BMW R18 Transcontinental Signed by Pope Raises 130k Euros at Auction
Proceeds to support children's aid in Madagascar
In September, BMW announced it donated an R18 Transcontinental to be blessed by Pope Leo XIV and auctioned off to benefit children in Madagascar.
That auction took place October 18 through Sotheby's at Motorworld, in Munich, Germany, with the Vatican-themed touring bike sold for 130,000 euros.
Customized German motorcycle dealer Witzel and JESUS-BIKER founder Thomas Draxler, the R18 Transcontinental features a mother-of-pearl white paint scheme with Pope Leo XIV's coat of arms, and the word "peace" written in several languages on the top case.
Pope Leo XIV's BMW R 18 Transcontinental
Begin Press Release:
Successful auction of the BMW R 18 Transcontinental signed by Pope Leo XIV. on October 18, 2025, as part of a Sotheby’s auction in Munich
The proceeds of 130,000 euros will be donated to children's aid projects in Madagascar
On September 3, 2025, during a ceremonial event at the Vatican, a specially customized BMW R 18 Transcontinental was presented to Pope Leo XIV. for blessing and signing on the motorcycle.
This uniquely customized R 18 Transcontinental, donated by BMW Motorrad and bearing the signature of the Pontiff, was successfully auctioned by Missio Austria through Sotheby's at Motorworld in Munich on October 18, 2025. The proceeds from this auction, amounting to 130,000 euros, will go to children's aid projects in Madagascar.
Markus Flasch, CEO BMW Motorrad: "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. 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. And of course, I wish the new owner lots of fun with this unique BMW R 18 Transcontinental."
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I wanted one until I sat on one, absolutely no leg room
This particular B-M-W = Beelzebub Motor Wagen, complete with 'signature'