Yes, that "weird" Bagger race is definitely happening this weekend in MotoGP, and we love it!

While the MotoGP machines define the usual race weekend, there is something undeniably fun about seeing 600lb touring machines, complete with saddlebags, dragging knees around the 20 corners of COTA. This weekend in Austin, Texas, marks the historic debut of the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup.

For fans outside the US who might be confused by the sight of a "Grandpa bike" on a MotoGP track, here is the technical and trivia breakdown of why this "weird" race is the must-watch event of the season.

What exactly is a "Bagger"?

In the touring world, a "Bagger" is a cruiser equipped with side panniers (bags) and a large front fairing, designed for long-distance highway comfort. To turn them into racers, teams take a stock Harley-Davidson Road Glide and perform a radical transformation:

• Weight Loss: Massive amounts of steel are replaced with carbon fiber and billet aluminum, though they must still maintain a heavy "Bagger" silhouette.
• Performance: The Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin engines are pushed to over 150 HP and 150 lb-ft of torque, reaching top speeds of 180 mph (290 km/h).
• Geometry: The bikes are raised significantly to allow for extreme lean angles (55°+) that would scrape the floorboards off a standard cruiser.
• Top-Tier Tech: They utilize Moto2-spec Brembo brakes and nitrogen-charged Öhlins suspension to handle the massive inertia of these machines.

A Global Grid: The 2026 Lineup

The "World Cup" status is reflected in a truly international entry list. While American veterans like Travis Wyman and Cory West are favorites, the grid features talent from every corner of the globe:

• The Return of an Old Friend: Indonesian fans will recognize Dimas Ekky Pratama, the former Moto2 and ARRC star, who is bringing his smooth riding style to the heavy V-Twin class.
• Global Contenders: Look out for Brazil's Eric Granado (a MotoE standout), Australia’s Archie McDonald, and European talent like Marco Melandri (Italy) and Albert Arenas (Spain).
• The "Lottery" System: To ensure parity, a unique "bike lottery" was held where riders were randomly allocated the specific Road Glides they will compete on for the season.

2026 Season Calendar

The series follows the MotoGP paddock across six iconic venues:

1. COTA, USA: March 27–29
2. Mugello, Italy: May 29–31
3. Assen, Netherlands: June 26–28
4. Sachsenring, Germany: July 10–12
5. Red Bull Ring, Austria: August 14–16
6. Misano, San Marino: September 11–13

COTA Weekend Schedule (Local Austin Time)

The Baggers share the track with the GP stars, providing a thunderous soundtrack to the weekend.

• Practice/Qualifying: Friday, March 27
• Race 1 (7 Laps): Saturday, March 28 | 4:10 PM (Following the MotoGP Sprint)
• Race 2 (7 Laps): Sunday, March 29 | 9:45 AM (Opening the main race day)

Seeing these giants fly down the 1.2km back straight at 180 mph is a spectacle of brute force versus physics. It’s angry, it’s loud, and it’s a refreshing change of pace for the 2026 season.