Tyre supplier for new Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup confirmed
Harley-Davidson has confirmed Dunlop as the new tyre provider of its first-ever Bagger World Cup series.
Dunlop is heading back to the Grand Prix paddock in 2026, after being named the new tyre supplier for the inaugural Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup series.
The new series will be somewhat familiar to American race fans, who have enjoyed watching Harley’s Road Glide machines compete against Indian Motorcycle’s Challenger bagger, as part of the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers series for several years.
But the new Bagger World Cup is Harley-Davidson’s attempt to put more eyes on its bikes in Europe, and globally, while also increasing the overall popularity of its unique brand of racing.
The full line-up of riders is currently being finalised, but we do know that the new series will feature across six MotoGP events. Each round will feature two races, with its double-header scheduled to take place at the Circuit of the Americas, in Texas (United States), Mugello (Italy), Assen (Netherlands), Silverstone (UK), Aragon (Spain), and the Red Bull Ring (Austria).
Dunlop will supply all official tyres, as well as providing full trackside tyre services for the championship. It will also support the series through its contingency program.
The H-D Contingency Race Program allows teams and riders competing in the Bagger World Cup to benefit from a total prize fund of $250,000 (approximately £186,350) in cash awards and performance bonuses.
Riders that finish from first to 10th in each race will receive graduated rewards, with Harley-Davidson confirming an end-of-season bonus of $25,000 (around £18,635) for the championship winner.
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles feature a Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 Performance Crate Engines. They will be race-modified to produce more than 200 hp, with speeds expected to surpass 300 km/h (186 mph).
Speaking about the new agreement with Dunlop, Jeff Schuessler, Global Director of Racing Programs for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, said:
“The Harley-Davidson–Dunlop partnership arrives in the Bagger World Cup carrying a championship-winning pedigree. Dunlop has been the tyre supplier to the Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Race Team since the debut of the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Bagger Championship in 2021, and together we just clinched the 2025 Rider’s and Team’s titles.
“They are familiar with the demands these powerful and agile racing baggers place on tyres, making Dunlop an ideal partner for the new Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup.”
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.