Segment:
Adventure Touring / Dual-Sport Motorcycle
Target Audience:
BMW R850 GS owners, independent motorcycle mechanics, enthusiast DIY repairers.
Competitors:
Honda Transalp, Suzuki V-Strom, Kawasaki KLR series, Yamaha Tenere.
Vehicle Appeal:
Versatile for touring and light off-road use, boxer twin engine, shaft drive reliability.
Benefit:
Empowers owners to maintain and repair their motorcycle, saving on dealership costs and understanding vehicle intricacies.
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical and electrical systems, troubleshooting, repair procedures.
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance schedules, specifications, diagnostic information.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals).
Type:
Service Manual / Repair Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, fuel injection system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system (air-cooled). Diagnosis and repair of all engine components.
Transmission:
Gearbox inspection, repair, clutch operation, final drive (shaft drive) maintenance and overhaul.
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front forks, rear shock absorber), steering system, braking system (ABS if equipped), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, starter motor, battery charging system (alternator), instrumentation, electronic control units (ECUs), sensor diagnostics.
Bodywork:
Fairings, body panels, seat assembly, fuel tank, luggage systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, valve clearance adjustment.
Repair:
Component-level repair and replacement, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting flowcharts.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic fault finding for common and uncommon issues, error code interpretation (if applicable).
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic user maintenance to advanced engine and electrical system diagnostics and rebuilds.
Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke boxer twin-cylinder engine
Displacement:
848 cc (848 cubic centimeters)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm (approximate, varies by specific sub-model/year)
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 (typical)
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, OHC (Overhead Camshaft)
Horsepower:
Approximately 70-75 hp (varies by year and market) at ~6750 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 81 Nm (60 lb-ft) at ~5000 rpm (varies by year and market)
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic, typically)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 octane (RON)
Oil Type Spec:
BMW recommends SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 motorcycle specific oil meeting API SG/SH or JASO MA standard. Consult manual for specific year/temperature range.
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Type:
Constant mesh 5-speed gearbox
ABS:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was an optional or standard feature depending on the model year and market.
Drive:
Shaft drive (maintenance-free)
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated, multi-plate dry clutch
Length:
Approximately 2230 mm (87.8 inches)
Width:
Approximately 920 mm (36.2 inches) at handlebars
Height:
Approximately 1400 mm (55.1 inches) at windshield
Seat Height:
Approximately 830-840 mm (32.7-33.1 inches), adjustable on some models
Dry Weight:
Approximately 198 kg (436.5 lbs)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 217 kg (478.4 lbs) with fluids and ready to ride
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 420 kg (926 lbs)
Fuel Capacity:
25 Liters (6.6 US gallons)
ABS Availability:
Available as an option, crucial for rider safety.
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake. ABS available on certain models.
Suspension Design:
BMW Telelever front suspension (reduced dive under braking), Paralever rear suspension for stable shaft drive.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight and indicators (depending on year).
Dashboard:
Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, clock, indicator lights. Heated grips often integrated.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) enhances braking safety.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) port and diagnostic software are typically available for advanced troubleshooting.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Adjustment:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed based on performance.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Transmission Oil:
Refer to manual; typically GL-5 gear oil for final drive and gearbox.
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air-cooled engine)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, alternator output (can degrade over time), fuel pump relays, swingarm bearings, starter motor brushes.
Electrical Gremlins:
Loose connections, corrosion in connectors, failing regulators/rectifiers can cause charging issues. ABS system faults.
Engine Performance:
Occasional rough idle or hesitation can be related to fuel injection system cleanliness or sensor issues.
Bmw Motorrad:
BMW Motorrad has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, durability, and innovation in motorcycle design since the early 20th century.
Gs Lineage:
The R850 GS is part of the iconic GS family, which began with the R80G/S in 1980. It represents a more accessible and lower-displacement variant of the larger R1100/R1150 GS models.
R850Gs Introduction:
Introduced in the mid-1990s as a counterpart to the larger boxer GS models, offering similar adventure touring capabilities with a more manageable engine size and potentially lower seat height.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
Production Years:
Approximately 1996-2007, with variations depending on market.
