Segment:
Adventure Touring / Dual-Sport Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners and independent workshops seeking to perform maintenance and repairs on the BMW R 850 GS.
Competitors:
Honda Africa Twin (older generations), Yamaha Ténéré, Suzuki V-Strom (earlier models), Kawasaki KLR.
Differentiation:
BMW's signature boxer twin engine, shaft drive, robust build quality, and touring capabilities differentiate it.
Vehicle Highlights:
Torquey boxer twin engine, shaft drive for low maintenance, comfortable ergonomics for long-distance travel, capable on varied terrain.
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners to maintain their motorcycle, saving on dealership costs and ensuring proper upkeep for longevity.
Years Covered:
1999, 2000, 2001
Engine Variants Covered:
848cc (R850GS)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (specific count not provided, but described as comprehensive)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Content Focus:
Maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and diagnostics
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, inferred from typical sales of such manuals)
Format Details:
Searchable text, printable pages
Engine:
Complete overhaul, internal components, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust
Transmission:
Gearbox service, clutch operation, final drive (Paralever system), lubrication
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame inspection, front fork (Telelever or traditional depending on specific R850GS model variant if any, though R850GS typically uses conventional forks), rear monoshock, Paralever rear suspension
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system (front and rear), ABS (if equipped), brake pad replacement, caliper service, brake fluid flush
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator/stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting (headlight, taillight, indicators), instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, throttle body, idle control
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank cover, fenders, luggage systems (if applicable)
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, tire replacement, wheel balancing, spoke tensioning (if applicable)
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid change, coolant flush (if liquid-cooled variant), valve clearance adjustment, drive shaft lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault codes (if applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for all major systems
Diagnostics:
Engine performance analysis, electrical system checks, ABS diagnostics (if equipped)
Calibration And Adjustment:
Throttle position sensor (TPS) adjustment, idle speed adjustment, ignition timing checks (if adjustable)
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic owner maintenance to advanced mechanical and electrical repairs, including full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, exploded views, diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin cylinder
Displacement:
848 cc (cubic centimeters)
Bore X Stroke:
87.4 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
Two valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated with rockers
Horsepower:
Approx. 70 hp (52 kW) at 6,750 rpm (European spec)
Torque:
Approx. 55 lb-ft (75 Nm) at 5,250 rpm (European spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 Fuel Injection (Multi-point injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (87 AKI)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 25 liters (6.6 US gallons)
Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 motorcycle specific oil recommended (check manual for precise BMW recommendation)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approx. 3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition (Digital)
Exhaust System:
Two into one catalytic converter system
Type:
6-speed manual gearbox
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated
Final Drive:
Shaft drive via BMW Paralever system
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios available in the manual. Typically geared for strong mid-range torque and touring.
Final Drive Ratio:
Typically 32:11 (2.91:1)
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 (check manual for specific BMW spec)
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.9 liters (0.95 US quarts)
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 75W-140 API GL-5 (check manual for specific BMW spec)
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.18 liters (0.19 US quarts)
Length:
Approx. 2,200 mm (86.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 920 mm (36.2 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,400 mm (55.1 in) to seat height
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 210 kg (463 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 230 kg (507 lbs) (with all fluids)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not explicitly specified but typically around 450 kg (992 lbs).
Front Tire Size:
110/80 R 19 M/C 59V
Rear Tire Size:
130/80 R 17 M/C 65S
Front Wheel Type:
Spoked aluminum alloy
Rear Wheel Type:
Spoked aluminum alloy
Front Wheel Size:
19 x 2.50
Rear Wheel Size:
17 x 3.00
Crash Safety:
Motorcycle safety is primarily rider-dependent and vehicle dynamics. No formal NCAP-style ratings exist for this era of motorcycles.
ABS:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models.
Brakes:
Dual 305 mm discs with 2-piston calipers (front), Single 265 mm disc with 1-piston caliper (rear).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight and brake light, amber turn signals.
Instrumentation:
Analogue speedometer and tachometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meters, gear indicator, fuel gauge, warning lights.
Ergonomics:
Upright riding position for rider comfort and control.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).
Filter Change Interval:
At every oil change.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles), depending on spark plug type.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified in the manual.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Final Drive Oil Change:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or every 2 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Motorrad ADVANTEC Ultimate 15W-50 or equivalent high-quality motorcycle oil meeting API SG, JASO MA standards.
Gearbox Oil Spec:
BMW Motorrad Gear Oil LS SAE 75W-140 or equivalent GL-5 rated synthetic gear oil.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Coolant Type:
Not applicable for R850GS as it is primarily air/oil-cooled, but some components may have minimal coolant for specific systems if present.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, swingarm bearings, alternator brushes, fuel injector seals, intake boot cracks.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can sometimes experience minor electrical faults due to vibration or age; thorough inspection of wiring harness is advised.
Paralever Boot Wear:
The protective boot on the Paralever final drive can wear, leading to contamination of the universal joint; regular inspection and replacement are recommended.
ABS Reliability:
Older ABS systems can be prone to issues if not maintained; proper bleeding and electrical checks are crucial.
Brand Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing durable, technically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer engines and touring capabilities.
Series Introduction:
The R 850 GS is part of BMW's highly successful 'GS' (Gelände/Straße - off-road/street) lineage, which began with the R 80 G/S in 1980.
R850Gs Positioning:
The R 850 GS was introduced as a slightly less powerful and more accessible alternative to the R 1100/1150 GS models, offering a balance of performance and economy.
Common Variants:
Over the years, the GS line saw numerous iterations and engine displacements, with the R 850 GS being a specific displacement offering within the 2-valve and later 4-valve boxer generations.
Production Period:
The R 850 GS was produced from the mid-1990s until the early 2000s, with the specific 1999-2001 models aligning with the 2-valve boxer era before the transition to the 4-valve R 1150 GS platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (BMW Motorrad production facilities)
Award History:
While specific awards for the R 850 GS model itself are not widely documented, the R GS series as a whole has consistently been recognized for its versatility, reliability, and touring capabilities by motorcycle publications globally.
Customer Satisfaction:
BMW motorcycles generally receive high marks for build quality and rider satisfaction, particularly within the adventure touring segment.
Emission Standards:
Complies with European emission standards relevant to its production years.
