Iconic tyre brand Dunlop returns to MotoGP as a supplier for the new Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup series, bringing a unique twist to the sport. With a massive prize fund and a strategic partnership with Harley-Davidson, this new championship promises to be a game-changer.
The MotoGP paddock is abuzz with the news of a new support series, the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, which has officially announced Dunlop as its tyre supplier. This exciting development comes as MotoGP partners with the American motorcycle brand Harley-Davidson to bring the ultra-popular Bagger Racing category to Europe. The reality of this collaboration was confirmed in 2025 when Dorna Sports announced the Bagger World Cup in association with Harley-Davidson for 2026.
The new championship will feature six rounds and 12 races, taking place at prestigious events like the Americas, Italian, Dutch, British, Aragon, and Austrian Grands Prix. While the teams and riders are yet to be confirmed, Dunlop's involvement as the official tyre supplier is a significant step forward.
Dunlop's statement highlights their role as a technical partner, not just a tyre supplier. They aim to meet the new performance challenges and expand the reach, visibility, and sporting ambition of the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup. This partnership is a natural fit, given Dunlop's experience with the Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Race Team, where they've been the tyre supplier since 2021 and recently won the 2025 riders and teams' title.
Harley-Davidson's global director of racing programmes praised the partnership, emphasizing Dunlop's understanding of the demands on tyres for powerful and agile competition baggers. This expertise makes Dunlop the ideal partner for the new Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup.
Dunlop's involvement in MotoGP is not new, as they previously acted as the official tyre supplier for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes. However, they were replaced by Pirelli in 2024. Now, with the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, Dunlop is set to make a significant impact again.
Harley-Davidson has also announced a substantial prize fund of $250,000 for the new Bagger World Cup, benefiting both teams and riders. The prize money is structured with a sliding scale for riders placed first through to 10th, and the champion will earn an additional $25,000 at the end of the season.
The Bagger World Cup effectively replaces the MotoE World Championship, which has been put on hold for 2026. MotoE, an all-electric series, debuted in 2019 and grew from a world cup to a world championship. This new championship marks a shift in the MotoGP landscape, offering a unique and exciting challenge for riders and teams alike.
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