Indian Motorcycle Racing

Indian Motorcycle Racing and Hayden Gillim Claim 2026 King Of The Baggers Championship 

September 20, 2026, saw Hayden Gillim and Indian Motorcycle Racing conclude their dominant run through the 2026 King of the Baggers (KOTB) season at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, clinching the championship and setting a new record for most wins in a single KOTB season.

In his first season with the J&P Cycles / Motul / Vance & Hines Factory Indian Motorcycle Racing team, Gillim's eight victories and two second-place finishes were enough to secure the championship with two races remaining. The 2026 title marks Indian Motorcycle's fourth King of the Baggers championship.

"This is monumental, not just for Hayden and the team, but for our dealers, riders and our entire company," said Mike Kennedy, CEO of Indian Motorcycle. "We started this season with a brand-new race team that had limited time with the Indian Challenger prior to Daytona. 

"We knew we had the superior machine, an elite race team in Vance & Hines, and a stable of incredibly talented riders, but this is racing. You still have to line up and perform. That's exactly what we did, race after race. To secure the championship with two races remaining and break the record for most wins in a single season is a testament to every person on this team who pours their heart and soul into this program."

Gillim's championship further solidifies the partnership between Indian Motorcycle and Vance & Hines, "showcasing the engineering, durability and relentless performance that have made the Indian Challenger a benchmark in King of the Baggers competition."

Gillim's 2026 title breaks the manufacturer championship tie and gives Indian Motorcycle the edge in the all-time KOTB championship count, four titles to Harley-Davidson's three. Gillim joins Tyler O'Hara (2020, 2022) and Troy Herfoss (2024) as Indian Motorcycle KOTB Champions.

Harley-Davidson FIM Bagger World Cup

Harley-Davidson FIM Bagger World Cup - Archie McDonald Celebrated as the First Champion

Archie McDonald (Joe Rascal Racing, Melbourne, Australia) has made history as the first-ever FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Champion, bringing the inaugural season to a close after a dramatic final race at the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, Spielberg on September 20, 2026.

The title fight went down to the final race after Oscar Gutiérrez (Niti Racing, Indonesia) claimed an authoritative Race 1 victory on the Saturday, ahead of McDonald and James Rispoli (Joe Rascal Racing). With championship rivals Eric Granado (Joe Rascal Racing) and Andrea Iannone (Niti Racing) both retiring, McDonald rode a smart and controlled race to finish second and take a 21-point advantage over Gutiérrez into the Sunday finale.

In Race 2 on Sunday 20th, Granado made a strong start, took the lead and never looked back, controlling the race from the front to claim his second victory of the season. Gutiérrez finished second, with Kyle Wyman (Wegner Automotive x KWR) completing the podium in third. McDonald crossed the line in eighth place, scoring the points he needed to secure the inaugural championship.

The result crowned McDonald as the inaugural Champion with 202 points, just nine ahead of Gutiérrez with 193 points, while Granado completed the championship podium only one point further back with 192 points.

Young, ambitious and spectacular to watch, McDonald combined outright speed with remarkable consistency throughout a demanding inaugural season. The Australian claimed two race victories and one pole position, while establishing himself as a regular presence at the front. 

His campaign was not without setbacks, including a significant crash at Assen, but he repeatedly responded with the resilience and determination of a title contender. As the season progressed, his approach became increasingly mature, balancing his natural aggression with intelligent championship management - an approach he demonstrated perfectly in Austria, managing his race to finish second in Race 1 before bringing the motorcycle home safely in eighth place in Race 2.

McDonald said of his win "this has been such an emotional season. After winning the opening race and, weeks later, seeing my brother pass away, it's nothing I ever thought I'd experience. To say goodbye to him, say goodbye to my family, and go overseas to keep training and keep following this dream... it's such a relief now that it's paid off."

The FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup is the first global championship exclusively dedicated to high-performance Harley-Davidson bagger motorcycles, organized by Harley-Davidson in partnership with MotoGP. 

A 'Single Marque' series that is officially recognized by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the 2026 series was contested at selected international circuits alongside the MotoGP calendar - 6 rounds in six countries (USA, Italy, Netherlands, Silverstone, Spain and Austria). 

