Wayne Rainey surprised by Harley-Davidson’s Bagger World Cup decision

Wayne Rainey has called for more brands to join the King of the Baggers series following Harley-Davidson’s exit. 

The former three-time MotoGP champion, and current MotoAmerica president, has admitted he was surprised by the American manufacturer’s decision to leave the series in favour of its own one-make Bagger World Cup (BWC).

Harley debuted the BWC in 2026, which became a fixture on the MotoGP calendar at selected venues.

But with its decision to focus its racing strategy on the Bagger World Cup going forward, Harley has since pulled the plug on its factory support in KOTB. 

Since the series began in 2021, Harley-Davidson has shared three title wins apiece with Indian Motorcycle, which will remain part of the championship for the foreseeable future.

Speaking about Harley’s decision to leave the series, Rainey said: 

“We are excited about where Mission King Of The Baggers is headed for 2027. We created this class for the American V-twin Bagger. Our fans were surprised that Harley-Davidson had decided to run in a spec exhibition series abroad and not compete against the other manufacturers in America for a national championship. 

“Their departure has opened the door for other manufacturers. Indian Motorcycle has stepped up in a big way that puts more bikes on the grid, and now new manufacturers are interested in competing in King Of The Baggers for 2027 as well. MotoAmerica racing is always about competition, the more, the better.”

While Harley’s departure will be a big loss for MotoAmerica, organisers have confirmed revised technical regulations that could entice more companies to join.

The new regulations aim to reduce costs, while also providing longer engine life and fewer rebuilds. Rev limits will be set at 7,000rpm for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and 7,500rpm for Indian machinery. 

The organisation also says that full-season competitors must use the MotoAmerica Maxx ECU Race unit with controlled firmware. The standard engine-control system currently prohibits traction control and lift control, however, there are exceptions in place for single-event entries and teams competing in three rounds or fewer.

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