Harley-Davidson’s KOTB departure after 2026 has thrown the future of the series into doubt, with MotoAmerica admitting the late notice has created problems
MotoAmerica has responded to Harley-Davidson’s decision to end its factory involvement and official team backing in the Mission King of the Baggers Championship after the 2026 season, saying it shares fan frustration and is now looking at what can be done to keep the category alive.
The sanctioning body said the timing of the move has made matters harder, stating, “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.”
That line makes clear MotoAmerica is unhappy with how late the decision arrived. In its statement, it also underlined how important the Harley versus Indian battle has been to the category’s success, describing King Of The Baggers as “a true performance competition between two unique American manufacturers.”
MotoAmerica’s full response read, “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.
“King Of The Baggers has developed into a true performance competition between two unique American manufacturers. 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.
“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.”
Harley-Davidson has chosen to redirect its efforts toward the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, a one-make support class set to appear at six MotoGP rounds in its first year. The company says the championship will expand in 2027 with more teams, more riders and more races, and that it can “serve as a racing development and demonstration platform” for Screamin’ Eagle performance products.
Chief executive Artie Starrs said the strategy is about placing “the fastest Harley-Davidson motorcycles on the biggest stage,” with MotoGP’s international reach offering the brand a larger audience than MotoAmerica.
The departure follows a 2026 season in which Indian was the dominant force. The Vance & Hines Motorsports-built Indian Challenger claimed 10 wins from 14 races, Hayden Gillim broke the single-season record with eight victories on the way to the championship, and the factory squad collected a record 24 podium finishes.
Even so, the pattern of titles alternating between the two brands in odd- and even-numbered years suggests that Harley’s withdrawal cannot simply be read as sour grapes in response to one tough season. In reality, MotoAmerica has done a remarkable job of managing the parity issues inherent in balancing the performance of Harley-Davidson’s huge 2,150cc pushrod Milwaukee-Eight V-twin with Indian’s 1,835cc liquid-cooled PowerPlus V-twin, but H-D is simply prioritising the series that gives it more worldwide attention – though cynics might also point to the fact that it never has to worry about being beaten by another brand in the Bagger World Cup.
Indian, for its part, is staying put. The manufacturer has already committed to Hayden Gillim and 2024 champion Troy Herfoss for the 2027 campaign as it chases the first back-to-back King of the Baggers title.
What happens next is less certain. Privateer teams may still field Road Glides, but without a second factory involved, the long-term health of the series is now an obvious question. MotoAmerica’s statement that it is “actively exploring all available options” suggests the future shape of King of the Baggers remains unresolved.
