Shortly after Indian committed to building on its 2026 season and pulling out the stops in developing its race machines to retain the title just won, Harley-Davidson announced it will not be fielding a factory team in the series next year. With the Harley-Davidson machines now in their own series as a support class in several MotoGP rounds, they will be focusing on that series. That short notice announcement has MotoAmerica admitting there are‘ challenges’ going forward for the class. The announcement to leave the Battle Of The Baggers series only arrived on October 1, just days after Indian’ s announcement, so MotoAmerica will be on the phone to try and rapidly sort a way for the fan favourite race class to break new ground. The whole series was originally a historic reemergence of an old rivalry, so that will be a tough gig to replace. Then there is working out parity if another brand enters the game. Is that a Triumph Rocket III I hear in the distance? Or a big boxer? Not quite the history that the Harley-Davidson V Indian thing had going but stir up the rivalries between countries and brands and it might just fly. Besides, there is nothing excluding privateers on Harley-Davidsons from taking on the challenge …
AGV‘ CUBE’
Huh? Yep, the new AGV Pista GP R3 is named the AGV Pista GP Cube, in case you were wondering. It is the next leap forward in their top-flight helmet safety and form and it is pretty special. Designed to help deflect oblique impacts, it is locked and loaded with AGV’ s Sphera System and RLS technology that is claimed to reduce the risk of concussion by as much as six times. A full carbon experience, it is beautifully made, light and streamlined, far too pretty to hide under paint. Behind the new shape is wind tunnel and race developed systems, including allowing for the rider to swivel the head to track the apex without ruining the aerodynamics and destabilising the head, which creates stresses on the neck as well. The spoiler’ s design is created to enhance the airflow in real track conditions, not just in a straight line. New ventilation systems, a new, even tougher visor with nice solid retention when closed make this the perfect option for the serious racer right through to the sports rider. And just look at the beautiful flawless carbon fibre. Wearable art. …