The iconic American brand Harley-Davidson caused a sensation during the latest MotoGP tests by rolling its famous baggers on the Barcelona circuit. This initiative, the result of a partnership with Dorna, opens new perspectives for Harley-Davidson and the world motorcycle speed championship.
Motorcycles Harley-DavidsonAmerican icons often associated with road and cruising, are about to change their reputation thanks to an unprecedented partnership with MotoGP. These imposing machines, often considered to be far removed from performance on the circuit, made a notable appearance during MotoGP testing on the Montmelò circuit. This merger marks a major step in the internationalization strategy of the American brand and a significant step for MotoGP on the North American market.
The presence of Harley-Davidson in Montmelò arises from an agreement between Dornathe organizer of MotoGP, and the manufacturer based in Milwaukee. The objective is clear: to extend the reach of Harley-Davidson beyond American borders while increasing interest in MotoGP in the United States, a strategic market. This partnership also fits into the context of the upcoming entry of Liberty
Media (owner of Formula 1) as majority shareholder of Dorna in 2025, thus consolidating a global vision for MotoGP.
The most notable element of this collaboration was the demonstration of Harley-Davidson Road Glidemotorcycles from the category King of the Baggers
from MotoAmerica. These motorcycles, weighing almost 280
kilos, surprised with their good performance.
These Harley-Davidsons are only 20 seconds slower than a MotoGP and 9 seconds behind a Moto3
With a lap time of 1'54 seconds on the Montmelò circuit, they are only 20 seconds slower than a MotoGP and 9 seconds behind a Moto3, impressive results for machines equipped with suitcases and designed above all for racing. road.
The pilot Kyle Wymanrepresentative
Harley-Davidson Factory Racinghas proven that these motorcycles can be pushed to their limits: knee on the ground, precise trajectories, and a top speed reaching
275 km/h thanks to their twin-cylinder engines developing nearly 180 horses.
Iconic drivers like Marco Melandri, Randy Mamola, James Rispoli,
Simon Crafar et John Hopkins
also had the opportunity to test these baggers.
Melandriimpressed by their power and torque, described his experience as “ fascinating most intimidating », particularly because of the weight and atypical ergonomics of these machines. “ The engine is a blast, it has so much torque it reminded me of a Honda V5 engine
“, he said on Speedweek, while praising the absence of electronic aids, making driving even more exciting.
Created in 2020, the category King of the Baggers
has quickly established itself as one of the most popular disciplines in the MotoAmerica championship. In 2023, it made its first international foray at the Grand Prix of the Americas, paving the way for possible integration into the MotoGP calendar. Although nothing is confirmed yet, the CEO of
Harley-Davidson, Jochen Zeitzexpressed its desire to promote this competition to a global audience.
With this partnership, Harley-Davidson and MotoGP lay the foundations for a collaboration that could disrupt traditional perceptions of motorcycle racing. By combining the raw power of baggers and the expertise of MotoGP riders, this initiative promises to captivate a wider audience, while bringing the worlds of racing and road closer together. One thing is certain: Harley-Davidson
never ceases to surprise.
