Motorcycle Segment:
Sport Touring / Roadster
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs themselves, independent repair shops, and serious enthusiasts.
Competitive Set:
Rival models from brands like Moto Guzzi, Ducati, and other BMW boxer-twin models of similar displacement and purpose.
Vehicle Highlights:
Torquey boxer-twin engine, characteristic BMW handling, shaft drive, and touring capability.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to maintain, diagnose, and repair their R850R, potentially saving significant costs and extending the motorcycle's lifespan.
Engine Mechanical:
Comprehensive overhaul, including cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, connecting rods, timing components (chain, tensioners, guides), valve train (valves, springs, seals, rockers, lifters), oil pump, lubrication system.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (throttle bodies, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump, sensors), fuel tank, lines, and evaporative emissions control.
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control, ignition timing, and troubleshooting of ignition-related faults.
Transmission Manual:
Gearbox disassembly, reassembly, shift mechanism, clutch operation, and lubrication.
Drivetrain Final Drive:
Driveshaft, universal joints, rear differential (if applicable to R850R), and spline lubrication.
Brakes:
Brake system components (master cylinders, calipers, pads, discs, hoses, ABS system), bleeding procedures, and troubleshooting.
Suspension Front:
Telescopic fork components, seals, oil replacement, springs, damping adjustments, and steering head bearings.
Suspension Rear:
Monolever swingarm, shock absorber, linkage (if applicable), spring preload, damping adjustments, and wheel bearing maintenance.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, lighting, horn, instrumentation, and ECU functions.
Chassis Frame:
Frame inspection, repair, and related component mounting.
Bodywork:
Fairings, fuel tank, seat, fenders, and accessory mounting.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed procedures for all scheduled maintenance tasks as per BMW's recommendations, including oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, valve adjustments, and fluid checks.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, including symptom analysis, component testing, and fault code interpretation (if applicable).
Component Removal Installation:
Step-by-step instructions for removing, servicing, and reinstalling virtually every component of the motorcycle.
Rebuild Reconditioning:
Detailed instructions for complete engine rebuilds, gearbox overhauls, and suspension component reconditioning.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of torque values for all critical fasteners, ensuring proper assembly and preventing damage.
Wiring Diagrams:
Clear and detailed electrical schematics for all model variations, aiding in troubleshooting electrical issues.
Depth Level:
Expert/Professional Level
Detail Of Procedures:
Includes step-by-step instructions with accompanying diagrams and illustrations for complex tasks such as engine disassembly, transmission rebuilds, and electrical system diagnostics.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Covers advanced diagnostic techniques, often requiring specialized tools (though specific tool requirements are generally not listed, the procedures imply their use).
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, air-cooled, boxer-twin (flat-twin)
Displacement:
848 cc (51.7 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1
Valve Train:
Two valves per cylinder, pushrod-actuated with rocker arms.
Horsepower:
70 hp @ 7,250 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
75 Nm (55 lb-ft) @ 5,500 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with individual throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 RON or higher recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
25 liters (6.6 US gallons), including a reserve of approx. 4 liters
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles) or as indicated by engine noise.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,500 miles) or as needed based on inspection.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 API SG or higher (consult manual for specific BMW recommendations).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.7 liters (2.8 US quarts) with filter change.
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 (Hypoid gear oil).
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 (Hypoid gear oil).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Coolant Type:
Not applicable (air-cooled engine).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch slave cylinder seals, alternator brushes, swingarm pivot bearings, steering head bearings, ABS sensor rings.
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent electrical issues can occur with age, often related to wiring harness integrity or connector corrosion.
Fuel System Maintenance:
Regular cleaning of throttle bodies and checking for injector blockages can prevent performance degradation.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), established in 1916.
Motorcycle Division:
BMW Motorrad, a division with a long history of producing innovative and reliable motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer-twin engines.
R Series Legacy:
The R850R is part of BMW's long-standing tradition of boxer-twin motorcycles, evolving from earlier models like the R90S, R100 series, and R1100 series.
R850R Introduction:
Introduced as a more accessible and slightly less powerful alternative to the R1100R, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and BMW's characteristic engineering.
Production Period:
The R850R was produced from 1996 to 2007, with the 2001 model representing a mid-cycle iteration.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (typically Berlin-Spandau for BMW motorcycles)