BMW dealer creates “Papal” R 18 Transcontinental

Following a precedent set by his predecessor, Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV has signed and blessed a special motorcycle that will be auctioned for charity.

While it would seem a natural fit for the first American head of the Catholic Church to bless a Harley-Davidson, the bike that received Leo’s approval was a BMW.

In August, a 2024-model R 18 Transcontinental tourer was donated by BMW to Motorrad Witzel GmbH, a BMW dealership in the German city of Sennfeld. Witzel, in collaboration with Germany’s ‘Jesus Bikers’ Christian riding club, then modified the R 18.

Along with a repaint in Mother of Pearl white, assisted by specialist paint ship Eugen Hering, the bike’s touring seat was retrimmed in white leather, and the ‘1800cc’ badges on the Big Boxer twin replaced with ones bearing ‘LEO XIV’.

Witzel also added Pope Leo XIV’s unique coat of arms to the front guard and panniers, along with the word ‘peace’ in multiple languages around the top box. A red finish for the pedals and footpeg brackets references the tradition of Popes wearing red shoes to symbolise martyrdom, authority and humility.

Other notable features include polished Roland Sands Design alloy wheels, numerous chrome trim parts, and a set of Vance & Hines mufflers.

Upon completion in September, this unique motorcycle led a ‘Peace Ride’ from Motorrad Witzel to Rome, accompanied by Jesus Bikers and BMW Motorrad representatives, stopping for church services along the way.

After a general audience at the Vatican in St. Peter’s Square, the one-off R 18 Transcontinental was ridden down the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, where Markus Flasch, the CEO of BMW Motorrad, and Michael Sommer, head of BMW Motorrad Germany, presented the bike to Pope Leo XIV for blessing and signing.

Donated to Missio Austria, the Austrian-based Catholic missionary organisation led by the Pope, the Papal R 18 Transcontinental will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s in Munich on 18 October, 2025. To be offered without reserve, the bike is expected to sell for 40,000 – 60,000 Euros (AU$57,600 – 86,400 approx.). Proceeds will go to Missio Austria’s children’s aid projects in Madagascar.