BMW donates custom R 18 Transcontinental to Pope Leo XIV for charity
I remember seeing a meme that widely circulated during the pandemic, depicting actor Arnold Schwarzenegger meeting Pope Francis. While the meme was just a humorous take with a line from the Terminator movies: “I need your boots, your clothes, and motorcycle,” I’m pretty sure that a lot of petrolheads who saw it also imagined the Pope riding a big-ass motorcycle like the ones ridden by the “Governator.”
On September 3, 2025, BMW Motorrad presented a one-of-a-kind BMW R 18 Transcontinental to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. This bagger motorcycle, finished in mother-of-pearl white and bearing the Vatican coat of arms, was blessed and personally signed by the Pope in a special ceremony.
The project was spearheaded by BMW Motorrad Deutschland in partnership with BMW dealer Witzel and Thomas Draxler, founder of the Christian motorcycle community JESUS-BIKER. Their collaboration transformed the R 18 Transcontinental, known for its long-distance comfort and classic cruiser styling, into a symbolic machine representing peace, faith, and solidarity.
Far from being a collector’s piece alone, the motorcycle has a larger purpose. It will be auctioned in October 2025 by Missio Austria through Sotheby’s, with all proceeds dedicated to children’s aid projects in Madagascar.
The journey of this motorcycle to Rome was equally significant. Dubbed the “Peace Ride,” it began in Germany and concluded at the Vatican, drawing attention from riders and onlookers across Europe. Its final blessing by Pope Leo XIV cemented it as both a spiritual symbol and a charitable instrument.
“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,” said Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad.
While the Pope may not have twisted the throttle and ridden off as many hoped, this R 18 “Pope Bagger,” as we’d like to call it, is set to travel farther than any odometer could measure. Its auction proceeds will fund education, healthcare, and better living conditions for children in Madagascar’s most vulnerable communities.
