Target Audience:
BMW R850C and R1200C owners, independent motorcycle repair shops, DIY enthusiasts with mechanical aptitude.
Value Proposition:
Provides dealer-level technical information, enabling owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving costs and ensuring proper servicing.
Comparison To Dealer Manuals:
Equivalent to the information provided to official BMW technicians, offering the same accuracy and depth.
Content Focus:
Combines routine maintenance, scheduled servicing, diagnostic procedures, and in-depth repair instructions.
User Friendliness:
Designed for clarity and ease of use, with detailed illustrations supporting step-by-step instructions.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, assembly, overhaul, timing, valve adjustments, piston/cylinder inspection, crankshaft/connecting rod service.
Engine Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (EFI) diagnostics, fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank, fuel lines.
Engine Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control, timing synchronization.
Clutch System:
Clutch disassembly, inspection, replacement of friction plates, steel plates, and springs; hydraulic clutch actuation.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, repair of gears, shafts, bearings, shift mechanism; lubrication.
Drivetrain:
Final drive assembly, driveshaft, universal joints, differential (if applicable to specific models), rear wheel hub.
Cooling System:
Oil cooling system (typically air-cooled with oil cooler) maintenance, oil filter replacement, oil capacity, oil type specifications.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake system service, hydraulic lines, calipers, master cylinders, brake pads, brake discs, bleeding procedure.
Suspension Front:
Front fork service, oil replacement, seal replacement, spring inspection, stanchion inspection.
Suspension Rear:
Rear shock absorber inspection, adjustment, removal/installation; swingarm and linkage service (if applicable).
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery service, charging system (alternator/generator), starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays.
Electronics And Diagnostics:
ABS system diagnostics, onboard computer (if applicable), troubleshooting error codes.
Bodywork And Frame:
Fairing removal/installation, seat, fuel tank, fenders, frame inspection, mounting points.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, chain lubrication and adjustment (if applicable), tire pressure checks, brake fluid checks.
Tune Ups:
Comprehensive tune-up procedures, including fuel system adjustments, ignition timing checks, idle speed settings.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation.
Engine Repair:
Complete engine disassembly and reassembly for major overhauls.
Brake Service:
Brake pad replacement, caliper service, bleeding, fluid flush.
Suspension Overhaul:
Front fork oil and seal replacement, rear shock maintenance.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting wiring issues, component testing, battery and charging system diagnostics.
Technical Service Bulletins:
Inclusion of relevant TSBs for known issues and improvements.
Recall Information:
Information pertaining to manufacturer recalls for affected models.
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations and diagrams for visual guidance.
Manufacturer Data:
Includes manufacturer specifications, torque values, clearances, and tolerances.
Engine Type:
BMW Boxer Twin (Horizontally Opposed Two-Cylinder)
Engine Configuration:
Two-cylinder, four-stroke, boxer engine
Displacement R850C:
Approx. 848 cc
Displacement R1200C:
Approx. 1170 cc
Cooling:
Air-cooled with oil cooler
Valve Train:
Overhead camshaft (SOHC) per cylinder, two valves per cylinder.
Power Output R850C:
Approx. 70 hp @ 7500 rpm (varies by market/tuning)
Power Output R1200C:
Approx. 100 hp @ 7500 rpm (varies by market/tuning)
Torque R850C:
Approx. 77 Nm @ 5000 rpm (varies by market/tuning)
Torque R1200C:
Approx. 116 Nm @ 5200 rpm (varies by market/tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic or similar system.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 95 or higher recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 17.5 liters (4.6 US gal)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified in the manual.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual; typically a high-quality synthetic motorcycle oil (e.g., SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50, API SG/SH or higher).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 liters (3.2 US qt) with filter change for R1200C (refer to manual for exact capacity).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic fluid.
Transmission Oil Type:
Refer to manual; typically a high-quality gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-4/GL-5).
Final Drive Oil Type:
Refer to manual; typically a high-quality gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90 GL-5).
Typical Wear Items:
Clutch wear, front fork seals, brake pads, wheel bearings, driveshaft U-joints.
Electrical Gremlins:
Occasional issues with wiring harness integrity or component failures, often addressed by TSBs.
Fuel System Maintenance:
Ensuring clean fuel, proper functioning of fuel injectors and fuel pump is crucial for smooth operation.
Bmw Motorcycle History:
BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, renowned for engineering excellence, boxer engines, and innovation since the early 20th century.
R Series Lineage:
The R850C and R1200C are part of BMW's long-running R series, which traditionally features the boxer twin engine. The R1200C, in particular, was BMW's foray into the cruiser market, blending classic styling with modern technology.
R1200C Introduction:
Introduced in the mid-1990s, the R1200C aimed to capture a segment of the cruiser market, differentiating itself with its distinctive styling, boxer engine, and BMW's engineering pedigree.
Production Period:
1996-2003 for the models covered by this manual.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
