There ‘s nothing more iconic in motorcycling than the opposed BMW twin-cylinder engine. The “boxer ” as it ‘s usually known, has been a staple of BMW motorcycles since dieselpunk was cutting edge. During WWII, the engine was copied by the Russians and the Americans alike.Whether you ‘re an airhead guy or an oilhead convert, there ‘s no denying that this engine layout is as timeless as it is elegant.

So it makes sense that in celebrating its 90th anniversary, BMW Motorrad would introduce a bike paying homage to that iconic power plant.At this point, it ‘s just a teaser of a concept, but BMW is describing this new bike as destined for production. If the silhouette is to be believed, this new machine appears to be heavily influenced by the growing “garage-built ” movement. Spear-headed by a new generation of motorcycle enthusiasts, this movement is seeing a lot of classic Hondas, Yamahas and BMWs re-imagined as stripped-down cafe racers, brats and track-inspired customs. Is this BMW getting in touch with its roots, or trying to catch the surging wave of renewed interest in vintage motorcycles? Either way, a modern BMW distilled to its roots sounds intriguing indeed. Full press info after the break.

[Official Release] As announced by BMW Motorrad President Stephan Schaller in his speech at the international motorcycle show EICMA in Milan, BMW Motorrad will be presenting a new model with air-cooled ‘boxer ‘ engine in 2013 as a special way of marking the “90 years of BMW Motorrad ” anniversary.

As long ago as 1923, the very first BMW motorcycle – the BMW R 32 – provided what was to become the genetic basis for the BMW Motorrad boxer series over nine decades: an air-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroker ‘boxer ‘ engine with longitudinally mounted crankshaft and shaft drive to the rear wheel. Always combined with innovative technology and thrilling design – and with one priority above all else: sheer riding pleasure.

The new, distinctive motorcycle to come out next year will express the genes of 90 years of BMW Motorrad combined with emotional styling and innovative technology to create a new, multifaceted vehicle concept.

The model designation and date of the market launch will be announced at a later stage.

[Source: BMW]