James Rispoli stands in his racing leathers looking up

JAMES RISPOLI IS RUNNING THE RACES

Big dreams and a sweet ride (or two)

James Rispoli is a name that commands respect in the world of motorcycle racing. Known for his fearless riding, Rispoli’s continuing career in the saddle spans traditional road racing and the King of the Baggers series.

His love for motorcycles began early. Rispoli started in motocross but quickly shifted to road racing, where his natural talent began to emerge. By his late teens, he was competing in the AMA Pro Racing series, excelling in the 600cc classes. In 2012, he achieved a career milestone by winning the AMA Pro Daytona Sportbike Championship, establishing himself as a rising star in American motorcycle racing.

HIS RESILIENCE AS A RIDER WAS EVIDENT AS HE ADAPTED TO VARIOUS MACHINES, CONSISTENTLY FINISHING IN THE TOP TEN AND EARNING A REPUTATION FOR PUSHING THE LIMITS OF HIS SKILL.

James Rispoli navigates a corner on his number forty-three motorcycle at Daytona International Speedway

After his success in Daytona Sportbike, Rispoli moved up to the SuperSport and Superbike classes in the MotoAmerica Championship. His resilience as a rider was evident as he adapted to various machines, consistently finishing in the top ten and earning a reputation for pushing the limits of his skill. It ain’t always pretty, but who doesn’t love watching a rider get squirrely, keep their composure, and end up on top of the podium?

In 2020 he joined the King of the Baggers series, a new racing discipline featuring heavily modified Harley-Davidson touring bikes. Rispoli quickly became a contender. His aggressive riding style and experience with road racing helped him excel in this unique heavyweight series that garners a lot of attention from those wondering, “What’s in the bags?” We’re pretty sure James has guts in his.

Rispoli’s bagger career has been transformative. His performances on these iconic machines, coupled with his growing fanbase, have made him one of the standout riders both on the track and in the pits. His success has elevated the series, with more and more fans of the Bar & Shield attending races every year.

James Rispoli’s career is a testament to his passion and versatility. From his early success in road racing to his continued achievements with Harley-Davidson, Rispoli has proven himself a force to be reckoned with. As he continues to race in King of the Baggers, his legacy in American motorcycle racing is still unfolding. His newest challenge? Rispoli will also be competing in the Super Hooligan class this year aboard a KWR Racing Pan America.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON FACTORY RACING

Meet the team and follow the action as Harley-Davidson pushes the limits in King of the Baggers.

Bradley Smith rides his race-prepared Road Glide on a chicane at a race track in the desert

EXPLORE THE PERFORMANCE LINEUP

All Models

EXPLORE MORE RACING

James Rispoli celebrates with his Harley-Davidson team on the podium.

RISPOLI STUNS, TAKES SUPER HOOLIGAN CROWN ON H-D PAN AMERICA ST

Solid performances throughout the weekend translated into the points required to leapfrog both rivals in the final tally, securing his first Mission Super Hooligan National Championship.

A group of racers poses in front of race-spec Harley-Davidson Road Glides at the MotoGP x Harley-Davidson test at the Barcelona GP in November 2024.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON BAGGER RACING GOES GLOBAL IN 2026

Welcome to Harley-Davidson BaggerGP.

Bradley Smith races on the track on his HD Bagger

PUSH THE LIMIT SEASON 3

See the action from the track to the paddock in Harley-Davidson’s series following our King of the Baggers and Super Hooligan series contenders.

A closeup of Bradley Smith riding his bright orange bagger around a curve on the track.

HARD RACING, HEAVY WEATHER, AND HIGH STAKES AT ROAD ATLANTA

Relive the weekend’s top moments from the race track with H-D Staff Photographer Josh Kurpius’ photos from the track and in the paddock.

Bradley Smith gets low in a corner on his number thirty-eight motorcycle

OUR TOP 10 FROM DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

The top 10 photos from the track where H-D riders executed a clean sweep.

Kyle Wyman rides sideways on a dirt flat track

KYLE WYMAN XR750 AT ELKHORN

Kyle Wyman takes his old XR750 out of hibernation and onto the track.

Bradley Smith stands before his number, 38

INSIDE THE MIND OF A RACER: BRADLEY SMITH

We had the chance to sit down with Bradley to talk about life on the track.

Kyle Wyman stands before his number, 33

KYLE WYMAN'S RACE TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Kyle Wyman’s journey from local tracks to the professional circuit.

Cory West on his H-D Pan America Super Hooligan Championship bike

GET TO KNOW SUPER HOOLIGAN CHAMP CORY WEST

The reigning champion seeks another #1 plate on his H-D Pan America ST.