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

Mission King Of The Baggers Championship

MotoAmerica - "Disappointed"

Following Harley-Davidson's announcement that it will conclude its factory racing participation and official team support in the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship (after the 2026 season) MotoAmerica voiced its disappointment at Harley's decision.

"MotoAmerica would like to thank the millions of fans across the United States and around the world who support the Mission King of the Baggers series.

One for the ages - Brit Bradley Smith with what will likely prove to be a final team photo for Harley's official KOTB support team.

"King Of The Baggers has developed into a true performance competition between two unique American manufacturers [Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle]. 

"It pushes the boundaries of what these motorcycles can do and showcases a level of performance few could have imagined when the series began. That competition has been a major part of what has made the series so exciting for our fans."

Clearly aiming their remarks at their race fans, MotoAmerica went on to state: "We share in your disappointment with Harley-Davidson's decision. Receiving this news at such a late stage presents challenges, but we are actively exploring all available options to continue supporting the class."

"We appreciate the passion and support of our fans and participants, and we will share additional news as it becomes available." So, no white flag of surrender being waved by MotoAmerica quite yet.

However, with the Bagger Racing League "owning" the grassroots of Bagger racing, many are pointing to Indian Motorcycle's recent KOTB dominance being a replay of their previous 'control' over the AMA AFT Championship.

There are also those who wonder if Moto America will be able to carry the burden of the series on its own shoulders in the face of competition for fan's focus from the FIM Harley-Davidson World Cup and a reinvigorated Bagger Racing League.

Indian Motorcycle and Klock Werks

Indian and Klock – Custom Challenger Build for Refderrin

Indian Motorcycle and Klock Werks have collaborated on a one-of-a-kind custom Indian Challenger built for country artist Blake Redferrin, unveiled during the during the 19th Annual Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party in Mitchell, SD.

The project continued a 12-year collaboration between Indian Motorcycle and Klock Werks, following a series of celebrated custom builds created alongside Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey.

Designed and built by the Klock Werks team, the Challenger features custom paint by Mickey Harris of Menno, SD., bringing together American craftsmanship, performance, and a design inspired by Jack Daniel's heritage. The motorcycle was revealed before a packed crowd gathered inside the Klock Werks headquarters as riders from across the country made their way to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Following the unveiling, riders joined the community ride from Klock Werks to downtown Mitchell, officially kicking off the city's annual Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party. The evening concluded with a live outdoor performance by country artist Redferrin at the Corn Palace Plaza, capping off a full day of activities celebrating motorcycles, music, and community.

"So much great energy - from Donnie Smith to Mickey Cohen and Bobby Woods, young up-coming builders and legends congregated to make a community-day of fun and motorcycles. Thanks to Indian Motorcycles and Jack Daniels for 15 years of design excellence celebrated today with Redferrin," commented Brian Klock, Klock Werks Founder and President. 

Goodridge

Goodridge Transitions from Chrome to Stainless Steel for V-Twin Range 

Brake hose and fittings specialist Goodridge has completed a full transition from traditional chrome plating to stainless steel - across its V-Twin product range - alongside the introduction of a new Black Zinc hardware option.

600 Series PTFE stainless braid hose

An industry stalwart for five decades, the company has continually refined its products, processes, and technologies to meet the evolving needs of riders, custom builders, and distributors worldwide. 

This latest strategic move represents more than a simple material update. “It reflects Goodridge’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and long-term product performance,” says P&M Product Manager Mike Tozer.

V-twin universal Banjo adaptor - straight

V-twin universal Banjo adaptor - 90 degree

“Following extensive evaluation, stainless steel was selected as the superior platform for our next generation of V-Twin components. It offers enhanced durability while supporting expanded finish options that provide customers with greater choice in style and performance. 

“Stainless steel delivers several key advantages over chrome. Its exceptional resistance to corrosion, rust, and environmental exposure ensures outstanding longevity and helps maintain a premium finish even in demanding riding conditions. From a sustainability perspective, the move away from chrome plating aligns with Goodridge’s environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. 

V-Twin front ABS upper banjo adaptor specifically designed for CVO Softail from 14-on with single disc brakes.

“Stainless steel production avoids hazardous plating processes, reduces waste, and lowers overall environmental impact. In addition, its clean, bright, polished appearance delivers a modern aesthetic ideally suited to contemporary custom V-Twin designs.”

Complementing the stainless-steel range, Goodridge’s new Black Zinc hardware “offers a bold, stealth-inspired alternative for riders seeking a darker, more aggressive look. Engineered to the same rigorous standards, it provides excellent corrosion resistance and a durable, uniform finish.”

Premium performance brake lines in clear

All Goodridge brake lines, in both stainless steel and Black Zinc, are pressure tested before dispatch and meet FMVSS106 requirements, ensuring full DOT compliance and TÜV approval for Germany.

www.goodridge.com

Zodiac International

Zodiac International - Additions

Figurati - Magnetic Oil Filter

This magnetic oil filter by Figurati Designs allows for more impurities to be filtered "than the competition" with the only oil filter that has a powerful magnet on the inside. A high-grade 6063 anodized aluminum alloy housing integrates 4 external pre-filtering magnets, superfine stainless-steel mesh, and a powerful internal neodymium rare-earth magnet - a combination that filters particles down to a staggering 25 microns. 

"With cleanable, reusable components and a flow rate 10 times greater than traditional paper filters, this Figurati Designs Performance Magnetic Oil Filter is the future of filtering." To clean the filter, simply unscrew the top nut, remove ball bearing, spring, and 2800 gauss center/bypass magnet (equivalent to 0.28 Tesla), wipe down the housing and components with a microfiber cloth, reassemble the components and reinstall the filter. 

It fits Evolution Sportster, Evolution Big Twin, Twin Cam, and Milwaukee Eight engines. On Evolution models check oil routing to and from filter and make sure oil flows in the correct direction and doesn't get blocked against the wrong side of the pressure relief valve.

Minimalistic Warning Indicator 

Don't like the Christmas tree of warning indicator lights on your dash? The Minimalistic Warning Indicator is a small microcontroller module with just one 3-color led to work as neutral, turn signal, high beam or oil pressure warning indicator that can even show two or three events at the same time. It only measures 38x16x11mm, small enough to install it in your dash, headlight housing or handlebars. Comes with 20 cm length wires installed and an easy-to-follow instruction sheet.

NAMZ Wireless CarPlay Headset Bypass

This bypass allows you to connect via Bluetooth to the Skyline audio system enabling CarPlay for the rider wirelessly or via cable. It connects to the accessory plug under the seat of all CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide 2023 to present and all Road Glide and Street Glide 2024 to present.

Low Rider S/ST Stock Replacement Front Fender 

Vivid black painted front fender - as used on FXLRS Low Rider S 2020 to present and FXLRST Low Rider ST 2022 to present and FXRST El Diablo 2022 (OEM 58900474).

ZODIAC INTERNATIONAL BV

www.zodiac.nl