Prototype Race Bagger Build
2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide
The Challenge
When we were approached to design and build a prototype race bagger based on a 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide, we jumped at the opportunity to showcase our ability to engineer, fabricate, and deliver custom race-ready motorcycles for any discipline of motorsport.
A customer engaged us to develop a prototype race bagger built to promote the fast-growing and fiercely competitive US race series King Of The Baggers in Australia. With the aim to have the first demonstration rounds of a race series in Australia coming in 2026, we got stuck straight into tackling the essentials within the guidelines provided by the ruleset.
The project demanded a ground-up rethink of much of the bike whilst critically preserving the visual DNA of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide.
The areas with the most value available were:
- Weight reduction
• Improved handling
• Optimised aerodynamics
Our Approach
We began with a full teardown of the 2024 Road Glide chassis, allowing precise digital modelling and CAD development of custom components. Every part was designed cohesively, with serviceability and adjustability being key for a motorcycle built for competition.
Key engineering efforts included:
Custom billet triple clamps, CNC-machined for increased front-end rigidity and precise steering feel and agility.
Bespoke adjustable rear sets, CNC-machined from billet aluminium, allowing a much more aggressive riding position that can be adjusted on the go to specific rider demands.
Custom swingarm modification to allow a steeper swingarm angle for longer shock heights and better anti-squat properties.
Fully reworked suspension geometry to enhance corner handling, ground clearance, and stability.
17” rims and chain drive to reduce rotating mass and allow a wide choice of racing-specific tyres and sprockets.
Custom 3D-printed mounts, caddies, and brackets designed to optimise centre of gravity and aerodynamic efficiency. Adjustments included raising the saddlebag heights, lowering the entire front fairing and fitting the forged carbon front guard.
Custom CNC-Machined Triple Clamps
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide OEM triple clamps have the forks positioned behind the steering neck, opposite to conventional sportbike triple clamps. To reduce the OEM trail (intended for highway cruising), the rake was actually increased. The clamps also raise the front end by nearly 2 inches, which, when combined with the longer rear shocks, gives the Road Glide far greater agility. The triple clamps were designed to accommodate upgraded upside-down forks and 17-inch forged wheels — a massive upgrade for circuit racing compared to the conventional forks and 19-inch rims designed for cruising.
Finally, our new design was precision CNC-machined from 6066 billet aluminium, hard anodised, and laser etched with the Australian Bagger Racing Series logo in-house.
Custom CNC-Machined Rear Sets
Without correct rider positioning, all other modifications are not going to be of much use. The OEM positioning is set for rider comfort over extended periods of time on the road; our goal is for maximum rider control through efficiency of movement and weight positioning, along with being able to adjust positioning for specific riders on the go.
All parts were CNC-machined from 6066 billet aluminium, hard anodised, and then laser etched in-house.
The Outcome
The completed prototype race bagger is a radical evolution of the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide, offering dramatically improved performance across the board.
By integrating lightweight materials, precision engineering, and service-oriented design, we created a purpose-built race bagger that not only looks stunning but delivers serious on-track performance.
From initial concept to completed prototype, this Bagger proves that race bikes aren’t limited by tradition — they’re defined by innovation.
