A BMW R 18 Transcontinental for Pope Leo XIV

On 3 September 2025, a specially designed BMW R 18 Transcontinental was officially presented to Pope Leo XIV. for his signature and blessing at the celebration in the Vatican. The Pope's signed R 18 Transcontinental will be auctioned off by Missio Austria via Sotheby's in October 2025 with proceeds going to children's relief work in Madagascar.

The R 18 Transcontinental was donated by BMW Motorrad Deutschland and perfected by BMW Motorrad retailer Witzel. Thomas Draxler, the owner of JESUS-BIKER®, and Witzel had the idea of constructing a complete one-of-a-kind bike for the pope for a worthy purpose. It was coated in mother-of-pearl white and the coat of arms of the Vatican was applied to it, among other modifications.

The customized motorcycle left on 31 August 2025 on a 'Peace Ride' from Motorrad Witzel in Sennfeld to Rome, via Schaafheim, Altötting and Verona and with accompanying church services. The journey was accompanied by the representatives of JESUS-BIKER®, BMW Motorrad and BMW Witzel, predominantly touring on BMW R 18 motorcycles sponsored by BMW Motorrad Germany.

Wednesday, 3 September 2025, BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Flasch, and head of BMW Motorrad Germany Michael Sommer, delivered the motorcycle personally to the Pope for signing and blessing, after the general audience at the Vatican.

Markus Flasch states:  "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 R18 Transcontinental. I would also like to thank Pope Leo XIV for taking the time to support this project."

This limited R 18 Transcontinental will be on display at BMW Welt Munich from 15 September to 7 October 2025, until the auction.