On August 10, 2023, the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, played host to one of the most anticipated events in motorcycle racing — the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers series. The race, which combines the unexpected pairing of heavyweight touring motorcycles and competitive track racing, proved to be a thrilling spectacle for both riders and fans alike. Here’s a look back at the event and the key takeaways from an unforgettable day on the track.
The Rise of King of the Baggers
The MotoAmerica King of the Baggers series has been gaining popularity since its inception in 2020, when it began as a one-off exhibition race. What started as a novelty quickly evolved into a full-fledged championship series, drawing massive crowds and attracting riders from various disciplines. The allure of seeing 600-pound-plus Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles — traditionally seen cruising down highways — racing on a world-class track has created a unique appeal that distinguishes it from other motorcycle racing formats.
Austin’s race marked the fourth round of the 2023 King of the Baggers season, and with only one race remaining in the championship, the stakes were incredibly high. The event at COTA was particularly significant, as the track is renowned for its challenging layout, with a mix of high-speed straights, tight corners, and elevation changes that test both the power and agility of these massive machines.
Race Day Highlights: A Battle of American V-Twins
Under the hot Texas sun, the race kicked off with a fierce battle between two of the sport’s most prominent teams: Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle and Indian Motorcycle Racing. Tyler O’Hara, riding for the Indian Motorcycle team, came into the race with a slim lead in the championship standings, closely followed by Kyle Wyman of Harley-Davidson. Both riders have been at the forefront of the series, each embodying their manufacturer’s pride and determination to dominate this emerging segment of motorcycle racing.
From the green flag, the race quickly became a duel between these two rivals. O’Hara took an early lead, leveraging the nimble handling of his Indian Challenger around COTA’s tight turns. However, Wyman, riding a Harley-Davidson Road Glide, remained in close pursuit, making full use of his bike’s straight-line speed to close the gap on the straights. The two riders exchanged the lead multiple times, pushing their motorcycles to the limit, with the roar of the engines echoing across the sprawling Texas circuit.
Midway through the race, disaster struck for O’Hara as he made a minor mistake entering Turn 11, running wide and allowing Wyman to seize the opportunity. With just a few laps to go, Wyman capitalized on his rival’s error and maintained a narrow but crucial lead. Despite a late charge from O’Hara, Wyman managed to fend off his challenger, crossing the finish line first and securing a vital victory for Harley-Davidson.
The Underdogs Make Their Mark
While much of the attention was focused on the battle between O’Hara and Wyman, several other riders delivered impressive performances. James Rispoli, riding a Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson, showcased remarkable consistency and skill throughout the race, finishing third. His smooth riding style and strategic approach allowed him to stay within striking distance of the leaders for much of the event, underscoring his potential as a rising star in the series.
Meanwhile, Travis Wyman, Kyle’s younger brother, also put in a notable performance on his Harley-Davidson, finishing just outside the podium in fourth place. Despite some early setbacks, including a less-than-ideal start, Travis demonstrated resilience and speed, steadily climbing up the ranks. His ability to recover from a poor start and still secure a top-five finish highlighted the depth of talent within the field and added another layer of excitement to the race.
What Sets King of the Baggers Apart
The King of the Baggers series is unlike any other in motorcycle racing. The bikes themselves — modified versions of stock touring models — are the stars of the show. These heavyweight machines, which typically weigh over 600 pounds, are engineered for long-distance cruising, not competitive racing. Yet, teams have taken on the challenge of transforming these behemoths into race-worthy contenders.
To compete, each bike undergoes extensive modifications, including custom suspension setups, race-spec exhaust systems, upgraded brakes, and engine enhancements that boost power output. Despite these changes, the bikes retain much of their original form, ensuring that they still look like the baggers seen on highways across America. This blend of familiar design and high-performance capability is part of what makes the series so engaging for fans.
Moreover, the King of the Baggers series has cultivated a unique fan base. It draws not only traditional motorcycle racing enthusiasts but also a new crowd — Harley and Indian riders, many of whom have never attended a professional motorcycle race before. The series has become a celebration of American motorcycle culture, bringing together a diverse audience to witness an exhilarating spectacle.
Looking Ahead: The Future of King of the Baggers
The Austin race set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the 2023 King of the Baggers season. With just one race left, the battle for the championship is heating up. Kyle Wyman’s victory in Austin narrowed Tyler O’Hara’s lead to just a few points, setting up a high-stakes showdown at the final race in New Jersey.
As the series continues to grow in popularity, its future looks bright. MotoAmerica has already announced plans to expand the series in 2024, with more races and potentially new manufacturers joining the fray. The King of the Baggers has proven that there is a place for heavyweight touring motorcycles in competitive racing, and its unique blend of power, agility, and spectacle shows no signs of slowing down.
Conclusion
The MotoAmerica King of the Baggers race in Austin was a showcase of innovation, competition, and culture. The battle between O’Hara and Wyman exemplified the spirit of the series, while the performances of riders like James Rispoli and Travis Wyman highlighted the depth of talent within this growing field. As the championship heads toward its final showdown, fans can look forward to more thrilling races and a bright future for this unique racing series.
