Peter Bom is a reluctant convert to bagger racing but thinks there is a better long-term option for fans
The Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup is described on the official MotoGP website as “the world’s first global racing series dedicated exclusively to high-performance Harley-Davidson bagger motorcycles”. While its presence has brought a new dynamic to MotoGP there are many observers scratching their heads and trying to make sense of it all. Let’s ask some big questions about this sideshow that briefly takes centre stage.
Is racing with Harley-Davidson baggers the way to go?
Baggers? Those are monstrosities of motorcycles with which I have absolutely no connection. When I ride, I do so either on my practical adventure bike or on my trusty classic. And when it comes to racing, I am mainly interested in high-tech MotoGP rockets. So, absolutely no interest on my part in what Wikipedia explains as “a type of touring motorcycle characterised by its large V-twin engine. Primarily built for comfort, highway cruising and long-distance travel.”
In short, baggers are very good at what doesn’t interest me (riding in a straight line for hours), and unsuitable for what actually fascinates me (racing).
The fact that Americans have been racing with them since 2021 in the Mission King of the Baggers, which also includes Indians, meant very little to me. American fans are simply built different. And let’s not forget, baggers are quite practical on their highways, making them relevant.
How did baggers get to MotoGP?
The logic that seemed to be working in the US went a step farther. The Harley-Davidson and Indian factory riders battling each other in the support program of the MotoAmerica races brought lots of new fans to the circuits, something MotoAmerica desperately needed.
This was noticed by the MotoGP organisers as well, who are very keen on growing their fanbase in the US. And so it happened that the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup series was added to the MotoGP races at a few rounds this year.
With only 10 participants, the series was lucky there were some enjoyable races for spectators to watch in its first season.
However, whether it will be a lasting success is doubtful. Baggers are simply not very relevant outside the US and, therefore, one cannot really expect much growth on the other side of the world in Europe.
Loud pipes saves fans?
During our sweltering June TT Assen round, I saw them in action myself for the very first time on this historic, high-speed circuit. To be honest, it was very nice and much more fun to see them than I had ever expected. Motorcycles that slide and pump at corner exit quickly pique my interest, and the mighty thunder of the big twin-cylinder engines did the rest; this looked like real racing and evoked emotion.
That made something clear for me. Namely, that if a class doesn’t need to be relevant (such as Moto2 and Moto3) but is purely for ‘fun’, then it really has to be just that: fun to watch.
This was something that was severely lacking in the predecessor of this bagger series, the electric MotoE class. These ‘battery’ bikes were not slow, but when a racing bike can barely slide its tyres and makes no noise at all, I just could not be bothered waiting to see what happens next.
The Harley bagger racer weights a mighty 280kg, which is of course far too heavy but that is partly offset by 200 horsepower and 220Nm of torque. Also important is that the Dunlops offer plenty of side grip but they can slide around nicely at corner exit.
As a result, it looks like racing and sounds like racing. Almost perfect, then, were it not that baggers are just not relevant in many countries outside the US.
My conclusion
Racing with baggers is not the way forward. But to go forward, we can certainly learn from it. If MotoGP organisers want to reach more fans, they should offer that group at least one race a day, with motorcycles that they can connect with.
A glance at the parking lot makes it clear that the majority of spectators ride naked and adventure bikes, so that’s what we should race as well.
But remember that if it isn’t loud and sliding its tyres around, I am not interested.
