BMW R20 Concept: an engine that is retro elegance and modern innovation at the same time

On the beautiful shores of Italy's Lake Como, one of the most prestigious car and motorcycle events in the world takes place every year - the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. BMW once again used this event to present its latest concept, the BMW Motorrad R20 Concept.

The BMW R20 Concept, presented alongside of the fresh Skytop concept car, is a uniquely one-of-a-kind motorcycle that combines traditional café racer aesthetics with Ironwood Custom Motorcycles' signature bob-fighter styling. The heart of this two-liter two-wheeler is a reworked version of the R18's already large Boxer twin engine, surrounded by a minimalist body design.

The R20 Concept is built around a completely redesigned double-hinged chrome-molybdenum steel frame. This custom frame is mated to a modified double-arm version of BMW's Paralever swingarm, which now includes a molybdenum steel construction and an aluminum strut. With an extended wheelbase of 155 cm (61 inches), the concept also includes floating, bobber-style subframes.

At the heart of the R20 Concept is a massive 2.0-liter Boxer twin engine that produces more than 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs) of torque. The engine features custom cylinder heads, open intake manifolds, and an exposed driveshaft. In addition to a new belt cover and new oil cooler, the engine now breathes through open intakes and exhausts through a custom twin-pipe exhaust system that terminates in beveled pipes.

The R20 Concept is not just a design exercise, it was clearly built to drive. The design team equipped the engine with the best components and running gear money can buy. The equipment includes fully adjustable Öhlins Blackline suspension front and rear and a premium brake system from the Swedish manufacturer ISR. The concept is stopped by a dual brake system with six pistons at the front and a four-piston system at the rear.

The BMW R20 Concept rides on custom 43 cm (17-inch) wheels consisting of a black spoke up front and a disc rear wheel with evenly spaced cutouts. Both wheels are wrapped in sticky Metzeler Sportec M9 RR tires. The rear tire is especially wide at 15.8 cm (6.25 inches), which helps transfer the engine's high torque to the road.

The most noticeable element of the R20 Concept is undoubtedly the tank – a custom aluminum cell with a '70s hot pink color scheme. The knee-well tank continues into a floating bobber-style single-seat frame, which is finished with a tractor-style seat dressed in fine-grained leather and black quilted Alcantara.

A modern touch of traditional round lighting is provided by a round LED light installed in a 3D-printed housing. At the opposite end of the engine is an LED tail light built into the lower part of the raised subframe. The project is rounded off by a customized front fender and a narrow TFT screen taken from BMW's R12.

The BMW Motorrad R20 Concept is an extraordinary blend of classic elegance and modern innovation. This unique motorcycle impresses not only with its aesthetic appearance, but also with its superior technology and performance. With an uncompromising approach to design and functionality, the R20 Concept is proof that past and future can work together in perfect harmony. The price of this exclusive concept has not yet been revealed, but it is clear that this masterpiece will remain priceless for motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors alike.