BMW

Pope’s blessing turns BMW R 18 Transcontinental into a $182,000 charity bike

Published on Oct 30, 2025 at 2:32 AM (UTC+4)
by Grace Donohoe

Last updated on Oct 29, 2025 at 4:36 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Emma Matthews

A BMW R 18 Transcontinental motorcycle was signed by Pope Leo XIV, and it has now helped charitable causes.

The high-end motorcycle was signed by the Pontiff back in September.

Now, facilitated by Sotheby’s, it’s gone under the hammer at auction.

And, as you’d expect, it went for a hefty sum thanks to the rare signature..

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Pope Leo XIV’s legacy goes mobile

Pope Leo XIV is no stranger to recognizing a fast vehicle, and now he’s continued his love of cars into the world of motorcycles.

With the Pope recently adding two electric Popemobiles to his fleet, it’s clear the figure has a love of all things fast and furious.

The Pontiff was presented with the BMW motorbike during an event at the Vatican, with the aim of the signature boosting the value for the charity auction.

The motorbike was ‘uniquely customized’ and was built by Motorrad Witzel, with the mother-of-pearl shade of the BMW inspired by the special Popemobile.

Pope’s blessing turns BMW R 18 Transcontinental into a $182,000 charity bike
RM Sotheby’s

Other slick features, including a ‘peace’ script and even a dedicated tag, were included on the bike.

After being reportedly ridden down the steps of St Peter’s Basilica, the BMW R 18 Transcontinental was signed and then auctioned off via Sotheby’s for a whopping sum of $182,000 (€156,000).

“The fantastic result of the auction of our R 18 Transcontinental signed by Pope Leo XIV is a wonderful final highlight of this charity campaign.

Pope’s blessing turns BMW R 18 Transcontinental into a $182,000 charity bike
RM Sotheby’s

“Like everyone involved, I am also delighted that we can make a significant contribution with the auction proceeds of 130,000 euros to support aid projects for children in Madagascar together with Missio Austria,” BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Flasch said in a press release.

BMW Motorrad is the motorcycle department of the car brand, providing bikes for those who prefer the smaller mode of transport to traditional cars, with a variety of options on offer.

Sotheby’s also explained that when the bike was delivered, it was presented by the Jesus Biker group as part of the ‘Peace Ride’.

It went from Schaafheim via Altötting in Germany and Italy’s world-famous Verona before arriving at the Vatican.

The BMW R 18 Transcontinental is an impressive ride

As you’d expect, the engine underneath the bike is a powerhouse; after all, it is made by BMW.

Pope’s blessing turns BMW R 18 Transcontinental into a $182,000 charity bike
RM Sotheby’s

The 1,802-cc engine is capable of producing 91hp at 4,750 rpm, plus it’s even air-cooled.

First introduced in 2021, it merged the ‘big boxer’ bike with high-tech components and a sleek design. And now, it’s met the Pope!

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Grace started her career writing about the weird and wonderful for the international press. She's covered everything from lifestyle to sports and hard news and now finds herself pursuing her main interest - cars. She's loved cars from a young age and has a keen interest in luxury travel too.