King of the Baggers in the MotoGP weekend might feel disjointed at first, but many things we now take for granted in motorsport started from a similar place. This isn’t a replacement for MotoGP. It’s a complement. A different flavor. If you’ve never experienced one of these races in person, you’re in for a treat.

So next time you hear someone bemoaning "Harleys ruining MotoGP," ask if they’ve actually seen one race. Because chances are, once they do—they’ll get it.

V-Twins. Lean angles. Bar-mounted fairings and all.

The baggers are coming. And racing might never be the same again.

The Push the Limit series is well worth watching and will definitely get you pumped for this!