BMW R18 Transcontinental Signed by Pope Leo XIV Sells for ₹1.32 Crore in Munich Auction
The BMW R18 Transcontinental signed by Pope Leo XIV sold for ₹1.32 crore; proceeds aid Madagascar kids.
A custom BMW R18 Transcontinental motorcycle, personally signed by Pope Leo XIV, has been sold for €130,000 (approximately ₹1.32 crore) at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Munich, Germany. The proceeds will fully support children’s aid projects in Madagascar, as announced by BMW Motorrad. The signing ceremony took place at St Peter’s Square, where the Pope blessed the cruiser during a special handover attended by BMW Motorrad executives, including CEO Markus Flasch and Head of Germany Michael Sommer.
The motorcycle, built on the standard R18 Transcontinental platform, underwent rapid disassembly, reconstruction, and redesign within weeks to create a unique collector’s piece. Mechanically identical to production models, it features a 1,802 cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin engine producing 91 horsepower and 158 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed transmission. Standard pricing for the R18 Transcontinental begins at ₹32.50 lakh in India or $24,395 globally, making the auction price a significant premium driven by its papal provenance.
Equipped with premium touring features, the bike includes a 10.25-inch TFT display with navigation and Bluetooth, four analogue gauges, dynamic cruise control, cornering headlights, keyless ignition, stability control, and ride modes named “Rock” and “Roll”. Chrome accents, white pinstriping, and a custom seat further distinguish this unit, which was delivered directly from BMW’s Berlin plant.
Also Read: Skoda Superb Covers 2,831 Km on Single Tank, Sets Guinness World Record
The auction highlights the intersection of automotive craftsmanship, celebrity endorsement, and philanthropy. BMW Motorrad’s initiative not only elevates the R18’s legacy as a luxury cruiser but also channels high-profile collectibility toward humanitarian impact. The bike now joins an elite group of papal-blessed vehicles, with its new owner acquiring both a high-performance machine and a piece of modern ecclesiastical history.
Also Read: BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme Breaks Seven-Minute Barrier at Nurburgring
