Motorcycle Segment:
Standard/Naked Sport-Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners and independent mechanics seeking detailed technical information for servicing and repairing their BMW R850R and R1100R models.
Competitors:
Other contemporary naked or sport-touring bikes from Japanese manufacturers (e.g., Yamaha FJ1100/1200, Suzuki GSX1100G) and Italian marques (e.g., Ducati Monster).
Design Philosophy:
BMW's signature Boxer engine architecture, Telelever/Monolever suspension (depending on variant), shaft drive, and emphasis on touring comfort and build quality.
Model Differentiation:
R1100R offers higher displacement and typically more power; R850R a more accessible entry point with a slightly smaller engine, often favored for urban riding or as a lighter option.
Engine And Powertrain:
Detailed coverage of the BMW Boxer twin-cylinder, four-stroke engines (R850R and R1100R variants), including fuel injection, ignition systems, exhaust, lubrication, cooling (oil), and clutch mechanisms.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Comprehensive information on the gearbox, final drive (single-sided swingarm), driveshaft, and associated components.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork (Telelever on R1100R, conventional on some R850R variants), rear shock absorber (Monolever or Paralever depending on exact model sub-variant), frame, wheels, and steering components.
Braking System:
Detailed coverage of the ABS II system (Bosch), hydraulic brake lines, calipers, master cylinders, and associated maintenance procedures. Potential coverage of Integral ABS on later models.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostics for lighting, starter, charging system (alternator, regulator), instrumentation, fuel pump, ignition, and ABS control units.
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection system (e.g., Motronic 2.1, 2.2, 2.4), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, and sensors.
Bodywork And Fittings:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, tank, fenders, and other trim components.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter service, brake fluid flush, clutch fluid check, drive shaft lubrication, valve clearance adjustment.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common issues related to engine performance, starting, electrical systems, and braking.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures, including piston ring replacement, bearing checks, seal replacements, and cylinder head service.
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, and repair, including gear selection mechanisms and clutch assembly service.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Component testing using multimeters, troubleshooting ABS faults, ignition system diagnostics, and fuel injection system analysis.
Brake System Maintenance:
Brake pad replacement, fluid bleeding, ABS sensor cleaning and testing, and hydraulic system component overhaul.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance and fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and component-level repairs.
Digital Format Quality:
High-resolution scans, searchable text (OCR), bookmarked chapters for easy navigation.
Reproduction Print Quality:
Professional printing on durable paper, clear diagrams and text.
Reproduction Binding Type:
Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment.
Reproduction Paper Type:
Heavyweight, matte finish paper resistant to shop oils and grease.
Engine Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, Four-stroke, Boxer Twin-cylinder
Bore X Stroke R850R:
90.0 mm x 64.0 mm
Bore X Stroke R1100R:
99.0 mm x 70.5 mm
Displacement R850R:
848 cc
Displacement R1100R:
1085 cc
Compression Ratio R850R:
10.0:1
Compression Ratio R1100R:
10.7:1
Horsepower R850R Approx:
70 hp @ 7,250 rpm
Horsepower R1100R Approx:
90 hp @ 7,250 rpm
Torque R850R Approx:
78 Nm (57.5 lb-ft) @ 5,500 rpm
Torque R1100R Approx:
98 Nm (72.3 lb-ft) @ 5,500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (87 AKI)
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, LCD multi-function display showing odometer, trip meters, clock, coolant temperature (oil temp for these models), fuel level warning, and diagnostic fault codes (when available).
ABS Implementation:
Bosch ABS II provides significant stability during braking, especially on imperfect surfaces. Integral ABS (on later R1100R models) further integrates front and rear brake actuation.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics via the Motronic system, accessible with specific BMW diagnostic tools or procedures described in the manual for reading fault codes.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Engine Oil Grade:
SAE 20W-50 (API SG or higher), synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended. BMW recommends Castrol.
Engine Oil Capacity R850R:
Approx. 3.0 Liters (3.2 US qt) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity R1100R:
Approx. 3.0 Liters (3.2 US qt) with filter change.
Transmission Oil Grade:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5.
Final Drive Oil Grade:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch friction plates, brake pads and discs, wheel bearings, fuel pump (early models), alternator brushes, ABS sensor rings.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion on connectors, failing starter solenoids, and occasional issues with the Motronic control unit due to age/vibration.
Suspension Wear:
Rear shock absorber may lose damping over time. Telelever joints can develop play if not lubricated.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad's long history of producing reliable, technologically advanced, and rider-focused motorcycles, particularly with its iconic Boxer engine.
R Series Development:
The R850R and R1100R are direct descendants of the air-cooled Boxer lineage, evolving from the R100 series with the introduction of fuel injection, four-valve cylinder heads (on R1100), and advanced suspension systems like Telelever.
Production Period:
R1100R: 1994-2000. R850R: 1996-2000. These models were phased out in favor of the R1150R series.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
