Check out Pope Leo XIV's custom BMW R 18 Transcontinental

BMW has offered a closer look at a custom R 18 Transcontinental presented to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican earlier this month.  

The American-born leader of the Catholic Church put his signature on the white R 18, which will be auctioned off in October to support children’s aid projects in Madagascar. 

Painted in a “mother-of-pearl white” colour scheme, the custom bike also bears the Vatican coat of arms and a “LEO XIV” badge, among other modifications. 

The bike was sourced from BMW Motorrad Germany by a non-denominational Christian motorcycle club dubbed JESUS-BIKER. The group departed a BMW dealership in the Bavarian town of Sennfeld on August 31 for its “Peace Ride” pilgrimage, and arrived in Rome a few days later ahead of the Pontiff’s general audience on the steps of St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. 

This was all in celebration of the Jubliee of Hope, a special year-long Catholic event that typically only takes place once every 25 years. 

BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Flasch and BMW Motorrad Germany boss Michael Sommer joined the JESUS-BIKER group to present the R 18 Transcontinental to the Pope.

“I am happy that we at BMW Motorrad can support aid projects for children in Madagascar with our R18 Transcontinental,” said Flasch. “I would also like to thank Pope Leo XIV for taking the time to support this project.”

Leo XIV was photographed sitting on the R 18 before signing and blessing it. The Chicago native was born Robert Prevost, before adopting the name Pope Leo XIV following his election as Bishop of Rome in May. 

The Papal-endorsed BMW R 18 Transcontinental will be auctioned off by Missio Austria via Sotheby’s in October, but it will be on display at the BMW Welt museum in Munich until October 7.