The four teams represented four different countries from four different continents - with Team Saddlemen Racing representing the United States. In total 16 individual riders from seven different countries raced for the four teams on the identical race prepared 131ci/2,152cc Screamin' Eagle M8 131R engined V-twins. Stripped down to a 280kg/617 lbs kerb weight from the 380+kg stock weight, the power output exceeds 200 hp with over 220Nm Torque (approx. 162+ ft-lb) generating top speeds of up to 310 Km/h (192 mph). 

Jeffrey Schuessler, Director of Global Racing Programs at Harley-Davidson is quoted as saying that "we are incredibly proud to celebrate Archie McDonald as the first FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Champion. Congratulations to him and the entire Joe Rascal Racing team on an incredible achievement. And just as importantly, thank you to every rider, team, partner and person who believed in this program and helped us bring it to life.

Harley unveiled the Race Spec Bagger World Cup less than 12 months ago at EICMA, Milan in November 2025

"One year ago, when we were in Austria announcing this championship, ee didn't have teams, riders or even the race motorcycles yet. We had an idea, a plan and a lot of ambition. Today, we have a global racing series competing alongside MotoGP, with teams and riders from around the world. It's pretty incredible to see how far we've come."

Jason Kehl, Technical Director and Team Principal for Harley-Davidson Factory Racing added that "this inaugural season gave the global racing community its first opportunity to experience the unique look, sound and feel of a truly high-performance Harley-Davidson motorcycle. I'm incredibly excited by what these 200-plus-horsepower machines demonstrated on track in the hands of world-class riders and teams.

"Mind-blowing lap times, 62 degrees of lean angle and wheelie-inducing torque have left fans and riders asking for more. The performance and reliability of the 131ci (2,152cc) Screamin' Eagle 131R engine, combined with a Factory Racing-developed chassis, proved that these motorcycles belong at the highest levels of racing."

Schuessler went on to add that "this first season was about building the foundation and proving what this series could be. The racing delivered beyond our expectations: five different race winners, every team on the podium and four riders arriving at the final round still fighting for the title. 

"At the same time, seeing Harley-Davidson shirts throughout the MotoGP paddock and grandstands, and watching two very different motorcycle communities come together around the racing, has been incredibly rewarding.

"This is only the beginning. Our ambition is to continue growing the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup with more teams, more riders, more races and new markets around the world, while creating even more opportunities for our dealers, H.O.G. members and fans to be part of it. We built a strong foundation this year. Now it's time to build on it."

Comment by Editor-in-Chief, Robin Bradley

Harley is Starting to Dance With The Gal That Brung it - Again

Just as I was writing this, Harley-Davidson's authorized dealers had gathered at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee for the 2026 iteration of its annual Dealer Forum - and some smoke signals and insider info titbits were emerging across the Harley dealership community Socials - and most of the news revealed then and since has been positive. 

My two primary concerns and remarks last month were whether the 'Mo-Co' would be able to adjust and respond to dealer's two most urgent requests fast enough. The fact that it has goes to just how deep Artie Starrs' influence has already percolated after just 12 months. 

It would appear that his requirement that the company got used to deploying a greater degree of agility in responding to market conditions has been embraced. In this regard, what has been seen so far is unlike anything any of us have witnessed since well before the 2008 Financial Crisis. 

There is still a long way for Harley to go before completing its much needed 180-degree volte face. But, as the old saying goes, in the long-term it is the first steps in any new direction of travel that are always judged to have been the most difficult, and therefore the most important. 

It has often been said that Harley's dealer network is its primary superpower, but for too long it has been the company itself that has been binding them in kryptonite crafted chains.

The new CEO's model range strategy has had two key and interdependent priorities. Affordability, of course, but without throwing away the lucrative top-end of a range that for too long has been overlong on top-end options but too short on real choice. Drop some of the low-selling top-ticket models by all means, but never forget that the entry level should be the start of an evolving brand journey. 

kryptonite crafted chains

The other and equally important priority is to get back to being the primary custom platform of choice and boost dealer (and ultimately factory) revenues with factory or aftermarket P&A and workshop revenues. For too long the company has failed to dance with the gal that brung it. 

In what I have seen so far of the MY2027 announcement, the course has been corrected and the direction of travel reset back towards the one that brought it steaming out of the 1980s into its post IPO 1990's and early twentieth century boom time.

