/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/octane/7VYGDZ4AJFFY5DM5DJI6B4R6AA.jpg "BMW R 20 Concept First Look")
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When BMW makes use of the phrase “idea” alongside a present bike, it often means it’s destined for manufacturing. That implies one thing very very similar to the brand new R 20 concept that’s simply been unveiled on the Villa d’Este concours occasion stands a better-than-average probability of hitting showrooms within the subsequent couple of years. And it squeezes the biggest-ever BMW engine right into a compact retro roadster that’s assured to show heads.
BMW has used the R 20 title earlier than, on a fragile 192cc prewar single, however the brand new machine couldn’t be farther from that bike in both look or engineering. Simply as the present R 12 has a 1,170cc twin and the R 18 cruiser packs an 1,802cc motor, the R 20 idea carries a full 2 liters (1 liter per cylinder), and with each a type of cubes hanging out on the perimeters due to the signature boxer format it’s an imposing sight.
As you may need guessed, the engine relies on the R 18′s enormous, air/oil-cooled twin, however BMW has punched it out to achieve much more capability. The agency isn’t but saying whether or not that’s by way of an even bigger bore or longer stroke, however given the bike is extra performance-oriented than the R 18 cruiser, the previous is extra probably. Pushing the bore from the R 18′s 107.1mm to 112.8mm whereas protecting the identical 100mm stroke would obtain a complete of 1,999cc.
Equally, there’s no declare for energy or torque, however on condition that the R 18′s motor makes 91 hp at 4,750 rpm and 116 lb.-ft. at 3,000 rpm, and the R 20 has 11 p.c extra capability, it ought to obtain greater than 100 hp fairly simply, with one thing like 129 lb.-ft. That’s if BMW hasn’t opted to tune the engine additional, one thing that might unlock considerably extra efficiency given the huge measurement of the engine. Different engine adjustments embody redesigned cylinder-head covers and belt cowl.
The place BMW has been forthcoming with figures is in relation to the R 20′s chassis, most noticeably with the wheelbase, which drops from the R 18′s monumental 68.2 inches to a way more manageable 61 inches. Nonetheless not superbike-short, however the brand new chassis needs to be way more succesful in corners. The steering head angle of 62.5 levels, up from 57.3 levels on the R 18, means the rake is now 27.5 levels reasonably than 32.7 levels. In reality, each the wheelbase and rake are actually inside a whisker of the R 12 nineT’s figures, regardless of the R 20′s a lot bigger engine.
The brand new dimensions come due to a totally redesigned metal tube body, which nonetheless has a retro type however packages all the things far more tightly across the enormous motor. The swingarm is considerably shorter than the R 18′s and makes use of a brand new model of BMW’s Paralever design with a decrease linkage in metal and an higher one in cast aluminum, framing the uncovered drive shaft between them. A totally adjustable Öhlins Blackline coilover helps the rear finish, whereas the entrance will get a equally adjustable Öhlins Blackline upside-down fork. Brakes are by way of six-piston radial-mounted ISR calipers on the entrance and a four-piston on the rear.
Visually BMW is protecting the R 20 easy, with an aluminum gasoline tank that echoes BMWs of the previous, plus a cast-aluminum subframe to help the one seat. Up entrance there’s a contemporary play on the standard, round headlight, achieved by inserting a hoop of DRLs round a small, central fundamental LED, and leaving the area between them open for airflow. Because it’s nonetheless an idea, the R 20 isn’t encumbered with mirrors, any form of muffler, or a license plate, nevertheless it’s all too straightforward to see that the design ought to be capable to make a easy transition to manufacturing.
Earlier BMWs to look carrying the “Idea” title have included the Idea Hyperlink, which grew to become the manufacturing CE 04, the Concept Roadster, which grew to become the R 1250 R, the Concept 9Cento that previewed the F 900 XR, the Concept R 18 that begat the manufacturing R 18, and the Concept 101 which spawned the K 1600 B. When BMW needs to point out a motorcycle that isn’t destined to grow to be a manufacturing mannequin, it has tended to make use of the time period “Vision” as an alternative of “Idea”—so there’s a powerful clue within the title alone that the brand new present bike will result in a manufacturing R 20 sooner or later.
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