BMW unveils impressive R20 concept with massive Big Boxer engine

During the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d’Este, you can admire many classic cars and intriguing concept vehicles prepared specifically for the event. In 2024, BMW unveiled a special car and a motorcycle. I would be surprised if this motorcycle went into production, but its engine tells a different story.

In the photos, the BMW R20 concept may not make a significant impression because you can't fully appreciate the size of this motorcycle, especially its engine. It looks like a retro naked bike, a slightly larger sibling of the R 12. The wheelbase of the R20, measuring 61 inches, is only slightly longer than that of the production model at 59 inches. Combined with the low-set handlebars, minimalist gauges, and a fuel tank shape reminiscent of classic models of the German brand, the whole design feels very compact.

The steering head angle in the R20 concept is almost identical to that of the R 12. It also features Öhlins Blackline suspension at both the front and rear, ISR brakes, and tires typical for contemporary naked bikes—the only exception being the slightly wider rear tire, which measures 8 inches in width.

I would even call the BMW R20 concept rather unremarkable. Sure, it looks like a decent custom bike with practically straight-through exhaust pipes on both sides, but to premiere it at such an important event as the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d’Este? The name, or the engine, reveals its true significance.

This is the next stage in developing the engine dubbed "Big Boxer" by the Germans, previously known from the cruiser/tourer R 18. Here, however, it is even bigger, with a capacity of 122 cubic inches (2 liters). Of course, the drivetrain was also taken from the R 18. All this suggests that we are likely witnessing the debut of an enlarged engine rather than a new model announcement.

A retro naked bike with a 122-cubic-inch engine would certainly be unique, but will BMW dare to offer such a niche model? I would be very surprised. However, in the cruiser world, offering larger engines is the norm. The 110 cubic inches (1.8 liters) engine is already impressive, but Harley-Davidson and Indian regularly push the boundaries. If the Germans want to continue competing with them, they will eventually have to propose a larger engine. These are simply the rules of the game. Do cruisers need larger and more powerful engines? Not necessarily. Do they attract customers? Absolutely!