Baggers: Have You Ever Seen Them Racing?

It may sound absolutely crazy, but if until now you couldn’t imagine watching a competitive Baggers race… well, that has changed.

Baggers—those massive road-going “elephants”—are cruiser-style motorcycles designed for long-distance riding, where comfort matters far more than speed. And yet, the day has come that none of us ever expected: Baggers now have their own racing calendar.

Watching those Harleys and Indians, weighing well over 350 kg, with their front fairings and saddlebags, charging around a racetrack was pure madness. It happened at Laguna Seca at the end of 2020.

They completed eight laps on a circuit famous for being extremely technical—and far too demanding for machines of this size.

The winner was Tyler O’Hara on an Indian Challenger from S&S Cycle. Second place went to Hayden Gillim on a Harley-Davidson from Vance & Hines, and third was Frankie Garcia aboard an Indian Challenger from the Roland Sands team.

The "King of the Baggers", an American racing concept built for Americans, was surprisingly well received. Thanks to that success, organizers launched an ambitious competition calendar for 2021.

Unfortunately, the pandemic reality reduced the number of events, but at least a few races survived.

Originally, five races were planned, but the season was ultimately reduced to three. If everything goes well, the first one will take place at the end of April. Here is the 2021 calendar:

The competition rules allow only limited modifications to these motorcycles. The most significant changes include:

• Adjusting footpeg height
• Installing a lower handlebar
• Lightening the wheels
• Using more track-oriented street tires
• Minor engine tuning
• Upgrades to exhausts, brakes, and suspension

However, their signature look remains untouched: fairings and saddlebags are strictly off-limits.

You can watch the full "King of the Baggers" race from Laguna Seca on YouTube here.