The covers were whipped off a BMW R 20 concept bike with a stonking 2.0-litre boxer twin at the recent Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como “as a central sculptural element”.
According to Markus Flasch, Head of BMW Motorrad, “The BMW R20 concept is a mechanical masterpiece, with the Big Boxer in its centre. Distinctly BMW Motorrad.”
The centerpiece of the BMW R20 concept is, of course, its mammoth 2000cc air-oil-cooled boxer engine. New cylinder head covers, a new belt cover and a new oil cooler were developed for the concept bike in order to be able to mount the partially hidden oil pipes.
The chassis has been redeveloped too, with a black double-loop main frame made of chrome-molybdenum steel tubes forming the backbone.
“The R20 concept is a bold interpretation of the BMW Motorrad DNA,” says Alexander Buckan, Head of Design BMW Motorrad. “It combines modern technical elements with a classic roadster design. Its oversized proportions and minimalistic aesthetic make it an unmistakable character.”
Check out Adam Child’s walk around of the bike BMW R 20 concept below:
The wide 200/55-17 rear hoop and 120/70-17 front are mounted to black wheels that are said to combine tradition and modernity. The rear-end features a new two-arm Paralever setup, in which the swingarm is made of chrome-molybdenum steel, and the Paralever strut is made of aluminium. There are two milled aluminium rear axle carriers and the exposed driveshaft is adopted from the R 18, but it has been shortened for integration into the roadster architecture. There are fully adjustable Öhlins Blackline components front and rear, while chassis geometry sees a steering head angle of 62.5° and a wheelbase of 1550mm. Radially mounted brake calipers from ISR feature front and rear, six piston units up front and four pistons at the rear.
The aluminium fuel tank is finished in a wild ‘hotter than pink’ colour, which contrasts with several polished and anodised aluminium components, as well as the gunmetal Paralever strut, footrest system and the ISR brake calipers .
The taillight is integrated into the single seat, which is upholstered with quilted black Alcantara and fine-grain leather. A modern LED headlight is presented in form of a 3D-printed aluminium ring with integrated daytime running light. The main headlight appears to float optically in the middle of this daytime running light ring.
BMW says the R20 concept “takes the Big Boxer Culture to a new level”. With any luck this suggests a production version of this stunning machine might not be too far away.
