THE BMW R20 CONCEPT IS THE BIG BOXTER ROADSTER WE ADDED TO OUR 2-WHEEL WISH LIST.
At the picturesque Villa d'Este at Lake Como, BMW Motorrad unveiled its latest design masterpiece: the BMW R20 concept - and it’s a stunner of a bike with both modern and classic vibes, just the way we like it. The BMW R20 celebrates the highest craftsmanship and is the epitome of expressive and cool design, refined right down to the very last detail. As part of the renowned Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, famous for its elegance and historical significance for extraordinary vehicles, BMW Motorrad showcased the legendary air-oil cooled Big Boxer engine as a central sculptural element. "The BMW R20 concept is a mechanical masterpiece, with the Big Boxer in its centre. Distinctly BMW Motorrad," says Markus Flasch, Head of BMW Motorrad. The BMW R20 concept is a bike that impresses with a classically strong appearance in a casual gentleman style with the usual attributes of BMW Motorrad: classic design, excellent engineering and thrilling mechanics. Centred around the Big Boxer engine as the epicentre of great riding pleasure, the expressive tank presents itself like a sculpture, the rear is reduced to the essentials to emphasise the clean lines and the power of the motorcycle. The chassis has been completely redeveloped and a black double-loop main frame made of chrome-molybdenum steel tubes now forms the backbone. The black disc wheel at the rear with a 200/55 tyre and a 17" wheel with black spokes and a 120/70 tyre up front combines tradition and modernity. The proven BMW Paralever has 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 aluminium. The kinematics are designed so that the drive torque is completely balanced. The two-milled aluminium rear axle carriers are another high-quality detail. The exposed driveshaft, conceptually adopted from the R18 – the visual highlight of the well-known R18 models - has been shortened for integration into the roadster architecture. As suspension elements, fully adjustable Öhlins Blackline components work at the front and rear. The basic vehicle geometry has a steering head angle of 62.5°, as well as a wheelbase of 1,550 mm. Radially mounted brake calipers from ISR at the front and rear take care of the deceleration – with six pistons at the front and four pistons per brake caliper at the rear. Additionally, the 2-in-2 exhaust system delivers the appropriate sound character and perfectly completes the design.
As a Big Boxer Roadster, the BMW 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. The centrepiece of the BMW R20 concept continues to be the air-oil-cooled Big Boxer engine, now with a displacement of 2,000 cc. For the concept bike, new cylinder head covers, a new belt cover and a new oil cooler were developed, to be able to mount the oil pipes partially hidden. A special highlight is the side view: The eye follows the path of the air as it flows through the open intake funnels into the throttle bodies and cylinders, before escaping through the open exhaust system and the tailpipes in megaphone design, creating the typical Big Boxer sound. The aluminium tank has a new design and presents itself in the progressive colour "hotter than pink" from the 1970´s. The BMW R20 concept is colour-coordinated with the cylinder head covers, belt cover and air intake funnels made of polished and anodised aluminium, as well as the Paralever strut, footrest system and the ISR brake calipers in gunmetal. The taillight has been perfectly integrated into the single seat, which is upholstered with quilted black Alcantara and fine-grain leather, and emphasizes the dynamic roadster appearance with its compact rear. The modern LED headlight is presented in the form of a 3D-printed aluminium ring with an integrated daytime running light. The main headlight appears to float optically in the middle of this daytime running light ring. Each of these details contributes to the unique character of the concept bike and underscores its overall statement: The BMW R20 concept takes the Big Boxer Culture to a new level. “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.”
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows off one of the coolest BMW Boixers we've seen so far, and we'd love to add one to our future bike list in our theoretical garage: The new BMW R20 concept | #BoldInStyle | BMW Motorrad
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