Just for clarification - that's not to say that it was the IPO that 'did the trick', but it did provide an injection of capital that was much needed at the time. I am still of the opinion that Harley would be best served at this time by returning to private ownership. That is the best way for Harley to access the new injections of capital that it will need - even allowing for the changes at HDFS. We are headed into times in which debt-loading and credit market dependency will be destructive. Obsolete.

Harley must retain and recycle every cent it can make. From its present $2.71bn 'market cap' ($3.12bn enterprise value), theirs is a minimum 10-year mission if it is to reclaim anything approaching the $11bn value it had at the end of 2007.

There are two primary ways of getting there, and the CEO has set course on the 'organic' route with these new announcements.

The other would be via the M&A pathway, and Mr Starrs is already on record as saying that acquisitions are something the company will look at on his watch if the right strategic opportunities come their way.

Many years ago, Jeffrey Bluestein (CEO 1997-2005) had a model of a destination dealership with multiple brand channels feeding the HDI balance sheet. In addition to the "Bar 'n Shield" and Buell flags fluttering in the breeze of retail opportunity, this dealership also had Ducati, KTM and Triumph flags tempting buyers off the highway. 

Harley had three attempts at buying Ducati, theoretically had a gentleman's agreement to have first dibs if the Bloor family ever decided to sell Triumph and, well, thank goodness the ill-fated and poorly timed attempt to buy KTM crashed and burned with the tape in sight.

Not that acquisitions are an automatic short cut to success. The latest news about MV Agusta, is a salutary reminder of what happened when, having failed to bring Ducati, Triumph or KTM 'into the fold', Harley looked for alternates. 

Two months before the September 2008 'Lehman Apocalypse', MV Agusta was the one Harley did buy, and that brand continues to be one of the motorcycle industry's perennial poison pills; one of the primary hills on which good money goes to die.

Manageable and strategically apposite motorcycle brand acquisition opportunities are no longer as readily available as they were. These days the competition is the Chinese and Indian manufacturers who have been hoovering up available brands for more than a decade (Bultaco is the latest to go the way of so many others). Mr Starrs may be much more likely to consider acquisitions that change his mind about taking the company private again. 

For now, by focussing on what he can control, he has put his company 'back in the band' and given his dealers a better potential supply of dance partners than they have had for 10 years or more.

The most welcome surprise for me is to see the new Hero MotorCorp, India built oil-cooled SP440 single (described as a 'Lightweight' class entrant) and the return of the venerable air-cooled XL 883 Sportster in the same slew of announcements. 

I really thought that, per the snail's pace of the recent past, these would be sequential rather than simultaneous. Though at the time of writing (two days before the Dealer Forum finished) the ship dates were not yet publicly confirmed.

Add to that the continuing models (including the Deadwood and Super Glide Softails), the return of the Road and Street Glide STs, and a new Softail designation, the FXLB (Low Bob?), touted as a stripped-down price point customisable M8 Softail platform (plus any other changes I had not yet clocked) then it sounds to me like the band has warmed up and is about to launch into a dance tunes frenzy.

Feuling Parts

Feuling Fuel Injectors

Designed for M-Eight, Twin Cam, and XL engines. Feuling fuel injectors are available as a "quality OEM replacement or in larger flow rates for high performance engines." They feature either a EV1 Minitimer or EV-6 USCAR style connector for a wide range of fitment applications. 

All injectors meet or exceed OE specifications. Using enhanced spray patterns, these injectors can help improve atomization, leading to better drivability and a more efficient combustion. Whether servicing a stock motorcycle or building a high performance-engine, Feuling has injectors for your customer's needs.

Feuling engine sensors are high-quality direct OEM replacements for a wide range of models -  these sensors send crucial information to the motorcycle's ECM. Sensors can become damaged or coated in debris from everyday riding. This will cause the sensor to send inaccurate information to the ECM, which causes it to output incorrect adjustments. By replacing the sensors with Feuling's high quality parts, riders help ensure the ECM and engine are receiving accurate data. 

Feuling oxygen sensors are precision made consisting of a ceramic body made of stabilized zirconium dioxide, surface coated with gas-permeable platinum electrodes and a porous ceramic to aid the prevention of erosion due to contamination and particulates in the exhaust gases.

