BMW Motorrad had announced in September that the R18 Transcontinental motorcycle, signed by Pope Leo XIV, went under the hammer. In the latest update, the motorcycle has found its new home and has been sold for 130,000 euros (around Rs 1.32 crore). It was sold in Munich, Germany, in an auction conducted by RM Sotheby's. The ceremony to sign the motorcycle took place at St Peter's Square in Vatican City. The entire proceeds from the auction will now be donated to children's aid projects in Madagascar.
The BMW R18 Transcontinental motorcycle that came off the BMW assembly line isn't remarkable solely because it received a blessing from Leo XIV. Rather, the bike was constructed within weeks, involving disassembly, reconstruction, and redesign of the R18. The motorcycle was handed over to Markus Flasch, the CEO of BMW Motorrad, and later, Michael Sommer, Head of BMW Motorrad Germany, presented it to the Pope.
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From a mechanical POV, this BMW motorcycle is the same as any other R 18 Transcontinental, featuring a 1,802 cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin engine that generates 91 horsepower and 158 Nm of torque. The base price for a standard R 18 Transcontinental is around Rs 32.50 lakh in India and $24,395 (approximately Rs 21.53 lakh), but this distinctive model is expected to fetch a higher price.
Regarding its features, the R 18 Transcontinental cruiser includes a 10.25-inch TFT color display with Bluetooth connectivity and navigation capabilities. It also features four analog gauges that indicate fuel level, speed, engine RPM, and power reserve. Additional elements include Dynamic cruise control, cornering headlights, keyless ignition, stability control, and ride modes labeled 'Rock' and 'Roll'.