BMW Motorrad has used the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este to unveil the new R20 concept. It’s a minimalist motorcycle that features a Big Boxer heart. As the name suggests, the concept hints at a bike that could slot above the R18. That isn’t the only notable thing about the concept as it features a new 2.0-liter Big Boxer engine. BMW didn’t mention performance specifications, but said the engine has been equipped with an assortment of new components including cylinder head covers, a belt cover, and an oil cooler. These changes enabled the oil pipes to be partially hidden from view, resulting in a cleaner and more streamlined appearance.
The R20 sports an eye-catching “hotter
than pink” aluminum gas tank as well as a mix of polished and anodized aluminum
accents. They’re joined by milled aluminum rear axle carriers, an exposed
driveshaft, and a LED headlight that is surrounded by a 3D-printed aluminum
ring. We can also see a 2-in-2 exhaust system and black 17-inch wheels that are
backed up by a high-performance braking system. The latter has six-piston
calipers up front and four-piston calipers out back.
These components are accompanied by black
accents, a minimalist display, and a stylish seat that seamlessly blends
leather with Alcantara upholstery. Notably, the seat incorporates LED taillights
under its base. While BMW Motorrad was coy on specifics, they said the concept
has a “completely redeveloped” chassis and a fully adjustable Öhlins
suspension. The paralever has also been “executed in a new two-arm variant, in
which the swingarm is made of chrome-molybdenum steel and the paralever strut
is made of aluminum.”
The company wouldn’t say whether or not
the bike foreshadows a production model, but said the “R20 concept sets new
standards in the world of motorcycles and confirms BMW Motorrad’s commitment to
the finest engineering and the pure passion for motorcycling.”
