A pope on a BMW R18?! On September 3, 2025, a specially adapted BMW R 18 Transcontinental was given the blessing and signature of Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. The pearl-white R18 with Vatican weapon goes through Sotheby’s under the hammer for children’s aid projects in Madagascar in October.
Something unique happened on 3 September 2025: a specially adapted BMW R 18 Transcontinental received the blessing and signature of Pope Leo XIV during a festive ceremony in the Vatican. This motorcycle is not just an R18 – it is a true collector’s item. In October 2025 he goes under the hammer at Sotheby’s, via Missio Austria, and the proceeds go to children’s aid projects in Madagascar.
The engine was donated by BMW Motorrad Deutschland and completely finished by BMW dealer Witzel. The idea of creating a motorcycle especially for the pope came from Witzel and Thomas Draxler, founder of Jesus-Biker®. The result? A mother-of-white R18 with the Vatican weapon and a series of unique details that really make him one of a species.
The journey of this special R18 began on August 31, 2025 with a ‘peace ride’ from Sennfeld to Rome, Sonchaafheim, Altötting and Verona, with church services en route. Teams from Jesus-Biker®, BMW Motorrad and BMW Witzel drove along, especially on BMW R 18s supplied by BMW Motorrad Germany.
On 3 September, Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad, and Michael Sommer, head of BMW Motorrad Germany, personally handed the motor to the Pope for his blessing and signature – immediately after the general audience.
“What initially sounded more like a crazy idea has developed into a great charity campaign. I am happy that we can support auxiliary projects for children in Madagascar at BMW Motorrad with our R18 Transcontinental. I also want to thank Pope Leo XIV for taking the time to support this project.”
From September 15 to October 7, 2025, this one-of-one R18 Transcontinental can be shifted in BMW Welt in Munich, ready for the auction. For every motorcycle fan, this is a moment to be quiet – and who knows … maybe he will soon be driving to a new owner with a heart for charity.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.