Here’s a Big Boxer Concept We Hope Goes Into Production

BMW has officially revealed a custom work of motorcycle art based on the 1800cc Big Boxer Engine. Known as the BMW R20 Concept it is based upon the horizontally opposed air/oil-cooled twin-cylinder engine used in the firm’s R18 cruisers.

Only the R20 displaces 2000cc and comes with new cylinder head covers, belt covers and oil cooler. There’s also a straight-through exhaust system that ends with gorgeous megaphone mufflers. Confirmed specs for the model haven’t been released. However, we’d suggest there will be more than the 67kW output of the R18 Transcontinental. Expect at least as much torque (158Nm at 3000rpm). 

The BMW R20 Concept, which disrobed at at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, gains a way more aggressive geometry than the R18s. It has a 62.5-degree steering head angle (five degrees more than the R18) and a 1550mm wheelbase, curtailed by 181mm versus the R18. There’s still the exposed driveshaft, only it’s much shorter than that in the R18s. 

The chassis itself is new, made of chromoly steel. The Concept also comes with sportier suspension, Öhlins supplying Blackline components for both ends of the bike. In each case the suspension is fully adjustable.

The brakes are a bit special too, ISR providing radial-mounted six-piston calipers at the front, and a four-piston item at the rear. Wheel sizes on the bike are 17 inches at both ends with a 120/70-section front and 200/55 hoop at the back. Again, these are much sportier than what the R18 cruisers wear.

The styling of the bike is a sweet blend of modern and retro. It incorporates elements of the R NineT and R18 cruisers. The fuel tank reminds of BMWs from the 1970s. Extensive use of CNC-machined parts and anodised components gives the bike a striking custom appearance. The detail work is special, right down to the single seat upholstered with quilted black Alcantara and fine-grain leather.

“The R20 concept is a bold interpretation of the BMW Motorrad DNA,” said Alexander Buckan, Head of Design at BMW Motorrad.

“It combines modern technical elements with a classic roadster design. Its oversized proportions and minimalistic aesthetic make it an unmistakable character.”

As for the rest, we’ll let the images speak for themselves. Whether or not it goes into production is unclear. However, slow global sales of the R18 make a sassier model a distinct possibility.