Target Audience:
BMW R850R and R850GS owners, independent motorcycle mechanics, enthusiasts
Value Proposition:
Provides essential, detailed information for maintaining and repairing the R850 series, saving on dealership service costs.
Detail Level:
Extremely detailed with clear instructions and technical data often found only in official factory service manuals.
Diagnostic Focus:
Strong emphasis on troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures for electronic and mechanical systems.
Vehicle Years Covered:
1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Model Variants Covered:
R850R, R850GS
Estimated Page Count:
300+
Type:
Full Service & Repair Manual
Engine:
Detailed overhaul, troubleshooting, diagnosis, tuning, lubrication, cooling system
Transmission:
Clutch, gearbox (5-speed), final drive maintenance and repair
Fuel System:
Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.2/MA 2.4), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body
Electrical System:
Ignition system, starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting, wiring diagrams, ECU diagnosis
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS (optional), hydraulic lines, calipers, discs
Suspension:
Front Telelever suspension, rear Monolever suspension, shock absorbers, fork seals
Chassis Bodywork:
Frame, subframe, fuel tank, seat, fairings, wheels, tires
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for major components and sub-assemblies
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all circuits
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of torque values for critical fasteners
Engine Tuning:
Idle speed adjustment, throttle response optimization, CO mixture settings (where applicable).
Wheel Tire Service:
Wheel bearing replacement, tire mounting and balancing, spoke tensioning (R850GS).
Exhaust System:
Inspection, repair, and replacement of exhaust components.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Component Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding the engine, gearbox, fuel injection system, and brake calipers.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine
Displacement:
848 cc (51.7 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm (3.54 in x 2.60 in)
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod-operated overhead valves
Horsepower:
Approx. 70 hp (52 kW) @ 7500 rpm (R850R), Approx. 70 hp (52 kW) @ 7500 rpm (R850GS)
Torque:
Approx. 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm (R850R), Approx. 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm (R850GS)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.2 / MA 2.4 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON / 91 AKI)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt)
Recommended Oil Grade:
SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle specific oil
Type:
5-speed constant mesh gearbox
Clutch:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with BMW Monolever system
Gear Ratios:
Detailed in manual (e.g., 1st: 3.46, 2nd: 2.40, 3rd: 1.73, 4th: 1.35, 5th: 1.12)
Final Drive Ratio:
33:11 (3.00:1)
Length:
R850R: Approx. 2,230 mm (87.8 in), R850GS: Approx. 2,230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
R850R: Approx. 850 mm (33.5 in), R850GS: Approx. 910 mm (35.8 in) (inc. mirrors)
Height:
R850R: Approx. 1,320 mm (52.0 in) (seat height adjustable), R850GS: Approx. 1,450 mm (57.1 in) (seat height adjustable)
Dry Weight:
R850R: Approx. 215 kg (474 lbs), R850GS: Approx. 227 kg (500 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 440 kg (970 lbs) (R850R/GS)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
R850R: 20 liters (5.3 US gal), R850GS: 20 liters (5.3 US gal)
ABS:
Optional BMW Integral ABS (available on later models, detailed in manual)
Braking System:
Dual 305 mm discs with 2-piston calipers (front), Single 276 mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, integrated turn signals
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD multi-function display (odo, trip, time, temp)
ABS:
Optional Integral ABS system, which combines braking functions and provides anti-lock protection for both wheels.
Diagnostic Interface:
Early OBD-II compatible systems, with specific BMW diagnostic connectors detailed in the manual.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles)
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG/SH or higher, JASO MA compliant, viscosity SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50
Transmission Oil Spec:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil
Final Drive Oil Spec:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, paralever joint wear, fuel pump reliability (can be improved with upgrades), fork seal leaks.
Electrical Quirks:
Intermittent electrical connections, particularly in older loom sections.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), founded 1916
Series Relation:
Part of BMW's long-standing boxer-twin heritage, positioned as a more accessible and versatile variant of the R1100 series.
Gs Variant:
The R850GS is a de-tuned and lower-seated version of the R1100GS, offering similar adventure-touring capabilities with a more manageable power delivery.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
