Category:
Mid-size touring motorcycle, versatile for commuting and light adventure touring
Competitors Era:
Honda Deauville, Yamaha Diversion, Moto Guzzi California (though typically larger), various Japanese sport-touring bikes
Bmw Heritage:
Leverages BMW's reputation for quality, durability, and engineering excellence in motorcycles
Ergonomics:
Comfortable riding position, suitable for longer distances
Gs Variant:
R850GS variant offers slightly more rugged styling and suspension travel for light off-road capability compared to the R850R
Coverage Type:
Full Service, Repair, Maintenance, Overhaul, Restoration
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (Likely PDF, but printed possibility exists)
Engine:
Complete disassembly, assembly, tuning, troubleshooting of the 848cc two-valve boxer twin engine
Fuel System:
Carburetor systems (if applicable, or fuel injection troubleshooting for later R850 variants derived from this era), fuel pump, lines, filter
Ignition System:
Ignition coil, spark plugs, timing, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch, gearbox (5-speed), final drive (shaft drive), U-joints, seals
Suspension Steering:
Front Telelever suspension, rear Monolever swingarm, fork seals, shock absorber service, steering head bearings, wheel bearings
Braking System:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid flush, caliper service, pad replacement
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), lighting, starter motor, fuses, relays, diagnostic connectors
Chassis Bodywork:
Frame, fuel tank, seat, fairings (if applicable), fenders, exhaust system, center stand, side stand
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks/replacement, valve adjustments, lubrication points, brake pad inspection/replacement, tire pressure checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault identification, electrical system diagnosis, engine performance issues
Repair Rebuild:
Engine rebuild procedures, gearbox overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper servicing, electrical component replacement
Technical Adjustments:
Carburetor synchronization and adjustment, idle speed control, clutch adjustment, throttle cable adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine
Displacement:
848 cc (850 cc class)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Horsepower:
Approx. 70 hp @ 7,000 rpm (Varies slightly by market and specific model tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Typically twin BMW 'Monojet' carburetors (ensure manual covers specific system)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91-98 octane
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 20 liters (5.3 US gal)
Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with Paralever single-sided swingarm
Gear Ratios:
Manual will contain specific gear ratios for all 5 speeds and final drive
Transmission Fluid:
Manual will specify BMW's recommended gear oil, likely a GL-5 80W/90 or similar
Length:
Approx. 2200 mm (86.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 850 mm (33.5 in) (excluding mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in) (R850GS)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1495 mm (58.9 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 214 kg (472 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 235 kg (518 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to manual for specific GVWR
Seat Height:
Approx. 830 mm (32.7 in) (R850GS)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A for motorcycles in the traditional automotive sense
ABS:
Optional BMW Integral ABS (often referred to as ABS II on this platform)
Brakes:
Dual 305 mm discs front, single 276 mm disc rear
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame providing robust chassis integrity
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel level indicator, warning lights
Audio:
No integrated infotainment system in 1999 models; aftermarket options available
ABS:
Optional Integral ABS system (if specified)
Traction Control:
Not typically equipped on R850 models of this era
Diagnostic Port:
Early form of BMW diagnostic connector for engine management system
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 10,000 km to 20,000 km, depending on plug type
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage
Engine Oil Type:
Mineral or semi-synthetic SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil (check manual for exact API and viscosity)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts) with filter change
Transmission Fluid Type:
Gear Oil SAE 80W/90 GL-5 (refer to manual for specific BMW specification)
Final Drive Fluid Type:
Gear Oil SAE 80W/90 GL-5 (refer to manual for specific BMW specification)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (low viscosity, check manual for specific fluid)
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion in electrical connectors, especially around the ECU and main wiring harness junctions
Clutch Slave Cylinder:
Potential for leaks from the clutch slave cylinder seal
Telelever Bearings:
Wear in the Telelever ball joint and pivot bearings
Fuel Pump:
Occasional issues with the fuel pump, particularly in older units
Exhaust Header Corrosion:
Rusting of exhaust header pipes due to material and environmental exposure
Bmw Motorrad:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing durable, well-engineered motorcycles, particularly known for boxer engines and shaft drive
R Series Lineage:
The R850 series is an evolution of the successful R100 series, offering a slightly smaller displacement for a different market segment and improved efficiency
Gs Designation:
The 'GS' designation signifies 'Geländestraße' (off-road street), highlighting its dual-purpose capability
Production Years:
The R850 series was produced from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, with the 1999 model being a key year in its lifecycle
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (BMW Motorrad factories)
