Harley-Davidson Ends Its Factory
King of the Baggers Program After 2026
Shifts Focus to Bagger World Cup
The 2027 racing strategy combines a global championship with opportunities for everyday riders, while MotoAmerica explores ways to keep KOTB moving forward.
- Factory participation and official team support in KOTB will end after 2026.
- FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup will take priority in 2027.
- MotoAmerica is exploring options for the future of the class.
Harley-Davidson announced on October 1, 2026 that it will change its racing strategy for 2027, ending factory participation and official team support in MotoAmerica King of the Baggers after the 2026 season. It will focus on expanding the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup and developing racing opportunities for everyday riders. [1]
From American Circuits to a Global Stage
Bagger World Cup will become the brand’s premier racing platform, with more teams, riders and races planned for 2027. Organized in partnership with MotoGP and recognized by the FIM, the series will announce further lineup and calendar details later. [1]
The second pillar, Grassroots Racing, aims to open competition to riders across experience levels. The company mentioned drag strips, flat track and dealership challenges as examples, but has yet to publish participation details. [1]
| Program | Announced Direction |
|---|---|
| Premier Racing | Expand Bagger World Cup as the premier global racing platform. |
| Grassroots Racing | Develop accessible racing opportunities for riders at different levels. |
MotoAmerica Expresses Disappointment
The following day, MotoAmerica expressed disappointment with the decision, saying its late timing creates planning challenges. The organizer is exploring options to continue supporting the King of the Baggers class and will announce further developments when available. [2]
MotoAmerica emphasized that competition between the two American manufacturers has been central to KOTB’s appeal, demonstrating a level of bagger performance that audiences might not expect from these road-going machines. [2]
What Bagger Fans Should Watch Next
The next developments to watch are the shape of KOTB in 2027 and the expanded Bagger World Cup. This announcement confirms a change in Harley-Davidson’s factory involvement; the future format of KOTB awaits further clarification from its organizer. [1] [2]
Sources and Photo Credits
- Harley-Davidson — Harley-Davidson Evolves Racing Strategy
Announcement dated October 1, 2026 · Primary source for the racing strategy and the end of factory participation. - MotoAmerica — Harley-Davidson To Conclude Factory King Of The Baggers Program After 2026 Season
Published October 2, 2026 · Organizer’s response and original image captions.
Both photographs: Brian J. Nelson / MotoAmerica — sourced from the MotoAmerica article linked above and embedded in this file for editorial review.