Behind the Scenes at the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup
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More InformationAndreas and Lance met up during the MotoGP weekend in Assen and took the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup. As expected, they also went for a ride together on their new Harley-Davidson Road Glides. Andreas traveled with Rainer Doods, who has been working as a motorcycle mechanic for Thunderbike for over 20 years, and our photographer Michael Rauscher, with support from Anna Gala.
Thanks to exclusive tickets, they gained access to the paddock, where the four teams – Saddlemen Racing, Joe Rascal Racing, Niti Racing, and Parkingo Team – had set up their pits. It was clear from the very first steps: this is real motorsports. Amid tool carts, data analysis, and final preparations before the sessions, the atmosphere was one of intense concentration.
Traveling Together with Rainer Doods
The new Road Glide CVO ST by Andreas
Lance’s Road Glide with Thunderbike Parts
Same technology, fierce competition
All teams compete on Harley-Davidson Road Glide race bikes that are technically nearly identical.
Although the race bikes are based on Harley-Davidson’s Grand American Touring platform, they have been thoroughly developed for racing specifically for the Bagger World Cup. Over 200 PS of power and top speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) speak for themselves.
It is precisely this combination of American V-twin character and uncompromising racing technology that makes the Baggers a unique sight in the MotoGP paddock – as technically impressive as they are visually striking.
Strict regulations specify exactly which modifications are permitted. The minimum weight of 283 kilograms is also checked multiple times throughout the race weekend. This means the technical conditions are virtually identical for all teams – making the riders’ skill, the right setup, and every single decision on the track all the more important.
That’s exactly what makes the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup so exciting. The riders battle for every meter, every tenth of a second, and every point toward the overall standings. Anyone following the races quickly realizes just how tightly packed the field is and how fiercely every position is contested.
Racing Down to the Finest Detail
Visually, too, the race bikes differ significantly from a stock Road Glide. Large racing air filters, significantly raised seats, 2-in-1 exhaust systems, and numerous other racing components make it immediately clear that everything here is designed for maximum performance on the racetrack.
The Excavators from Team Saddlemen
Thunderbike Right in the Middle of It All
For Andreas, who was actively involved in racing for many years and remains a big MotoGP fan to this day, the visit was a real highlight. The technical details, the teams’ workflows, and the direct interaction in the paddock, in particular, made the day a special experience.
A small contribution to this race weekend even came directly from Hamminkeln. While transporting the race bikes to Europe, a component of the footrest system was left behind – a spare part that is replaced after crashes. Without hesitation, the Thunderbike employees worked a double shift to manufacture the missing components, ensuring they were ready for all teams in time for the race weekend at Mugello.
So Thunderbike wasn’t just represented as a visitor in Assen; it also made a small contribution behind the scenes to the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup.
A small but essential part of the footrest system, indispensable for racing
Scenes from the paddock
Thunderbike: How to Get There
Granado and Gutiérrez Split the Wins at Assen - Title Race Remains Exciting
The FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup made a stop at the legendary TT Circuit Assen last weekend. As part of the Dutch MotoGP, the third race weekend of the season featured thrilling duels and kept the title race tight at the halfway point of the season. Just two points separate the two leaders in the overall standings.
Granado Remains a Qualifying Specialist
Eric Granado (Joe Rascal Racing) continued his strong form right from qualifying. With a lap time of 1:40.655 minutes, the Brazilian secured pole position for the third time in a row and once again demonstrated his ability to post a fast lap.
Granado's First Victory
The first race on Saturday turned into a real nail-biter. At times, up to six riders were battling wheel-to-wheel for the lead. Although Granado initially lost a few positions at the start, he worked his way back to the front lap by lap and ultimately celebrated his first victory in the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup.
Oscar Gutiérrez (NitiRacing) finished second, securing his fourth podium finish of the season. Andrea Iannone rounded out the podium, once again demonstrating how quickly he has adapted to the Harley-Davidson Road Glide race bike.
Gutiérrez Fights Back
In the second race, Oscar Gutiérrez didn’t miss a beat. The Spaniard took the lead right from the first turn and controlled the race all the way to the finish. Andrea Iannone once again put in a strong performance and secured second place ahead of Eric Granado.
With his third-place finish, Granado also took the lead in the overall standings.
The Brazilian made another big impression with a new lap record. His time of 1:40.424 minutes set both a new race lap record and the fastest lap ever recorded in the Bagger World Cup at Assen. Filippo Rovelli (ParkinGO Team) reached the highest speed of the weekend at 248.2 km/h during the second free practice session.
Only two points separate the top two teams
After three race weekends, the championship is more exciting than ever. Eric Granado leads the standings with 111 points, just ahead of Oscar Gutiérrez (109 points). Archie McDonald follows in third place with 97 points.
Die Top 10 der Gesamtwertung:
1st place: Eric Granado – 111 points
2nd place: Oscar Gutiérrez – 109 points
3rd place: Archie McDonald – 97 points
4th place: Andrea Iannone – 74 points
5th place: Jake Lewis – 71 points
6th place: Filippo Rovelli – 66 points
7th place: Cory West – 56 points
8th place: Travis Wyman – 39 points
9th place: Dimas Ekky Pratama – 37 points
10th place: Cody Wyman – 26 points
Pictures from the race
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More InformationNext stop: Silverstone
At the halfway point of the season, the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup heads to the United Kingdom. From August 7 to 9, the racing series will make a stop at the historic Silverstone Circuit as part of the British MotoGP, where the battle for the championship enters its next round.
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