A New Chapter in Performance: Harley-Davidson Enters the World Stage

Harley-Davidson is poised to redefine its global motorsport identity with the inauguration of a proprietary one-make racing series, scheduled to launch alongside the MotoGP World Championship in 2026. 

Announced in collaboration with Dorna Sports, the series will spotlight purpose-built Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles, bagger models historically designed for long-distance touring, which have now been reconceptualised for the rigours of high-performance circuit racing. 

The championship will unfold across selected Grand Prix venues in North America and Europe, reflecting a paradigmatic shift in Harley-Davidson's motorsport trajectory.

Recontextualizing Harley-Davidson's Competitive Legacy

Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president, and CEO of Harley-Davidson, articulated this endeavour as a seminal development in the brand's long-standing narrative. Having garnered considerable attention through its participation in the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series, Harley-Davidson now expands its ambitions to the global arena. According to Zeitz, this strategic manoeuvre not only honours the company's storied performance lineage but also positions it at the nexus of technological innovation and motorsport relevance.

Of particular note are the inclusion of advanced models such as the CVO Road Glide ST and the limited-production CVO 131 Road Glide RR, which will form the basis of the racing platform. These machines are emblematic of the brand's dual commitment to craftsmanship and forward-thinking performance engineering.

Structural Overview of the 2026 One-Make Championship

The competition format will feature between six and eight professional teams, each fielding two riders, across a 12-race calendar integrated into six MotoGP weekends. These events will serve as a showcase for Harley-Davidson's latest generation of factory-developed racing machines.

Engineered to precise specifications, the motorcycles are anticipated to weigh approximately 280 kilograms and deliver 200 horsepower along with 245 Nm of torque. With top speeds surpassing 300 km/h, the machines embody a synthesis of raw power, aerodynamic refinement, and mechanical precision. Teams will be granted autonomy in their technical configurations and strategic execution, establishing a dynamic competitive environment.

Engineering the Machines: From Touring to Track

The motorcycles used in the series are heavily modified iterations of Harley-Davidson's Road Glide platform, meticulously engineered for sustained high-speed performance, optimised cornering stability, and thermal efficiency under racing conditions. These adaptations signify a marked departure from their touring origins.

To ensure technical parity and mechanical integrity among all competitors, Harley-Davidson Factory Racing will provide centralised logistical and engineering support, including spare parts provisioning, tuning consultancy, and on-site diagnostics.

Strategic Integration: Harley-Davidson's Vision for Motorsport Engagement

This initiative underscores Harley-Davidson's strategic intent to expand its demographic reach and deepen engagement with emerging global markets. Zeitz emphasised the importance of aligning the brand's historical DNA with a forward-thinking ethos.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, reaffirmed the mutual value of the partnership, noting its potential to introduce the MotoGP experience to previously untapped cultural and geographic constituencies.

Implications for the Broader MotoGP Ecosystem

The Harley-Davidson series will function as a support category during six MotoGP weekends, alternating with the electric MotoE championship. This integration provides a nuanced contrast between traditional internal combustion racing and emerging electric formats, thereby enriching the Grand Prix weekend experience.

Although the series is not designed to challenge premier-class manufacturers such as Ducati, Honda, or Aprilia, its inclusion enhances the diversity and theatricality of the MotoGP programme.

Impacts on the Harley Enthusiast Community: A Platform for Performance

For the Harley-Davidson enthusiast community, the implications of the series are both inspirational and practical. The championship introduces a new paradigm for personalization and performance enhancement, offering tangible benchmarks for street-to-track conversions.

Upgrades likely to mirror those used in the race series include high-flow air intakes, tuned exhaust systems, performance suspension kits, and programmable Engine Control Units (ECUs). 

OEM vs. Aftermarket Considerations in Performance Builds

The new series also revitalises the ongoing discourse around OEM versus aftermarket componentry in high-performance motorcycle builds. While OEM parts assure precision fitment and manufacturer-certified durability, aftermarket solutions often provide superior modularity and performance enhancements.

At Legendary Parts, we provide expert guidance to help riders determine the most effective path based on their intended use cases and performance expectations.

Conclusion: A Velocity-Focused Reimagination of the Harley Brand

With the advent of this MotoGP-adjacent racing series, Harley-Davidson is clearly articulating its evolution into a performance-centric, globally resonant brand. This initiative with Dorna Sports represents more than a racing series; it signifies a fundamental realignment of Harley-Davidson's brand ethos and its engagement with the international motorsport community.