Dunlop and Harley-Davidson are two of the biggest names in motorcycle culture, and for good reason. Having both independently cemented their positions as icons, their shared passion for producing better products for bikers around the world has led to a strong partnership spanning over four decades.

The latest chapter in this partnership is the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup. Scheduled to feature six double-header rounds held during MotoGP weekends, it brings bagger racing to the world stage for the first time. With an unparalleled understanding of developing tyres both for Harley-Davidson bikes and for track racing, Dunlop has been named the championship’s exclusive tyre supplier, providing full track-side service and support to all riders.

The two brands share a rich history, which was exemplified in 2023 when Dunlop joined Harley-Davidson’s 120th anniversary celebration, an event which coincided with the 40th year since Harley-Davidson appointed Dunlop as original equipment supplier. At the heart of the partnership is the desire from both brands to raise expectations and standards for bikers internationally, with Dunlop acting not only as a tyre supplier but as a technical partner, developing tyres specifically for Harley-Davidson’s range of motorcycles.

The bikes used in the Bagger World Cup are Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles, powered by Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 Performance Crate Engines. They weigh around 280kg, produce over 200 horsepower and can reach speeds in excess of 186mph on track. Being so different to traditional race bikes, they have very distinct tyre requirements. As such, Dunlop provides dedicated racing tyres selected to meet the demands of this unusual championship. Dunlop will be providing 120/75 R17 slicks for the front and 200/70 R17 slicks from its renowned KR108 range for the rear, providing enough grip for these heavy bikes to lean into corners just like more traditional racing bikes do. The tyres Dunlop has selected for this unique championship come from the same ranges of slick racing tyres trusted by teams around the world in the likes of the FIM Endurance World Championship, MotoAmerica, Isle of Man TT and top-level national superbike series.

The first of six rounds took place in March at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, an apt setting for such an iconic American motorcycle brand. The track itself is challenging, with 20 turns and a 133ft elevation change up to turn 1 to navigate. The combination of a brand new racing format and a challenging track made for an exciting race, with Archie McDonald and Oscar Gutierrez each taking home wins in the opening round.

After a thrilling start to the Bagger World Cup, the series will next race at Italy’s Mugello - one of MotoGP’s fastest tracks - on May 29-31. The track presents new challenges for the riders, who will need to navigate these heavy bikes through its series of fast undulating bends and esses . After what should be an interesting race in the Tuscan hills, the championship continues at Assen (Netherlands), Silverstone (UK), Aragón (Spain) and Red Bull Ring (Austria), where the inaugural champion will be crowned.

Attending a round of the Harley Davidson Bagger World Cup? Come and visit Dunlop in the fanzone and find out more about how the right racing tires transform these heavy-duty touring machines into corner-carving race bikes.