If you would have asked me if the words “Pope” and “Harley-Davidson” have ever been used in a sentence together, I would have said no. Apparently I am very wrong, as those words have been used together, and the Vatican and the Pope have actually received a few Harley-Davidsons over the years. The fact that there is more than one Pope motorcycle is impressive, and these vehicles have been sold in auctions.
Back in 2013 Willie G. Davidson, a retired designed and the grandson of the company’s founder, gave Pope Francis a very special Harley-Davidson. The particular model was a 110-year anniversary edition of the Dyna Super Glide. The Vatican didn’t hang on to it for to long, as I’m sure the Pope isn’t an avid motorcycle enthusiasts, as they auctioned it off last year. The vehicle was signed by Pope Francis however which made it more valuable obviously. That bike ended up selling for $327,000 dollars.
Harley-Davidson also presented a Softail Classic to Pope Benedict XVI some years ago and that too has recently been sold off at a Bonhams auction. Pope Benedict XVI owned the bike for some time, but after he passed away, it came into the possession of Pope Francis. This bike was signed by Pope Benedict XVI in addition to Willie G. Davidson. While the first bike sold for a large sum of money, this bike eventually sold for only $52,000 dollars. Proceeds from both the bikes went to charity.
The fact that two Popes came into possession of harley-Davidson motorcycles is pretty silly, and goes against what most Harley riders are usually perceived as. I wonder if the bikes had been blessed, and if they have, maybe the bikes new owners might feel more comfortable riding them in terms of safety.
Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images
