Positioning:
The BMW R 850 GS is positioned as a versatile adventure touring motorcycle, offering a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability, often considered a more accessible alternative to its larger R 1100/1150 GS siblings.
Competitors:
Competed against models like the Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha TDM, and Triumph Tiger during its production era.
Features:
Characterized by BMW's signature boxer-twin engine, shaft drive, robust chassis, and typically equipped with ABS and comfortable ergonomics for long-distance travel.
Covered Years:
1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
Estimated Pages:
Refer to specific manual edition (typically 300-500+ pages)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language:
English (assumed, typical for aftermarket manuals)
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (PDF)
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, component testing, tuning, fuel injection system, ignition system, cooling system (air-cooled).
Transmission:
Gearbox (5-speed), clutch operation and adjustment, final drive (shaft drive).
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (hydraulic disc brakes), ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid replacement, caliper servicing.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery system, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, fault diagnosis.
Chassis And Body:
Frame, suspension (forks, rear shock absorber), steering, wheels, tires, fuel tank, seat, body panels, fairings, exhaust system.
Maintenance:
Regular servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable to model variants), valve clearance checks.
Repair:
Engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component diagnostics and repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic rider maintenance to full engine and gearbox rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and diagnostic routines.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer
Displacement:
848 cc (850 cc class)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 70-75 hp (depending on market and specific year)
Torque:
Approx. 75-80 Nm (depending on market and specific year)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic or similar)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Ignition System:
Digital ignition system
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (varies slightly by year/configuration)
Width:
Approx. 920 mm (at handlebars)
Height:
Approx. 1410 mm (seat height varies, approx. 840 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 210 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 440 kg
Fuel Capacity:
25 Liters (including 4 Liters reserve)
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is typically assessed differently from cars)
ABS:
Optional, BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (available on some models/years)
Braking System:
Dual disc front, single disc rear, hydraulic actuation.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light (later models may have LED indicators).
Features:
Basic instrumentation cluster with speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel level indicator, warning lights. Some models might have optional heated grips.
Features:
Optional ABS system, which was advanced for its time.
Features:
N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or smartphone integration).
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km or annually.
Valve Clearance:
Every 20,000 km.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (depending on spark plug type).
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-50, API SG or higher (refer to manual for precise BMW approval).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 Liters (with filter change).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (Low Viscosity).
Gearbox Oil:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 (refer to manual for specific BMW approval).
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 (refer to manual for specific BMW approval).
Common Problems:
Leaking rear main seal, fuel pump issues, intermittent electrical gremlins, ABS sensor failures (on equipped models), worn clutch spline.
