Target Audience:
BMW R850 RT owners, independent motorcycle mechanics, BMW motorcycle enthusiasts.
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to maintain, diagnose, and repair the BMW R850 RT effectively, saving time and money compared to dealership services.
Alternatives:
Unofficial online forums, general repair guides (less specific), official BMW service bulletins (often fragmented).
Comprehensiveness:
Covers all major mechanical and electrical systems of the R850 RT model range.
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step procedures with clear illustrations and exploded views.
Engine:
Detailed overhaul, troubleshooting, component testing (e.g., cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system - air-cooled with oil cooling circuit).
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic variants), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel pressure regulation, fuel tank, lines.
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, electronic ignition control (Motronic).
Transmission:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox (5-speed), final drive (shaft drive), gearbox oil specifications and change intervals.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (typically ABS integral system), brake fluid type and bleeding procedures, disc and pad replacement, caliper maintenance.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, lighting, horns, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame components, front telelever suspension, rear paralever swingarm, shock absorber adjustment and replacement, wheel bearings.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, luggage system integration, instrument panel, controls.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault code reading (if applicable to the era/system), diagnostic procedures, common problems and their solutions.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid flush, gearbox oil change, final drive oil change, valve clearance checks and adjustment.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuild, gearbox overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system overhaul, electrical system troubleshooting and repair.
Adjustments:
Clutch adjustment, throttle cable adjustment, idle speed setting, suspension preload and damping adjustments.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for both home mechanics and professional technicians. Covers everything from basic servicing to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds.
Searchability:
Searchable text for quick information retrieval.
Printability:
Printable pages for hands-on workshop use.
Image Quality:
High-resolution diagrams and illustrations.
Binding:
Not applicable for digital format; user can print and bind as needed.
Paper Quality:
Not applicable for digital format; typically high-quality paper is recommended for printed versions.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine with oil cooler.
Displacement:
848 cc (51.7 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm (3.54 in x 2.60 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1 (approximate)
Horsepower:
Approx. 70 hp (52 kW) at 7,250 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) at 5,250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (Octane rating may vary by market).
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 liters (3.2 US qt) with oil filter change.
Oil Specification:
BMW Advised: SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil meeting API SG/SH/SJ or JASO MA specifications. Consult manual for specific OEM recommendations.
Spark Plugs:
Typically NGK CR9EK or equivalent. Torque specification and gap are critical.
Gearbox Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated.
Final Drive:
Shaft drive to the rear wheel.
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.0 liter (1.05 US qt).
Gearbox Oil Specification:
BMW Advised: SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil meeting API GL-5. Consult manual for specific OEM recommendations.
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.18 liters (0.19 US qt).
Final Drive Oil Specification:
BMW Advised: SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil meeting API GL-5. Consult manual for specific OEM recommendations.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meters, fuel level, gear indicator (if equipped), warning lights.
ABS:
Integral ABS system for enhanced braking safety.
Accessory Power:
Typically equipped with a 12V accessory socket for charging devices or powering accessories.
First Service:
Typically at 1,000 km (600 miles) - includes oil change, filter change, inspection of all systems, and valve clearance check.
Subsequent Services:
Generally every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Key items include oil, filter, brake fluid, gearbox and final drive oil changes at specified intervals (e.g., every 20,000 km).
Valve Clearance Interval:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified in the manual. This is a critical check for Boxer engines.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 Synthetic Brake Fluid. Regular flushing (e.g., every 2 years) is essential.
Coolant:
N/A - the R850RT is air-cooled with an oil cooler circuit.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, rear shock absorber degradation, brake system component wear (lines, pads), wheel bearings, final drive splines (requiring periodic lubrication).
Electrical Quirks:
Can include issues with the side stand switch, battery charging, or intermittent sensor faults, all of which are detailed in the manual.
Fuel System Maintenance:
Importance of clean fuel, fuel filter replacement, and injector cleaning/checking as part of scheduled maintenance.
Motorcycle Expertise:
BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history of producing robust, technologically advanced, and reliable motorcycles, particularly in the touring segment.
Lineage:
The R850 RT is part of the successful R series boxer-twin family, offering a more accessible and less powerful alternative to the R1100/R1150 RT models, but still equipped for long-distance touring.
Production Period:
Produced from 1997 to 2006, covering several minor updates and refinements.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Germany.
Design Philosophy:
While specific awards for the R850 RT may not be widely publicized, BMW motorcycles are consistently recognized for their engineering quality, durability, and rider comfort, particularly in the touring segment.
Reliability:
Known for strong reliability when properly maintained, a testament to BMW's robust engineering.
Manufacturing Standards:
Manufactured under strict German automotive engineering standards.