FEULING PARTS

www.feulingparts.com

Baker Drivetrain

Baker - 5-Speed Cable-Type Side Covers for most 1987-2006 Big Twins

Baker Drivetrain (Haslett, Michigan) recently reintroduced an impressively updated Function-Formed (FF) hydraulic side cover that converts cable-style clutch systems to the kind of smooth, low-effort hydraulic operation that the Harley factory eventually gave up on (see page 30 AMD July 2026/#324).

The company is now additionally offering 5-speed Cable-Type Side Cover for 1987-2006 Big Twin applications (except 2006 Dyna) and 1987-1994 FXR models. "At first we released the Cable-Type Side Cover for 2007-later applications in 2023, and now we're releasing the same great cover for early applications," says Baker Drivetrain's James Simonelli.

Also a Baker Function-Formed design, this Cable-Type Side Cover for classic 5-speed applications is engineered with "minimal waste and purposeful mechanical intent." Machined from certified 6061-T6 Billet aluminum, it serves as an ultra-slim upgrade compatible with OEM or aftermarket transmissions. It is designed to maximize exhaust pipe clearance while retaining the classic cable clutch feel. 

All the Cable-Type Side Cover kits now come with the Baker Heavy Duty Throwout Bearing Kit to eliminate the weak points common in stock assemblies. They are available in Gloss Black or Raw for 1987-2006 Softail & Touring and 1987-2005 Dyna. 

The kit Includes the BAKER Cable Side Cover, Fasteners and related hardware, washers, side cover gasket and BAKER Heavy Duty Throwout Bearing Kit (PN TBK-56L).

The vacuum-formed design delivers a Spatial Envelope that is significantly smaller than the OEM cable side cover, with a convenient oil level weep hole. It utilizes the stock clutch cable and is designed to be used as an OEM replacement, even for hydraulic actuated applications if installed with systemic OEM clutch actuator parts are required.

The additional components are needed to switch to a Cable-Type Side Cover are a clutch cable and lever perch, center rod and clutch adjuster rod.

BAKER DRIVETRAIN

www.bakerdrivetrain.com

Burly Brand

Burly Brand - MX-Evo Foot Pegs

California based Burly Brand says that its MX-Evo product family "pays homage to the iconic motocross aesthetic of the 1970's with a twist of modern ingenuity.

"From legacy to evolution, meet Burly Brand's MX-Evolution product line. Designed for wild spirits, thrill-seekers and everyday enthusiasts, every product in the range is crafted with precision CNC machining, with a rugged, square design that shouts quality, durability and reliability.

"The Burly Brand logo is laser engraved in 'meticulous detail' and whether pushing stunts or carving through the scenic backroads, Burly Brand MX-Evo Floorboards, Mini-Floorboards, Footpegs and Toe Pegs are a great addition - either singly or as a matching kit."

These new MX-Evo Foot Pegs can be adjusted for any ride with the adjustable clevis system, for unwavering stability, with the set screws providing a confidence building secure grip.

Crafted with precision CNC machining, the square design of MX-Evo Pegs pays homage to the iconic motocross aesthetic of the 1970s with a twist of modern ingenuity. Crafted from lightweight, high-quality aluminum alloy for optimal performance, precision and durability. They are available for available for M8 Softail (Rider), Dyna and Sportster.

BURLY BRAND

www.burlybrand.com

Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup

Harley-Davidson To Exit King Of The Baggers as it "Evolves" its Racing Strategy

The principal news and fall-out from Harley's decision to "Evolve" its Racing Strategy is the end of their involvement in MotoAmerica's King Of The Baggers series, with resources instead being channelled into its H-D Bagger World Cup at MotoGP rounds, and new initiatives [to be determined] to develop 'Grass Roots' racing.

Harley says it will be creating "two complimentary" programs 2027 with its 'Premier Racing' efforts "building on the successful inaugural season and partnership with MotoGP, IRTA and FIM, Harley-Davidson, investing and growing the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup as the company's premier racing platform."

The second direction of travel will see Harley investing in 'Grassroots Racing' by developing "accessible racing opportunities for riders across a range of disciplines and experience levels."

Artie Starrs, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson, is quoted as saying that "our evolved racing strategy inspires all of us to ride by putting the fastest Harley-Davidson motorcycles on the biggest stage, while bringing the same competitive edge to a broader audience through our grassroots program.

"Whether its bragging rights at the local drag strip, the podium at a flat track, or a dealership challenge - everyone [will have] an opportunity to compete and win on a Harley-Davidson."

The FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup growth in 2027 will see Harley expand the championship with additional teams, riders, and races. 

"What we accomplished in the inaugural season of the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup exceeded our expectations," said Jeffrey Schuessler, Director - Global Racing Programs, Harley-Davidson. "We saw incredible racing, five different race winners, every team on the podium and a championship fight that went all the way to the final round. 

"But what I'm most proud of is how our teams, riders, partners, dealers and the entire Harley-Davidson community got behind this championship and helped bring it to life around the world. This is only the starting line. We now have an incredible foundation to build from, and the opportunity ahead of us is enormous."

The company's release stated that the Bagger World Cup will continue to serve as a racing development and demonstration platform for Harley-Davidson performance, supporting future motorcycles and race-derived Screamin' Eagle performance products. 

"Screamin' Eagle is where Harley-Davidson engineering meets the relentless pursuit of performance," said Bryan Niketh, Chief Operations Officer, Harley-Davidson. "Taking lessons learned on the track, and making related performance products available to our riders further underscores the importance of the evolved racing strategy."

As part of this evolution, Harley-Davidson stated that it will conclude its Factory Racing participation and official team support in MotoAmerica King of the Baggers following the 2026 season. 

"MotoAmerica's partnership, including the efforts of Richard Varner, Chuck Aksland, Terry Karges, and Wayne Rainey, was instrumental in establishing the category. The Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Team excelled on the track, pushing the brand to capture three of six national championships, and fielding the most successful rider in the history of the category, Kyle Wyman with 27 individual wins. 

"Thank you to MotoAmerica for their partnership and commitment to King of the Baggers. Without their support, and the exciting racing in the series, we would not have the success we achieved," said Jason Kehl, Technical Director and Team Principal, Harley-Davidson Factory Racing. 

"I also want to recognize Indian Motorcycle Racing for their fierce competition in each of the six seasons. Having a rival that consistently pushed us to raise our level made our team better, helped elevate the entire category, and made the wins much more meaningful. 

"We are extremely proud of what Harley-Davidson Factory Racing, our riders, employees, supported teams and partners have accomplished. That success was built on the commitment and technical capability of an incredible group of people, as well as the support of our fans. The passion of so many Harley-Davidson enthusiasts is a key reason why the bagger category continues to grow."

Saddlemen

Saddlemen - Full Focus on FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup

After competing in MotoAmerica's King of the Baggers since the series' very first race in 2020, Saddlemen Race Development will direct its undivided attention to the new global FIM-sanctioned Bagger World Cup

The Long Beach, CA based "leader in motorcycle seating comfort and creator of the Gel-Core technology platform" followed up on Harley's own announcement about "Evolving" its race efforts away from the King Of The Baggers series and fully into their burgeoning FIM Bagger World Cup program, by themselves announcing a similar focus.

Saddlemen Race Development say they will focus its "undivided attention on the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, the new global championship for V-twin bagger road racing co-developed by Harley-Davidson, MotoGP (Dorna Sports), and the FIM."

The decision follows six full seasons of competition in MotoAmerica's Mission King of the Baggers series, where Saddlemen Race Development has been a fixture since the very first King Of The Baggers race held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in 2020. 

Saddlemen's 2026 domestic program fielded riders Cory West, Jake Lewis, and James Rispoli aboard Saddlemen Drag Specialties Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited motorcycles in King of the Baggers, alongside a championship-caliber Super Hooligan effort on the Harley-Davidson Pan America ST.

"Racing has always been our proving ground - it's how we test, refine, and validate the products our customers ride every day," said David Echert, CEO of Saddlemen Corporation. 

"The Bagger World Cup puts bagger racing on the world stage, alongside MotoGP and in front of a global audience. That is where Saddlemen belongs, and it is where we will focus all of our racing energy going forward."

In announcing its own exit from KOTB and Super Hooligans, Saddlemen extended its "sincere thanks to MotoAmerica and everyone involved with the Mission King of the Baggers series for six seasons of exceptional support, professionalism, and partnership.

"MotoAmerica believed in bagger racing when it was an idea, and they built it into one of the most exciting championships in American motorsport," Echert continued. "We were on the grid for the first race at Laguna Seca in 2020, and everything we've learned competing in King of the Baggers - as a team and as a product company - we carry with us to the world stage. We are grateful for every round, every competitor, and every fan who made the series what it is."

www.saddlemen.com