Motorcycle Segment:
Sport Touring / Roadster
Target Demographic:
Riders seeking a reliable, comfortable, and characterful touring machine with BMW's engineering pedigree.
Key Competitors:
Honda ST1100 Pan European, Yamaha Diversion XJ600S, Kawasaki GTR1000.
Engine Layout:
Air-cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Frame Type:
Steel tube frame
Suspension Type:
Telelever front suspension (BMW's signature), Monolever rear swingarm.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, disassembly, assembly, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU diagnostics, sensor testing).
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch operation and adjustment, final drive, driveshaft, lubrication.
Chassis:
Frame inspection and repair, suspension (front forks, rear shock absorber), steering system, wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system (front and rear), ABS system (if equipped), brake pad replacement, caliper service, brake fluid replacement, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, starter motor, alternator, lighting system, instrumentation, horn, fuses, relays, ignition switch, fault finding.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, idle control valve, air filter.
Bodywork And Fittings:
Fairings, seat, handlebars, footpegs, luggage systems, mirrors, minor body panel repairs.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid flush, clutch fluid flush, valve clearance adjustment, driveshaft spline lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, and electrical issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine component replacement, gearbox repairs, suspension overhauls, brake caliper rebuilds, electrical component replacement.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, bearing clearances, piston-to-cylinder wall clearance, valve lash settings.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagrams and exploded views.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, air-cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Valve Actuation:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder
Power Output:
Approximately 70 HP (51 kW) at 7,250 RPM
Torque Output:
Approximately 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) at 5,500 RPM
Top Speed:
Approx. 190 km/h (118 mph)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (Octane Rating)
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.75 liters (with filter change)
Length:
Approx. 2,150 mm (84.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) (including mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1,360 mm (53.5 in) (seat height adjustable)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 210 kg (463 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 230 kg (507 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not explicitly specified, but generally around 450 kg (992 lbs).
Crash Test Ratings:
Not applicable for motorcycles in the same way as cars. Focus is on rider safety through design.
Brakes:
Dual front disc brakes (305mm diameter), Single rear disc brake (276mm diameter). Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was available on some models.
Suspension Handling:
Telelever front suspension designed for improved feedback and anti-dive characteristics. Monolever rear swingarm for robust shaft drive integration.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals.
Ergonomics:
Comfortable riding position for touring, adjustable seat height.
Features:
Basic instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel level indicator, warning lights. No advanced infotainment systems.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available, offering enhanced safety.
Features:
No integrated connectivity features like Bluetooth or smartphone integration. Aftermarket options may be available.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Driveshaft Spline Lubrication:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher)
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5) Gear Oil
Coolant:
Not applicable (air-cooled engine)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, wheel bearings, driveshaft splines (require regular lubrication to prevent wear), spark plugs.
Potential Electrical:
Aging wiring harness connectors, regulator/rectifier issues are not uncommon in bikes of this age.
Fuel System Maintenance:
Regular injector cleaning and fuel filter replacement can ensure optimal performance.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Motorcycle Division History:
BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, dating back to the 1920s with the R32. Known for engineering innovation, boxer engines, and shaft drive.
R Series Heritage:
The R850R is part of BMW's iconic R series, which features horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engines. It was positioned as a more accessible alternative to the larger R1100R/R1150R models.
Innovation Adoption:
This era saw BMW increasingly incorporate electronic fuel injection and advanced suspension designs like the Telelever.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin-Spandau, Germany
Production Period:
1994-2005 (various iterations)
