'American racing at its finest': King of the Baggers series fueled by Harley-Davidson, Indian rivalry

DAYTONA BEACH — For an example of the animosity in the rivalry between Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles, just listen to how Tyler O’Hara, a racer on an Indian bike, refers — or doesn’t refer — to Harley.

“It gives the fans a chance to come out and root for Indian Motorcycles or the other brand,” O’Hara said.

He’s referring to the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers series, contested between modified Harley-Davidson Road Glide and the Indian Challenger bikes. The series is scheduled for two races this week at Daytona International Speedway, one getting underway at 3:10 p.m. on Friday afternoon and the other closing Bike Week ceremonies at the track after the conclusion of Saturday’s Daytona 200.

Started in 2020, the series made its debut in Daytona last year in a race won by O’Hara. He went on to win the series title as well.

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And there are plenty of things that set King of the Baggers apart. Despite being souped up a bit, the big cruisers are nearly the same as the bikes being driven by riders to the races. Certainly, that brings its own set of challenges, primarily maneuverability.

But at the heart of it is the manufacturer feud that is nearly 120 years old. Whether its on the track or off it, O’Hara said that rancor is a big part of what makes the series special.

“It’s unique, genuine, authentic American racing at its finest,” O’Hara said. “You have two great motorcycle manufacturers in a rivalry over 100 years now and it’s a full-blown development race. We both want to win, so the bikes are getting better and better.

“The rivalry itself, the consumers and the brand loyalty that these people have for their manufacturer is really the (most fun) part. They’re the ones talking smack and that’s the real rivalry, the two buddies that ride different motorcycles but they’re both American motorcycles and they’re both proud of what they ride.”

Certainly, O’Hara shares in that same pride.

“For me, I’m riding the modern-day, V-twin power Indian Challenger and it’s the bike to be on,” O’Hara said. “I think it’s changed the game. It’s making everybody better and we’re making waves.”

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Speaking of which, riding a wave is what O’Hara compared to hauling into a 31-degree banked turn while racing an 800-pound bike.

Despite years of past experience at the World Center of Racing, for O'Hara, the King of the Baggers series brought with it plenty of unknowns last year and even while winning, he said there was plenty to learn.

“Really understanding drafting and having to anticipate your passes and your moves on the banking and the overall (speed), I wasn’t expecting to go faster than my sport bike and we were going 176 miles per hour,” O’Hara said. “With all the torque and power we have, we’re still spinning the tire around the banking and getting sideways.

"Really been working on bike stability and rear-wheel drive grip. We learned a lot, but also aerodynamics is a big part of it and our aero package and just drafting. Learning the draft, working on the draft and how big a hole these things punch in the air versus a sport bike.”

And hey, racing aside, it’s still Daytona Beach. For a guy who calls Northern California home, there's plenty to look forward to this week, outside of racing.

“I’ll have my pink pineapple shirt on, some beach flip flops … it’s like spring break to me,” O’Hara said.

The fastest Hooligan and the baddest Bagger

Finally, the Baggers title won’t be the only one O’Hara will begin defending in Daytona.

He’s also the reigning champion in the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship and there are a pair of races in that series this week as well, one at 8:32 p.m. on Thursday and the other on Saturday morning at 10:10.

Yet, despite reaching the pinnacle twice in 2022, O’Hara said complacency is not a concern.

“Man, I’m hungry,” O’Hara said. “To be able to run the number one plate in two classes is a dream come true and I’m very proud of that and honored just to represent America’s first motorcycle manufacturer. I’m going to take it one race at a time, but I’m still hungry.

"I’m ready to fight and I’m ready to get it on, man. There’s no pressure on me. The pressure is on them to beat me.”

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Bike Week: Tyler O'Hara enters Daytona as Hooligan, Baggers dual champ