🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R850R

Model Variant:

R850GS

Year:

2000

Engine Code:

R21

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW R850GS was positioned as a more accessible and user-friendly adventure touring motorcycle, offering the characteristic BMW boxer engine and telelever/paralever suspension in a package slightly less performance-oriented than its larger R1150GS sibling, making it appealing to a broader range of riders.

Competitors:

Competed with other mid-size adventure touring motorcycles and large displacement dual-sport bikes of the era, such as the Honda Transalp, Suzuki V-Strom (later models), and potentially some Yamaha TDM models.

Key Features:

Torque-rich boxer twin engine, stable Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear drive, comfortable ergonomics for touring, robust build quality typical of BMW.

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Manual Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Page Count:

Detailed (estimated 500+ pages based on typical BMW service manuals of this era)

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, though physical copies existed)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of engine components (cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, timing chain, oil pump).

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (throttle bodies, injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator), fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel filter replacement.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and associated hardware.

Cooling System:

Oil cooler system, oil circuits, and fluid levels.

Transmission:

Clutch inspection and adjustment, gearbox disassembly and assembly, gear selection mechanism, gearbox oil change and specifications.

Drivetrain:

Final drive (driveshaft, bevel gear housing, universal joint), lubrication, and inspection.

Suspension Front:

Telelever front suspension system, fork internals, seals, oil change, damping adjustments, steering head bearings.

Suspension Rear:

Paralever rear suspension system, shock absorber, linkage, swingarm bearings, wheel bearings.

Brakes Front:

Brake caliper overhaul, brake pad replacement, brake disc inspection and replacement, brake line maintenance, ABS system (if equipped).

Brakes Rear:

Brake caliper overhaul, brake pad replacement, brake disc inspection and replacement, brake line maintenance.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel bearing inspection and replacement, tire pressure recommendations, wheel balancing.

Electrical System:

Battery inspection and maintenance, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, ignition system (spark plugs, coils), lighting system (headlights, taillights, signals), horn, wiring diagrams.

Instrumentation:

Instrument cluster diagnostics and repair, warning lights, gauges.

Bodywork:

Fairing removal and installation, seat removal, fuel tank removal and installation, fenders, storage compartment access.

Frame Chassis:

Frame inspection, steering head, structural integrity checks.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks, chain/driveshaft lubrication, brake checks, tire pressure adjustments.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault codes, electrical system troubleshooting, engine performance issues.

Engine Rebuild:

Complete step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly, including torque specifications and clearances.

Transmission Repair:

Detailed guide for gearbox disassembly, component inspection, and reassembly.

Suspension Overhaul:

Instructions for servicing the Telelever and Paralever systems, including fork seal replacement and shock absorber servicing.

Brake System Service:

Brake fluid flushes, caliper rebuilds, pad and disc replacement procedures.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting faulty circuits.

Bodywork Repair:

Guidance on fairing, panel, and accessory installation/removal.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and technical specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (typically optimized for digital viewing and printing)

Print Quality:

High-resolution images, clear diagrams, and readable text (assuming a quality reproduction of the original factory manual).

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, flat twin (boxer) engine

Displacement:

848 cc

Bore X Stroke:

90.0 mm x 66.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.2:1

Valve Train:

2 valves per cylinder, overhead camshaft (OHC) driven by chain

Horsepower:

Approx. 70 hp (52 kW) at 7,000 rpm (DIN)

Torque:

Approx. 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) at 5,750 rpm (DIN)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, min. 91 octane (RON)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Clutch:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with Paralever single-sided swingarm

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,180 mm (85.8 in)

Width:

Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) at handlebars

Height:

Approx. 1,320 mm (52.0 in) at seat

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1,435 mm (56.5 in)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 215 kg (474 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 235 kg (518 lbs) (fully fueled)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 25 liters (6.6 US gal), including reserve

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Features:

Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available as an option on some models, robust chassis design, effective braking systems.

Active Safety:

Optional ABS, responsive braking, stable handling due to Telelever front suspension.

Passive Safety:

Sturdy frame, protective bodywork (fairing, handguards), rider ergonomics designed for stability.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic instrumentation with analog speedometer and tachometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meter, clock. No advanced infotainment systems were standard.

Driver Assistance Features:

Optional Integral ABS (a significant safety feature for its time).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact spec).

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Typically every 20,000 km (12,400 miles) or as per manual recommendations.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 20,000 km (12,400 miles) or as per manual recommendations.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil, API SG or higher (specific BMW recommendations to be followed, e.g., BMW Motoröl).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts) with oil filter change.

Gearbox Oil Type:

SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil.

Gearbox Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.8 liters (0.85 US quarts).

Final Drive Oil Type:

SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil.

Final Drive Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.25 liters (0.26 US quarts).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Fork Oil Type:

SAE 7.5W or 10W fork oil (specific viscosity and quantity per leg to be confirmed in manual).

Common Issues:

Rear shock absorber wear (leading to a harsher ride), potential for clutch slave cylinder leaks, early model ABS sensor issues, occasional electrical connector corrosion. The Telelever system is generally robust but requires proper maintenance.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW Motorrad boasts a long and illustrious history in motorcycle manufacturing, particularly known for its boxer engine, shaft drive, and robust, durable touring and adventure motorcycles. The 'GS' designation signifies 'Gelände/Straße' (off-road/street), highlighting its dual-purpose capability.

Model Lineage:

The R850GS is part of the 'GS' family, which began with the R80G/S in 1980. It evolved alongside the larger R-series GS models, offering a slightly smaller displacement engine that made it more approachable. It preceded the R1150GS and later iterations like the R1200GS series.

Production Period:

The R850GS was produced from 1999 to 2001, bridging the gap between the earlier R850R and the larger R1150 series.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Recognition:

While specific awards for the R850GS are less documented compared to the R1150GS or later models, the entire 'GS' line is widely recognized for its reliability, touring capability, and pioneering the adventure motorcycle segment. It consistently received positive reviews for its manageable power and comfortable ride.