presentation of the 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025
After the popemobile, the popecycle? The idea lends itself to a smile, and is not at all topical. But any motorcyclist will be amused to see what Pope Leo XIV is doing with this R 18 Transcontinental. A pontifical motorcycle, that wouldn't be commonplace. Except here, His Holiness is lending a helping hand to the idle.
On September 3, 2025, this specially modified BMW was presented to Pope Leo XIV by BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Flasch and BMW Motorrad Germany head Michael Sommer. Not at all intimidated, the Behemoth received the blessing and signature of the church's most senior figure at an event held at the Vatican. This immaculate R 18 Transcontinental will be auctioned by Missio Austria via Sotheby's in October 2025 - with proceeds going to children's aid projects in Madagascar.
This majestic tourer was donated by BMW Motorrad Deutschland and refined by dealer Witzel. Witzel and Thomas Draxler, founder of JESUS-BIKER, initiated the idea of creating a unique motorcycle for the Pope and for a good cause. Modifications included white pearlescent paint and the Vatican coat of arms.
The motorcycle began its journey on August 31, 2025 with a "Peace Ride" from Motorrad Witzel in Sennfeld to Rome, via Schaafheim, Altitting and Verona, accompanied by church services. This unique R 18 Transcontinental will be on display at BMW Welt in Munich from September 15 to October 7, 2025, until the auction.
Image and info credits: BMW
Key facts BMW 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV (2025) : What you need to know before you buy
Prices
| Basic version | |
|---|---|
|
130,000€
|
Model sold in 2025
Performance
- Max speed : 180 km/h (111.80 mph)
- 0-100 km/h acceleration : 4.80 s
- Average fuel consumption : 5.80 liters/100km (0.41 mpg)
-
Estimated range
: 414 km (257 miles)
Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.
Specifications BMW 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025
- Chassis
- Two-seater saddle
- Frame : double tubular steel cradle
- Fuel capacity : 24 liters (6.34 US gallons)
- Seat height : 740 mm (29.13 in)
- Length : 2,640 mm (103.94 in)
- Width : 970 mm (38.19 in)
- Min height : 1,500 mm (59.06 in)
-
Min. ground clearance : 183 mm (7.20 in)
- Wheelbase : 1,695 mm (66.73 in)
- Weight when fully loaded : 427 kg (941 lb)
- Front axle
- Telescopic fork Ø 49 mm, Wheel travel : 120 mm (4.72 in)
- Angle de chasse : 27.3 °
- Braking 2 discs Ø 300 mm (11.81 in), radial mounting, 4-piston caliper
- Front tire (Tubeless) : 120 / 70 - 19 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2.9 bar
- Transmission
- 6 stage gearbox , manual
- Secondary cardan shaft
- Rear axle
- Monoshock, Wheel travel : 120 mm (4.72 in)
- Braking 1 disc Ø 300 mm (11.81 in), single-piston caliper
- Rear tire (Tubeless) : 180 / 65 - 16 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 3.2 bar
- Motor
- two-cylinder flat , 4 strokes
- Injection Ø 48 mm
- Cooling system : combined air / oil
- 2 AC + rocker arms
- 4 valves per cylinder
- 1,802 cc
- 91 ch (89.70 hp) to 4,750 rpm
- 16.60 mkg (163 Nm) to 3,000 rpm
- Power-to-weight ratio : approximately 4.54 kg/ch
- Weight / torque ratio : approximately 24.51 kg/mkg
- Compression : 9.6 : 1
- Starting system : electric
- CO² emissions: 129 g/km
- Anti-pollution standard : Euro 5+
- Standard equipment
- Brake assist : ABS
- Number of riding modes : 3
- Storage volume : 102 liters
- TFT Full-Colour screen size: 26.04 cm (10.25 inches)
- Gear indicator
- Cruise control
- Radio
- USB plug
- Reverse gear
- Keyless ignition
- Traction control
- Heated grips
- Saddlebags
- Crash Bars / Top Blocks
- Radar system
- Anti-slip clutch
- Engine-brake control
- Practical information
- A one-of-a-kind vehicle, only one produced
- Country of manufacture : Germany
Used
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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025
- What is the power of the 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025?
-
The 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025 develops a power of 91 ch (89.70 hp)
- What is the torque of the 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025?
-
The maximum torque of the 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025 is 16.60 mkg (163 Nm) to 3,000 rpm.
- What is the maximum speed of the 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025?
-
The 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025 is capable of reaching a top speed of 180 km/h (111.80 mph) on the track.
- What is the weight of the 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025?
-
The 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025 has a a weight when fully loaded of 427 kg (941 lb).
- What is the fuel consumption of the 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025?
-
Average fuel consumption is estimated at 5.80 l/100km (0.41 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.
- QWhat is the seat height of the 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025?
-
To ensure good accessibility, the 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025 offers a minimum seat height of 740 mm (29.13 in).
- What is the price of the 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025?
-
The price of the 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025 is 130,000€ in Germany
- What colors are available for the 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV 2025?
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For the 2025 model year, the 1800 R 18 Transcontinental Léon XIV is available in one color: white.
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