HARLEY-DAVIDSON EXITS KING OF THE BAGGERS AS MOTOGP SERIES WEIGHS OPTIONS

Harley-Davidson is ending its factory racing programme and official team support for MotoAmerica’s Mission King of the Baggers series, redirecting its factory efforts to the FIM Bagger World Cup. The decision, announced late in the process, has left MotoAmerica disappointed and considering how to support the class going forward.

In a statement, MotoAmerica thanked fans in the United States and around the world, saying King of the Baggers had become a genuine contest between two distinctive American manufacturers. The series, it said, had pushed the limits of what the motorcycles could do and delivered performances that few would have expected when the championship began.

“We share in your disappointment with Harley-Davidson’s decision,” the organisation said, adding that the late notice created challenges. MotoAmerica said it was “actively exploring all available options” and promised to provide further updates. It also thanked the series’ fans and participants for their continued support.

King of the Baggers held its first full season in 2021. Since then, Harley-Davidson and rival Indian Motorcycle have each claimed three championships, making the manufacturers’ competition a central part of the series’ appeal.

Harley’s new focus is the Bagger World Cup, which differs from King of the Baggers by featuring only Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles. The inaugural World Cup season ran as a support series to MotoGP and included former MotoGP riders Andrea Iannone and Bradley Smith, as well as two-time King of the Baggers champion Kyle Wyman, who made a wildcard appearance at the final round in Austria.

Archie McDonald won the first Bagger World Cup title at Spielberg. Harley-Davidson says the championship is set to expand in 2027, with more teams and riders expected than in its 2026 debut season.