Harley-Davidson will end its factory programme and official support for King of the Baggers after the 2026 season. From 2027, the company will concentrate its racing efforts on the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, a series built around Harley-Davidson Road Glide machinery. Harley-Davidson presents the move as a change in its overall racing strategy rather than a withdrawal from bagger competition altogether.

The decision means Harley-Davidson will no longer face Indian Motorcycle in MotoAmerica’s championship. The two manufacturers have shared six titles since King of the Baggers became a full-time series, making their contest central to the category’s identity. MotoAmerica has expressed disappointment with both the decision and the timing of the announcement, while considering options for the class’s future.

Why Indian sees the rivalry as essential

Indian Motorcycle CEO Mike Kennedy argues that Harley-Davidson’s departure removes one of the most important rivalries in American V-twin racing. His point goes beyond the promotional value of the two brands competing against each other. Indian sees the possibility of losing as the element that gives racing its meaning: pressure from a strong opponent forces manufacturers to improve and makes victories matter more to riders, teams and fans.

Indian says its own direction will remain unchanged. It intends to stay with MotoAmerica and continue working with the organisation to preserve a direct contest in the class. Harley-Davidson, meanwhile, says the Bagger World Cup will be expanded for 2027 and that the company will place greater emphasis on grassroots racing.

The timing is significant because Indian has just completed its strongest King of the Baggers season. Hayden Gillim won the title and set a single-season record with eight victories, while Indian ended the campaign with 10 race wins. Indian riders also filled all three podium places in the first race of the New Jersey finale.

Harley-Davidson’s own racing leadership has acknowledged how important Indian has been to that success. Jason Kehl, Harley-Davidson Factory Racing’s technical director and team principal, has described Indian as a fierce rival and linked its pressure to Harley-Davidson’s improvement. The two manufacturers are therefore making the same broader point from opposite sides: King of the Baggers can continue without Harley-Davidson, but the series loses some of the competitive weight that made an Indian victory meaningful when its defining opponent is no longer on the grid.