BMW Motorrad Presents the BMW R20 Concept

BMW Motorcycle Department has unveiled a two-wheeled work of art showcased at the Villa d’Este Concours of Elegance.

Against the picturesque backdrop of the Villa d’Este on Lake Como, BMW Motorrad presents its latest design masterpiece: the BMW R20 concept. This motorcycle celebrates high-quality craftsmanship and stands as the embodiment of expressive, cool, and refined design details.

At the renowned Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza, known for its elegance and historical significance for extraordinary vehicles, BMW Motorrad highlights the legendary air-oil cooled Big Boxer engine as a central sculptural element.

Markus Flasch, head of BMW Motorrad, describes the concept as follows: “The BMW R20 concept is a mechanical masterpiece, with the Big Boxer at its core. A distinctly BMW Motorrad model.”

Authentic, classy, cool

The BMW R20 concept is a motorcycle that impresses with its powerful stance in a relaxed gentleman style, while fulfilling the typical attributes of BMW Motorrad: classic design combined with cutting-edge engineering and exhilarating mechanics.

Centered around the Big Boxer engine as the epicenter of riding pleasure, the expressive fuel tank appears as a sculpture, with the rear minimized to highlight the sleek lines and power of the motorcycle.

The chassis has been completely redesigned, featuring a double-loop chrome-molybdenum steel frame that forms the backbone. The black 17×6.25-inch disc wheel at the rear, mounted with a 200/55 tire, and a 17″ spoked wheel with black spokes and a 120/70 tire at the front combine tradition and modernity. The proven BMW Paralever has been executed in a new twin-arm variant, with the swingarm made of chrome-molybdenum steel and the Paralever strut in aluminum. The mechanics are designed so that the transmission torque is fully balanced. The two machined aluminum rear axle supports are another high-quality detail. The exposed drive shaft, conceptually adapted from the R18—the visual highlight of the well-known R 18 models—has been shortened to integrate into the roadster’s architecture. Fully adjustable Öhlins Blackline suspension components operate at the front and rear. The vehicle’s basic geometry features a steering head angle of 62.5° and a wheelbase of 1,550 mm. The radial-mounted ISR brake calipers at the front and rear handle deceleration—six pistons at the front and four calipers at the rear. Additionally, the 2-in-2 exhaust system provides the appropriate sound character and perfectly complements the design.

As a Big Boxer Roadster, the BMW R20 concept sets new standards in the motorcycle world and reaffirms BMW Motorrad’s commitment to engineering excellence and pure passion for riding.

Living the Big Boxer Culture

The heart of the BMW R20 concept remains the air-oil cooled Big Boxer engine, now with a displacement of 2,000 cc. For the conceptual motorcycle, new cylinder head covers, a new belt cover, and a new oil radiator have been developed to allow the installation of partially concealed oil hoses.

A special highlight is the side view: the eye follows the airflow as it passes through the open intake funnels into the throttle bodies and cylinders before escaping through the open exhaust and megaphone-shaped outlet pipes, creating the distinctive sound of the Big Boxer.

Daring in Style

The aluminum tank has been redesigned and appears in the vibrant “hotter than pink” color from the 1970s. The BMW R20 concept is color-coordinated with the cylinder head covers, belt cover, and aluminum-polished and anodized air intake funnels, as well as the Paralever strut, footrest system, and ISR brake calipers in gunmetal.

The rear light has been seamlessly integrated into the single seat, which is upholstered in matte black Alcantara and fine-grain leather, emphasizing the dynamic appearance of the roadster with its compact rear end. The modern LED headlight takes the form of a 3D-printed aluminum ring with integrated daytime running lights. The main light appears visually to be floating in the middle of this daytime running light ring.

Each of these details contributes to the unique character of the conceptual motorcycle and underscores its overall message:
The BMW R20 concept elevates Big Boxer culture to a new level.

“The R20 concept is a bold interpretation of BMW Motorrad’s DNA,” states Alexander Buckan, BMW Motorrad design chief.
“It combines modern technical elements with classic roadster design. Its oversized proportions and minimalist aesthetic make it a standout figure.”