Harley-Davidson is teaming up with MotoGP to announce a groundbreaking new global racing championship set to debut in 2026, featuring race-prepared Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles. This exciting new series will bring the thunder of American muscle to the world stage, with twelve races held across six Grands Prix in Europe and North America—featuring two action-packed races per round.
The machines—engineered by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing and purpose-built for head-to-head competition—tip the scales at approximately 280 kilograms (617 pounds) and generate over 200 horsepower and 245 Nm (180 lb-ft) of raw torque, reaching speeds of over 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph). Every bike will be identical, ensuring tightly contested races. The grid is expected to feature six to eight teams, each fielding two riders, all supported by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing.
“This is a bold new step for Harley-Davidson’s global racing ambitions. We’ve been pioneering performance on and off the road for over 120 years,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President, and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “Most recently, we’ve demonstrated our racing capabilities in the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series and through performance-driven products like the new CVO RR and the CVO Road Glide ST. We’ve seen how deeply performance resonates with riders and fans—and we know they’re hungry for more. With this new series, we’re excited to bring an entirely new form of racing to the world stage. This isn’t just a bold new chapter for Harley-Davidson—celebrating our heritage while pushing into the future—it’s also set to become a thrilling highlight of the greatest motorcycle show on Earth.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, rights holder of MotoGP, added: “This collaboration with Harley-Davidson is an exciting opportunity for both sides. MotoGP offers a truly global platform for Harley-Davidson to grow its international presence, and Harley-Davidson is the perfect partner to help us bring motorcycle racing to new audiences. As one of the most iconic lifestyle brands in the United States, their entry brings a completely new flavor to the Grand Prix weekends. This partnership holds great potential for both our strategic goals—and promises an unforgettable spectacle for fans worldwide.”
More details, including the full calendar and broadcast information, will be announced soon.