BMW's Nostalgic Cafe Racer, R20 Stuns Crowd at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este

May 25, 2024 02:14 AM EDT

MOTORCYCLE BMW ENGINE BICYCLE — (Photo : PIXABAY/Ralphs_Fotos)

The most recent concept from BMW, the R20, showcases their latest Big Boxer Twin design. This model is built around a 2000cc boxer twin engine and includes fresh cylinder head covers, a belt cover, and an oil cooler.

BMW R20, Big Boxer Twin

The BMW R20 concept is the latest creation from Motorrad, unveiled against the background of Villa d'Este on Lake Como. This bike is a tribute to exquisite craftsmanship, representing bold, fashionable design that has been painstakingly honed to perfection.

According to RideApart, head of BMW Motorrad Markus Flasch praises the BMW R20 concept as a technical marvel, with the Big Boxer engine at its core, perfectly encapsulating the essence of BMW Motorrad. The R20's distinctive sound is produced by a 2-into-2 exhaust system and a 2,000cc twin-cylinder boxer engine that works on air oil.

To enhance the concept, new cylinder head covers, a belt cover, and an oil cooler were specifically designed to allow for partially concealed oil pipes.

Design, Other Features BMW R20

According to Driving, BMW's most recent concept, the R20, follows the trend of upsizing the original Big Boxer engine. While the specifics of this enlargement remain undisclosed by BMW, the engine now boasts a sizeable 2,000cc capacity.

This increase could stem from a larger bore, an extended stroke, or potentially a blend of both enhancements. The remaining design elements of the BMW R20 exhibit a clear minimalist approach. The rear 200/55-17 semi-slick tire is notably large, with the front 120/70-17 tire being similarly substantial.

The distance between the axles measures at 1,550 millimeters, translating to a 61-inch wheelbase. While this length might be standard for a bulky cruiser, it appears exceptionally large for a vehicle that Markus Flasch describes as essentially comprising just an engine and two wheels.

The contemporary LED headlight is encircled by a 3D-printed aluminum ring that serves as protection and also houses the daytime running light. At the rear, the taillights are seamlessly integrated into the back of the solo seat, contributing to the minimalist design.

By removing the rear fender, the area between the rear wheel, seat, and rear shock absorber is left wide open, enhancing the overall sleek and minimal aesthetic.

Drivetrain and More

According to a report by Road and Track, the R20 takes inspiration from BMW's R18 cruiser in terms of drivetrain elements and certain suspension characteristics. However, it incorporates fully customizable Öhlins Blackline parts for the front forks and rear paralever, enhancing its performance. The braking system is supplied by ISR, featuring six-piston radial-mount calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear.

In terms of appearance, the inclusion of a vibrant "hotter than pink" aluminum fuel tank, matching cylinder head covers, and a taillight seamlessly integrated into the seat give the R20 the aesthetic vibe of a cafe racer rather than a standard production motorcycle.

The R20 concept represents a daring reimagination of the BMW Motorrad DNA according to Alexander Buckan, who serves as the Head of Design at BMW Motorrad. The concept seamlessly blends contemporary technical components with a traditional roadster design, characterized by its large dimensions and simplistic visual appeal that set it apart as a truly distinctive entity.

The color scheme of the BMW R20 concept extends to the polished and anodized aluminum components like the cylinder head covers, belt cover, and air intake funnels, as well as the gunmetal finishes on the Paralever strut, footrest system, and ISR brake calipers.

Additionally, the seamless integration of the taillight into the single seat, which features a luxurious upholstery of quilted black Alcantara and fine-grain leather, accentuates the bike's dynamic roadster look by enhancing its compact rear design.