- BMW Motorrad has presented a modified R 18 Transcontinental to Pope Leo XIV.
- He signed the bike and it will be auctioned off to support children in Madagascar.
- The model features a white paint job, chrome accents, and the Vatican coat of arms.
BMW Motorrad is preparing to auction an R 18 Transcontinental for charity and they recently got some fatherly help. In this case, it was the Holy Father himself, Pope Leo XIV.
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The American-born pontiff was presented with the bike for his blessing and signature during an event at the Vatican earlier this month. The R 18 was donated by BMW Motorrad Deutschland and “refined” by Motorrad Witzel GmbH.
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The company didn’t detail the upgrades, but mentioned a mother-of-pearl white paint job as well as the addition of the Vatican coat of arms. We can also see “Leo XIV” badging on the engine as well as “peace” written in a variety of languages. They’re joined by bright chrome accents and a white, heated leather seat.
The one-off model embarked on a “Peace Ride,” which began in Sennfeld, Germany and ended in Rome. It was then presented to the Pope by BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Flasch and his German counterpart.
Images: BMW and Vatican Media
The motorcycle will go on display at the BMW Welt Museum in Munich later this month, before being auctioned off by Sotheby’s in October. Proceeds will benefit children aid projects in Madagascar.
Flasch said “What initially sounded more like a crazy idea has developed into a great charity campaign. I am happy that we at BMW Motorrad can support aid projects for children in Madagascar with our R 18 Transcontinental.” He also thanked Pope Leo XIV for his time and support.
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