BMW custom project showcases new boxer twin.

Is BMW working on a new flat twin? This interesting project from Custom Works Zon seems to hint that’s the case.

This retro-styled machine, named “The Departed,” was built by Yuichi Yoshizawa and Yoshikazu Ueda, appearing at the Hot Rod Custom Show in Yokohama, Japan. The bike, as a whole, is interesting to look at, but certainly not destined for production anytime soon. It’s too far-out for that.

But, the engine, well, that’s more intriguing. According to the BMW press release, “There was a lot of speculation at the show about the prototype engine. The external geometry and visible elements such as the push rods running above the cylinders in chrome-plated protection ducts recall BMW Motorrad boxer engines that were built until the late 1960s – but with an evidently larger capacity and a modern air/oil cooling. Further details about the engine and its possible future use will be communicated at a later point in time.”

Supposedly, it’s 1800 cc, far bigger than the current 1170 cc air/oil-cooled flat twin in the R NineT series, but it looks like it’s intended to maybe power the same kind of bike, a retro roadster. Or maybe a big bagger-style cruiser? Hard to say, but BMW’s hint of “possible future use” certainly seems to indicate it’s coming in the future.

GALLERY

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