The new Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup

Harley-Davidson
Aug, Fri, 2025
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6 Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup dates, 5 of which are in Europe

Harley-Davidson and MotoGP unveil the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup – the world's first global bagger racing championship

Official series name and complete 2026 race calendar unveiled at the Red Bull Ring in Austria

SPIELBERG, AUT – (August 15, 2025) Harley-Davidson and MotoGP™ today officially unveiled the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup and the full 2026 race calendar, kicking off the world's first racing series dedicated exclusively to powerful Harley-Davidson Bagger motorcycles. The announcement was made during a press conference at the legendary Red Bull Ring in Austria. The six-part series will make its debut next year, bringing the power of American V-Twin engines to famous racetracks in the US and Europe.

a group of men standing next to a motorcycle — Jeff Schuessler, Global Director of Marketing and Partnerships Racing Programs at Harley-Davidson Kolja Rebstock, Senior Vice President of International Markets at Harley-Davidson Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer of Moto GP at Dorna Sports

Based on Harley-Davidson's Grand American Touring platform, the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup race bikes are radically modified for speed, agility, and showmanship. They offer fans an intense, completely new racing experience that has never been seen before on the MotoGP™ calendar.

The series kicks off in the USA before moving on to Europe and the international stage. From the hills of Mugello to the historic straights of Silverstone, the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup combines unmistakable American performance with international competition in an exciting six-part championship.

2026 race calendar

Grand Prix of The Americas – Circuit of the Americas (USA): March 27–29
Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello (Italy): May 29–31
Dutch Grand Prix – TT Circuit Assen (Netherlands): June 26–28
British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit (UK): August 7–9
Aragon Grand Prix – MotorLand Aragón (Spain): August 28–30
Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring (Austria): September 18–20 – Championship finale

Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup

HARLEY-DAVIDSON BAGGER WORLD CUP 2026

a group of men standing next to motorcycles

The Red Bull Ring in Austria will host the final and title-deciding race, honoring the country's deep motorsport tradition and its growing importance on the global racing stage.

„The introduction of the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup marks a bold new era for Harley-Davidson and motorcycle racing,“ said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President, and CEO of Harley-Davidson. „This series represents pushing the limits—of our machines, our riders, and our brand—on a global stage. We are proud to partner with MotoGP™ to make this vision a reality.“

What does "bagger" mean at Harley?

At Harley-Davidson, a bagger is a touring motorcycle with permanently attached side cases, a flat silhouette, and distinctive front fairing. The term is derived from the „bags“ (cases) that characterize its typical look. Well-known models include the Harley-Davidson Street Glide and Road Glide.

Which Harley models are considered baggers?

Classic cruisers include models such as the Street Glide, Road Glide, and special editions of the ST series. They combine touring comfort with a sporty, low-slung appearance.

Why are these motorcycles called excavators?

The name comes from the rigid side cases („bags“), which look like bags on a motorcycle. This gave rise to the term *bagger*.

What distinguishes an excavator from a touring bike?

An excavator is usually somewhat slimmer, lower, and sportier in style than the large Grand American Touring Bikes such as the Ultra Limited.

What is MotoGP?

MotoGP is the highest class in motorcycle racing and is considered the premier class for two-wheelers. The bikes used are prototypes that are built exclusively for racing and are not commercially available.
The series is part of the FIM Road Racing World Championship and takes place at well-known racetracks around the world, such as Mugello, Jerez, and the Red Bull Ring. MotoGP combines state-of-the-art technology, international factory teams, and the best riders in the world.

The official name of the series and the full race calendar for 2026 were announced at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. — Harley-Davidson and MotoGP introduce the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, the first international bagger racing series

Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer of MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports, added: „We are always looking for ways to evolve and expand – both at the track, to thrill our record crowds, and to further extend the reach of the sport. In doing so, we remain true to what fans love about MotoGP™, while finding ways to appeal to new audiences. The Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup fulfills exactly that ambition. It will be a fantastic addition to the race weekends and, at the same time, connect our sport with one of the most iconic lifestyle and cultural brands in North America – and the world.“

The Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup was first teased earlier this year at the French Grand Prix on the legendary Le Mans racetrack, when Harley-Davidson and MotoGP™ presented their shared vision of a global bagger racing series. The response from fans, media, and industry was immediate and enthusiastic, paving the way for today's full unveiling.

Interested teams, drivers, and sponsors are now invited to join the series as preparations for the inaugural 2026 season gather pace.

Picture credits: Harley-Davidson