BMW presents Pope with a modified motorcycle
A specially modified BMW motorcycle was presented to Pope Leo XIV for his blessing and signature during a celebratory event at the Vatican on Sept. 3.
Missio Austria will auction the R 18 Transcontinental bearing the Pope’s signature in October via Sotheby’s, with the proceeds going to children’s aid projects in Madagascar.
The R 18 Transcontinental was donated by BMW Motorrad Deutschland and refined by BMW dealer Witzel. Witzel and Thomas Draxler, founder of Jesus-Biker, initiated the idea to create a unique bike for the pope for a good cause. It was painted mother-of-pearl white and the coat of arms of the Vatican was affixed to it, among other modifications.
In 2019, the same group presented Pope Francis with a white Harley-Davidson in Rome, which was later auctioned off for charity.
The bike started its journey on Aug. 31 with a “Peace Ride” before BMW executives personally presented the motorcycle to the Pope for blessing and signing, after the general audience at the Vatican.
“What initially sounded more like a crazy idea has developed into a great charity campaign,” says BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Flasch. “I am happy that we at BMW Motorrad can support aid projects for children in Madagascar with our R18 Transcontinental. I would also like to thank Pope Leo XIV for taking the time to support this project.”
This unique R 18 Transcontinental will be on display at BMW Welt, next to the BMW Museum, in Munich from Sept. 17 to Oct. 7, when it will then be auctioned off.
