Motorcycle Segment:
Touring/Sport-Touring Roadster
Competitors:
Moto Guzzi California, Honda ST1100 (higher displacement segment), Yamaha FJR1300 (higher displacement segment)
Engine Layout:
Horizontally opposed twin-cylinder Boxer engine
Drive System:
Shaft drive, providing low maintenance and smooth power delivery
Handling:
Renowned for its stable handling and comfortable ride characteristics
Target Audience:
BMW R850R owners, independent motorcycle mechanics, DIY enthusiasts
Engine System:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, cooling
Transmission System:
Clutch, gearbox internal and external components, final drive (shaft drive)
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection and repair, suspension (forks, shock absorbers), steering, wheels, tires
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, starter motor, ECU diagnostics
Braking System:
Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, pads, discs
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, emissions control (if applicable)
Body And Fairings:
Body panel removal and installation, seat, fairings, luggage systems
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, drive shaft lubrication, general inspection schedules
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting common issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable), component testing
Repair Procedures:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, gearbox repair, suspension overhaul, electrical component replacement, brake caliper rebuild
Installation Procedures:
Accessory installation, aftermarket part fitment guidance (where applicable)
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics, ECU parameter checks, component testing using specified tools
Rebuild Complexity:
Comprehensive rebuild instructions for major components like the engine and transmission
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
Clearances And Tolerances:
Precise measurements for component clearances and wear limits
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder boxer engine
Displacement:
848 cc (51.7 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm (3.54 in x 2.60 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod-actuated (OHV)
Horsepower:
70 hp (51 kW) at 7250 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by year/market)
Torque:
75 Nm (55 lb-ft) at 6000 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by year/market)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20 liters (5.3 US gal)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 2.5 liters (2.6 US qt) with filter change
Recommended Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher (check manual for specific BMW recommendations)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Length:
Approximately 2220 mm (87.4 in)
Width:
Approximately 900 mm (35.4 in) (over mirrors)
Height:
Approximately 1300 mm (51.2 in) (seat height varies)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 212 kg (467 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 450 kg (992 lbs)
Front Wheel Size:
3.50 x 17
Front Tire Size:
110/80 R17 (Tubeless)
Rear Wheel Size:
4.50 x 17
Rear Tire Size:
140/80 R17 (Tubeless)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
N/A (Cast Aluminum Wheels)
ABS Availability:
Optional (BMW Integral ABS)
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake
Suspension Type:
Telescopic front forks (35mm), Monolever rear swingarm with single shock absorber
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED taillight
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air-cooled)
Transmission Oil Spec:
Refer to manual (typically SAE 75W-90 GL-5 for gearbox, Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 90 for final drive)
Common Wear Item:
Clutch wear, rear shock absorber degradation, drive shaft spline wear
Electrical Gremlins:
Occasional issues with ABS sensors or general wiring integrity due to age
Fuel System Maintenance:
Periodic cleaning of fuel injectors and throttle bodies recommended for optimal performance
Special Tools:
Torque wrenches, valve adjustment tools, diagnostic interface (optional), drive shaft service tools
Manufacturer Origin:
Germany
Engine Philosophy:
Long history of Boxer engine development, known for durability and torque
Predecessor Inspiration:
Evolved from the R850GS and R1100R series, sharing many design elements and mechanical components
Market Placement:
Positioned as a more accessible and slightly less powerful alternative to the R1100R/R1150R, offering similar touring comfort and BMW build quality
Production Period:
1995-2007
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
