BMW R20 Concept Beautifies The Big Boxer Engine

Showcasing its rich craftsmanship in front of the picturesque Villa d’Este at Lake Como, BMW unveiled its latest creation – the R20 Concept. While still in concept form, the new BMW R20 Concept might very well go into production given how previous concepts like the 9 Cento (F900 XR), 101 (K1600B), Roadster (R1250 GS), and the Link (CE04) have transitioned too. 

The BMW R20 Concept is the epitome of the brand’s portfolio, so quite naturally this is a premium affair. Celebrating its highest craftsmanship, the attention to detail is on another level. For starters the way the main headlight has been designed to make it appear like it is afloat optically in the middle of the daytime running light ring. 

While visually it might remind you of the R nineT roadster, the R20 Concept is built around a redeveloped chassis of the same with a new double loop main frame. The tank shape has been redesigned too with a progressive “hotter than pink” shade that BMW Motorrad says is inspired by the 70s. The single-piece floating seat is wrapped in Alcantara leather and the tail light comes integrated into it. The exposed driveshaft, two milled aluminium rear axle carriers, and a new two-arm variant of the BMW Paralever swingarm are the aesthetic highlights that neatly finish up the rear section. 

While not much has been divulged yet with the R20 Concept, the main intention here was to showcase the brand new ‘Big Boxer’ engine. This 2,000 cc, air-oil cooled mill with its new cylinder head covers has a really clean and precise design and is one attention grabber. All of this culminates down to the megaphone-styled open 2-in-2 exhaust system to deliver that loud, crisp, and bassy noise. The output figures of this engine have not been disclosed.

Suspension duties are taken care of Öhlins Blackline components both front and rear. The radially mounted brake comes with a six-piston caliper for the front and four four-piston caliper at the rear. With a short wheelbase of 1,550 mm and a steering head angle of 62.5 degrees, the R20 Concept should be agile to handle, and while not a corner rocket, but should be fun around corners. 

We expect the production version of the R20 Concept to be unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan later this year.