Special Guest riders demonstrate the performance of race-prepared Harley-Davidson bikes
Harley-Davidson Factory Racing showcased the power of its 2024 Road Glide motorcycle in a test at the Circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, Spain, in partnership with DORNA and MotoGP.
This test marked the first European appearance of Harley-Davidson’s race-prepared Road Glide, previously raced in the U.S. Harley-Davidson riders Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli piloted their bikes after the MotoGP race, with guest riders including former MotoGP and World Superbike stars Simon Crafar, John Hopkins, Randy Mamola, and Marco Melandri.
Moreover, the event took place after severe flooding in the Valencia region caused the race to move to Barcelona, and Harley-Davidson donated a Road Glide motorcycle to be auctioned for relief efforts. “Racing is at the heart of Harley-Davidson, demonstrating our commitment to performance and innovation. Our partnership with DORNA/MotoGP helps us expand our global racing presence and fuel the passion of our fans.” said Jochen Zeitz, CEO of Harley-Davidson.
Wyman expressed his excitement, saying, “It was incredible to ride alongside our heroes and share our work with them. These moments are unforgettable. To be on track during MotoGP weekend and share the project with legends of the sport was unreal. Their reactions to our bikes were priceless.” Rispoli added.
On top of that, though cool, overcast conditions prevented a full lap-time challenge, Wyman and Rispoli also reached speeds over 171MPH (275km/h) on the track’s fastest sector. After warming up the bikes, Crafar, Hopkins, Mamola, and Melandri took turns on the Road Glides, praising their power and performance.
The Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Road Glide competes in the U.S. in the Mission Foods King of the Baggers series, featuring American V-Twin touring bikes with fairings and saddlebags. Wyman won six races and podiumed fourteen times in the 18-race season.
The racing Harley-Davidson Road Glides use stock frames and engine cases, with a modified Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 engine. Lightweight carbon fibre bodywork brings the bike’s weight down to 620 pounds, while upgraded Öhlins suspension and Dunlop race tires enhance performance.
