Is Harley-Davidson seriously considering leaving King of the Baggers?

Comments made from Harley-Davidson’s factory King of the Baggers riders has caused speculation as to whether the American brand might soon pull the plug on its MotoAmerica project.

Since KOTB became a full-time series six years ago, Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle have shared three title wins each. 

The two American giants have been locked in direct competition against each other since 2021, but it was Indian Motorcycle that took the 2026 crown with Hayden Gillim, doing so in dominant fashion, it must be said. 

But now, seemingly out of thin air, Harley-Davidson might be looking at the exit door with regards to the series. 

There’s nothing in Harley-Davidson’s latest press release that suggests this is actually happening, or going to happen.

However, comments made by 2021 and 2025 KOTB champion Kyle Wyman, who secured victory in the final race of the 2026 season at the New Jersey Motorsports Park last weekend, suggests a break-up could be forthcoming. 

Speaking after his win, the language used by Wyman was especially noteworthy, as he very quickly hints at last weekend’s races potentially being his last with the Harley-Davidson project.

Wyman said:  

“This team has changed my life and changed my career. This one’s going to feel really good for a long time. How can you sum up what we’ve done with this program? You just can’t. We’ve created a lot of memories and impacted a lot of people in a positive way. I wouldn’t want to do it with any other group. I want to give a huge thanks to Harley-Davidson, to all of our partners and our fans. The fans have been incredible. It’s great to give them one more win.”

However, the most alarming comments came from former MotoGP rider Bradley Smith, who said this to the Road Race Report following last weekend’s season-finale: 

“There’s an unfortunate situation that is unfolding. It probably means that I need to look elsewhere next year. I’d like to stay under the Harley umbrella with what I was able to do at the Bagger World Cup at Silverstone, which was huge by winning that. [I’m] already speaking with teams to see what I can line up.”

Again, there’s nothing from Harley that suggests it will leave the KOTB series, although this year’s inaugural Bagger World Cup could have something to do with a potential exit.

By racing under the MotoGP banner, Harley-Davidson has a bigger chance of showcasing its products to a wider audience, and with the series proving popular in just its first season, this could be Harley’s main focus going forward when it comes to racing.

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