Pope's Harley to go to auction

You'd have to be safe on this one. A Harley-Davidson blessed with the signature of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and later received by Pope Francis, is to be auctioned for charity at Bonhams Paris Sale on February 5.

The bike is to be offered as part of Bonhams Grand Palais auction, entered at no reserve, with an estimate of €15,000-25,000 ($22,000 to $36,700).

In a special countdown to Harley-Davidson’s 110th anniversary celebrations, two commemorative fuel tanks were presented to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

These were signed, and returned to Harley headquarters where they were mounted to their respective motorcycles. Of these, one remains in the Harley-Davidson museum in Milwaukee. The remaining bike lay waiting for a special ceremony where it would be presented to the Pope in front of tens of thousands of Harley-Davidson riders at 2013s 110th anniversary celebration.

However, in an unforeseen change to the papacy, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI abdicated in January 2013. This saw the Softail Classic presented to the newly inaugurated Pope, his holiness Pope Francis.

"It’s an honour to have been selected to sell this fantastic machine. We expect a lot of interest, and hope to raise some spirited bidding for the very worthy charity selected," said Ben Walker, International Director for Bonhams Motorcycle Department.

"In February 2014, Bonhams sold 1585cc Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide signed by His Holiness Pope Francis. Now we’re delighted to offer a motorcycle received by both Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI; it was present during a pivotal period in the papacy of the Catholic Church, and we expect a lot of interest in it."

For more info contact Bonhams motorcycle representatives at: www.bonhams.com/departments/MOT-CYC/.