BMW Motorrad made waves at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este with the unveiling of its latest concept motorcycle, the R20. Presented from May 24 to May 26, 2024, the R20 Concept captivated enthusiasts with its blend of craftsmanship and innovative engineering.
Described by BMW Motorrad as a roadster, the R20 Concept exhibits design elements reminiscent of both cafe racers and bobbers. Despite its striking appearance, BMW has yet to confirm whether the R20 Concept will transition into production.
Notable features of the R20 Concept include its distinctive Big Boxer engine and meticulous attention to detail. The motorcycle boasts a newly designed fuel tank inspired by 1970s aesthetics, finished in a vibrant hue referred to as “hotter than pink.” Complementing this striking color choice, the Paralever strut, footrest system, and ISR brake callipers are adorned in gunmetal, while polished and anodised aluminium components adorn the cylinder head covers, belt covers, and air intake funnels.
The R20 Concept showcases a single-seat design upholstered in fine-grain leather and quilted black Alcantara. BMW has ingeniously integrated the rear LED tail lamp into the seat itself, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Additionally, the motorcycle features LED Daytime Running Lamps with a 3D-printed aluminium ring, paired with an LED headlamp for optimal visibility.
At the heart of the R20 Concept lies the air-oil-cooled Big Boxer engine, now boasting a displacement of 2,000 cc. The engine is adorned with new cylinder head covers, a belt cover, and an oil cooler, meticulously designed to partially conceal the oil pipes. Twin loudhailer exhaust pipes with impeccable finishing add to the allure of the concept bike.
The chassis of the R20 Concept has undergone a complete redesign, featuring a black double-loop main frame constructed from chrome-molybdenum steel tubes. The motorcycle rides on a 17-inch spoke front wheel and a 17-inch black disc rear wheel, equipped with 120/70 and 200/55 tyres, respectively.
Combining historical charm with modern engineering, the R20 Concept incorporates a chrome-molybdenum steel swingarm and an aluminium Paralever strut. The exposed driveshaft, derived from the R18 model, has been adapted for use in the roadster architecture. Fully adjustable Ohlins Blackline suspension components enhance both comfort and performance, operating at both the front and rear.
Key specifications of the R20 Concept include a steering head angle of 62.5 degrees and a wheelbase of 1,550 mm. Radially mounted ISR brake callipers, equipped with six pistons at the front and four pistons per calliper at the rear, ensure precise deceleration and responsive handling.
