Will there be a BMW R 20 roadster?

As part of the famous Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, renowned for its elegance and historical significance for extraordinary vehicles, BMW Motorrad recently pulled back the curtain on the R 20. It is still a concept, but a production version of this roadster seems imminent. Engine block, drivetrain and frame are actually production-ready, as everything is broadly derived from the technology of the BMW R 18 Big Boxer models.

BMW R 20 as ‘mechanical masterpiece’

According to Markus Flasch, head of BMW Motorrad, the BMW R 20 concept is a mechanical masterpiece. The Big Boxer engine block is the centerpiece, making this machine clearly a creation of BMW Motorrad. Furthermore, the red and expressive tank catches the eye. The rear of the bike is kept very basic, with a single-seat seat with integrated taillight. Lacking a fender, the saddle should catch the gunk from the road surface.

Black wide wheel behind

The double cradle frame is made of chrome-molybdenum steel tubing. Notable is the black wheel with wide spokes at the back with a tire in size 200/55. The front wheel has sleeker black spokes and around the rim is a tire in size 120/70. The tried-and-true BMW Paralever swingarm comes in a new two-arm version, also made of chrome-molybdenum steel.

Shorter wheelbase than the BMW R 18

The visible propeller shaft, as seen on the BMW R 18, has been shortened. Suspension and damping is entrusted to fully adjustable Öhlins Blackline elements. Due to the shortened drive shaft, a wheelbase of 1,550 mm was achieved and a trailing angle of 62.5° oriented toward sporty handling. Radially mounted front and rear ISR calipers provide the deceleration – with six pistons at the front and four pistons at the rear.

Big Boxer block now 2,000 cc

The centerpiece of the BMW R 20 concept is the air-oil-cooled Big Boxer engine, now with a displacement of 2,000 cc. New cylinder head covers, a new belt cover and a new oil cooler were developed for the concept bike to allow the oil lines to be mounted partially hidden.

Round headlight with LED lighting

Also minimalist is the round headlight with LED lighting and daytime running lights in the form of a three-dimensional ring. The main headlight appears to optically float in the center of this daytime running light ring. “The BMW R20 concept is a bold interpretation of BMW Motorrad’s DNA,” said Alexander Buckan, head of design at BMW Motorrad. “This model combines modern technical elements with a classic roadster design with large proportions and minimalist aesthetics.”