Timeless Appeal of BMW’s R 20 Concept Motorcycle
BMW motorcycles featuring the legendary Big Boxer engine have a classic charm that has stood the test of time. The brand’s flat-twin design has been around for a century, powering some of its most renowned models. Continually captivated by this engine, BMW Motorrad consistently develops innovative concepts that showcase the Big Boxer, with the latest being the BMW R 20 Concept motorcycle.
Unveiled at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the R 20 Concept was displayed alongside the BMW Concept Skytop. While the eye-catching design of the Skytop is undoubtedly impressive, the R 20 Concept would likely capture the attention of any motorbike enthusiast present. This model truly exemplifies perfection.
For clarity, in automotive slang, a "bimmer" refers to BMW cars, while "beemer" denotes its motorcycles.
The R 20 Concept is powered by the newest version of the Big Boxer engine, which is air and oil-cooled and now features a displacement of 2,000 cc. To better highlight the engine’s aesthetics, BMW’s engineers designed new cylinder head covers, a belt cover, and an oil cooler that strategically conceal some oil pipes.
As a result, the Big Boxer engine provides an unobstructed view from multiple angles, particularly noticeable from the side, where viewers can seemingly follow the air as it flows through the open intake funnels into the throttle bodies and cylinders. The clean design of the 2.0-liter engine not only enhances visual appreciation but should also produce a delightful sound, amplified by its 2-in-2 exhaust system, as it zips along winding roads.
The motorcycle features a sophisticated Öhlins Blackline suspension system with fully adjustable components both in the front and rear. Its large brake discs pair with ISR brake calipers—six pistons at the front and four at the rear—ensuring powerful deceleration.
Historically, the Big Boxer design lowers the bike’s center of gravity, but the R 20 Concept is reportedly better balanced, thanks to improvements to BMW’s renowned paralever. BMW has introduced a new two-arm design with a chrome-molybdenum steel swingarm and an aluminum strut.
The R 20 Concept also incorporates the exposed driveshaft seen in the BMW R 18, albeit shortened for a sleeker roadster appearance. The thick spokes of its 17-inch rear wheel (the same size as the front) are well integrated with the motorcycle’s overall aesthetic, harmonizing traditional and modern elements.
The vibrant gas tank features a ’70s-inspired color, evocatively described as "hotter than pink," although it appears more like a bold red, reminiscent of BMW’s Hellrot finish in daylight. Despite the motorcycle’s nearly flawless design, there is a minor critique regarding the lack of a more conclusive rear, a common trait among contemporary roadsters. While BMW labels it a "compact rear," the overall design could benefit from a more defined tail to achieve a balanced appearance.
Ultimately, the BMW R 20 Concept is a striking motorcycle that brilliantly merges history and modernity, continuing the legacy of the iconic Big Boxer engine.
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