The new popemobile is not what we imagined

Popemobile

No, you won’t soon run into the new pope in Rome on his new motorcycle. In fact, he doesn’t ride it at all. The BMW motorcycle is a gift, which he does not get to keep. It actually started as a playful idea. What if the pope were to bless a motorcycle? With that idea, BMW Motorrad dealer Witzel and one Thomas Draxler stepped to Munich. BMW Motorrad Germany saw merit and donated a brand new R 18 Transcontinental. The machine was then painted in pearly white and branded with the Vatican crest, just like the real popemobile.

The peace ride to Rome

To deliver the bike to the pope, a ride was organized that was very reminiscent of a modern pilgrimage. The blessed two-wheeler departed from the German town of Sennfeld, followed by a procession of BMW riders. Via stops in Schaafheim, Altötting and Verona, the party headed for Rome, with the necessary stops along the way for church services.

Audience

On September 3, 2025, the special R 18 was handed over to Pope Leo XIV during a festive audience. Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad, and Michael Sommer, head of BMW Motorrad Germany, symbolically handed over the keys. The pope put his signature and blessed the bike.

From Vatican to auction

The motorcycle will not stay in Rome. In October, the unique specimen will go under the hammer at Sotheby’s. The proceeds will go entirely to children’s aid projects in Madagascar. Until then, you can admire it at BMW Welt in Munich, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 7.

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