Segment:
Sport Touring / Roadster Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners and independent mechanics seeking detailed maintenance and repair information
Competitors:
Honda ST1100, Yamaha FJ1200, Kawasaki GTR1000, Moto Guzzi California
Vehicle Philosophy:
Comfortable, reliable, and capable touring motorcycle with BMW's signature boxer-twin engine and shaft drive.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides expert-level guidance to maintain and repair the R 850 R, saving time and money compared to dealership service.
Applicable Years:
1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
Regions Covered:
Global (Specifications may vary slightly by market)
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-500 pages (typical for this model's comprehensive manuals)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine Service:
Yes (including engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, and component replacement)
Transmission Service:
Yes (including gearbox operation, maintenance, and repair)
Fuel System Service:
Yes (including fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, and sensors)
Electrical System Service:
Yes (including wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system, ignition system, lighting)
Brake System Service:
Yes (including ABS, hydraulic system, caliper maintenance, fluid replacement)
Suspension Service:
Yes (including front forks, rear shock absorber, linkages)
Chassis And Bodywork:
Yes (including frame inspection, fairings, seat, fuel tank removal and installation)
Cooling System Service:
Yes (for oil cooling system)
Exhaust System Service:
Yes (including muffler, catalytic converter inspection)
Routine Maintenance:
Yes (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, chain adjustment)
Troubleshooting:
Yes (diagnostic procedures, common fault identification)
Engine Rebuild:
Yes (detailed steps for complete engine disassembly and reassembly)
Transmission Repair:
Yes (gearbox overhaul and component replacement)
Electrical Diagnosis And Repair:
Yes (including testing of components and circuits)
Suspension Adjustment And Overhaul:
Yes (fork seal replacement, shock absorber service)
Brake Bleeding And Pad Replacement:
Yes (including ABS system bleeding procedures)
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic checks to full rebuilds and diagnostics
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed troubleshooting guides and symptom-based diagnostics
Specifications And Tolerances:
Extensive torque values, clearances, and technical specifications for all components
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, OHV, pushrod actuated
Horsepower Rating:
Approx. 70 HP (52 kW) at 7250 rpm (specific to R 850 R)
Torque Rating:
Approx. 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) at 5500 rpm (specific to R 850 R)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.2 (Fuel Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON
Fuel Tank Capacity:
26 Liters (6.87 US gal)
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual gearbox
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Gear Ratios:
Manual specifies individual gear ratios for each speed.
Transmission Fluid:
Hypoid gear oil, API GL-5, SAE 90 (or specified BMW equivalent)
ABS Availability:
Optional ABS (BMW Motorrad ABS)
Braking System:
Dual 305 mm disc front, 276 mm disc rear, with multi-piston calipers
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame for rigidity and rider protection.
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:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 (API SG or higher specification, or specified BMW equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 Liters (3.17 US qt) without filter change, 3.2 Liters (3.38 US qt) with filter change.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or specified BMW equivalent)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, brake pad wear, fork seals, exhaust gasket leaks
Potential Electrical Issues:
Corrosion in connectors, aging wiring harnesses (typical for vehicles of this era)
Engine Related:
Occasional oil leaks from various seals due to age, potential need for clutch slave cylinder seal replacement.
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing reliable and innovative motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer engines and shaft drive systems since the 1920s.
Lineage:
The R 850 R is part of the R series boxer-twin family, evolving from earlier models and serving as a less powerful, more accessible alternative to the R 1100/1150 R models.
Positioning:
Designed as a comfortable and versatile machine for touring and everyday riding, emphasizing practicality and ease of use.
Production Period:
1993-2006 (This manual covers the initial phase of its production).
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)
