Harley-Davidson and MotoGP have come together to kickstart a new chapter in motorsports. The iconic American motorcycle brand and the premier motorcycle racing event will launch a new global racing championship starting 2026. The objective of this racing series is to connect the Harley community across the US to MotoGP.
The championship will comprise twelve races to be held at six Grands Prix across Europe and North America, with riders battling it out on race-prepared Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles in two races per round. Speaking of which, the company also took the opportunity to reveal the motorcycle which will be used during the upcoming championship.
Harley-Davidson, MotoGP racing championship
Each machine, developed by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing specifically for intense, head-to-head competition, weighs around 280 kilograms and delivers over 200 horsepower along with 245 Nm of torque. Capable of exceeding speeds of 300 kmph, all bikes will be identical to guarantee tight, competitive racing. The starting grid will feature six to eight teams, each entering two riders with support from Harley-Davidson Factory Racing.
“This is a bold new step for Harley-Davidson’s global racing ambitions. Harley-Davidson has been pioneering performance on and off the road since our beginnings over 120 years ago. Most recently, we’ve showcased performance through our racing at the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series and through performance differentiated product such as our new CVO RR motorcycle and our CVO Road Glide ST. We’ve seen how performance has resonated with riders and fans, and we know that they’re keen for more,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson.
“This collaboration with Harley-Davidson is an exciting opportunity for both parties,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports. “We offer a truly international platform for Harley-Davidson to expand their global reach, and Harley-Davidson is perfectly placed to join us in bringing our sport to new audiences as we team up with one of the most iconic lifestyle brands in the US. This partnership has big potential for both our strategies and will deliver a real spectacle for fans, bringing a completely new flavour to the Grand Prix weekends where the series will compete.”
More developments, including the calendar and how fans will be able to watch and stay up to date, will be revealed soon.
