🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R850 GS

Model Variant:

Adventure / Standard

Engine Code:

R22, R27

Chassis Code:

R2X

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Adventure Touring Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Touring riders, adventure enthusiasts, general motorcycle owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge.

Competitors:

Honda Transalp, Yamaha Tenere, Kawasaki KLR, Suzuki V-Strom (older models)

Features Highlighted:

Versatile platform for on-road and light off-road use, shaft drive, boxer engine reliability, robust build quality.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

100% Covered

Transmission:

100% Covered

Drivetrain:

100% Covered

Electrical System:

100% Covered

Suspension And Steering:

100% Covered

Brakes:

100% Covered

Fuel System:

100% Covered

Cooling System:

100% Covered

Exhaust System:

100% Covered

Bodywork And Frame:

100% Covered

Troubleshooting:

100% Covered

Estimated Pages:

600+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, internal component inspection and replacement, timing adjustments, valve clearance procedures, piston and cylinder ring installation, crankshaft and bearing checks.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system (EFI), ignition system, sensors (TPS, MAP, O2), ECU diagnostics, fault code retrieval and interpretation, electronic control unit (ECU) testing and replacement.

Transmission And Clutch:

Clutch actuation mechanism, clutch plate inspection and replacement, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, gear selection mechanism, final drive assembly (shaft drive).

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, starter motor, alternator, battery management, lighting system, horn, starter solenoid, fuses and relays, diagnostic connectors.

Suspension Front:

Telescopic forks, oil seals, fork springs, damping adjustments, steering head bearing maintenance and replacement, fork seal replacement procedures.

Suspension Rear:

Monolever rear suspension, shock absorber overhaul and adjustment, swingarm bearings, pivot point lubrication and maintenance.

Braking System:

Brake caliper overhaul, brake pad replacement, brake disc inspection and replacement, master cylinder maintenance, brake fluid bleeding procedures, ABS system diagnostics (if equipped).

Fuel And Intake:

Fuel tank removal and installation, fuel pump testing, fuel filter replacement, fuel injector cleaning and testing, air filter replacement, throttle body synchronization.

Cooling System:

Oil cooler maintenance, oil level checks, oil filter replacement, engine oil type and capacity.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust pipe removal and installation, catalytic converter inspection, muffler maintenance.

Chassis And Body:

Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat replacement, fairing repairs, luggage system mounting.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed intervals and procedures for oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable, though R850GS is shaft drive), fluid level checks, brake servicing.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation across all major systems.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and uncommon issues, covering both mechanical and electrical faults.

Torque Specifications:

Comprehensive list of all critical torque values for fasteners, ensuring proper assembly and preventing damage.

Wiring Diagrams:

Full-color, detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, color-coded for clarity.

Special Tools:

Identification and recommended usage for specialized tools required for specific maintenance and repair tasks.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and frame component repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Searchable PDF

Resolution:

High-resolution for clear text and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine

Displacement:

848 cc (850 series designation)

Bore X Stroke:

90.0 mm x 66.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.2:1

Valve Train:

SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (2 per cylinder head)

Horsepower:

Approx. 70 hp @ 7250 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) @ 5250 rpm

Induction:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)

Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (refer to manual for specific BMW recommendations)

Oil Capacity W Filter:

Approx. 3.0 liters (3.2 US qt)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with single-sided swingarm

Clutch:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated

Transmission Oil Type:

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (refer to manual)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)

Width:

Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in)

Height:

Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 in) (seat height variable)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 217 kg (478 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 440 kg (970 lbs)

Tank Capacity:

Approx. 20 liters (5.3 US gal)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS:

Optional BMW Motorrad ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Braking System Design:

Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake with optional ABS integration.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight and indicators (model dependent).

💡 Technology Features

Features:

Primarily mechanical and basic electrical systems. No integrated infotainment typically found on modern bikes.

ABS:

Optional ABS system, a significant technological feature for its time.

Features:

None (basic analog instrumentation typical for the era)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually

Valve Clearance:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)

Spark Plugs:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)

Air Filter:

Inspect every 10,000 km (6,000 miles), replace as needed or every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification)

Coolant Type:

N/A (Air-cooled engine with oil cooling)

Common Problems:

Stretched or failing alternator wiring harness, clutch slave cylinder leaks, ABS sensor faults, occasional ignition coil failures, worn steering head bearings.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycle Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing history in motorcycle manufacturing, particularly known for its boxer engines, shaft drive systems, and durable touring and adventure motorcycles.

Gs Lineage:

The R850 GS is part of BMW's highly successful 'Gelande/Strasse' (off-road/street) line, a precursor to the more powerful R1100/1150/1200 GS models. It offered a more accessible entry into the adventure touring segment.

Production Years:

1996-2007 (approximate, varies by market)

Manufacturing:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Standing:

The R850 GS is recognized for its reliability, touring capability, and BMW's characteristic build quality within the adventure touring segment of its era.