Segment:
Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Competitors 1996:
Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha TDM, Ducati Multistrada (early variants), Suzuki V-Strom (later)
Engine Configuration:
Flat-twin (Boxer) engine
Suspension Type:
Telelever front, Paralever rear
ABS:
Standard or optional ABS II system
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, component testing, lubrication, cooling system, oil system
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel filter replacement
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, timing, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox overhaul, shaft and bearing inspection, final drive maintenance
Suspension Steering:
Front Telelever suspension, rear Paralever suspension, fork seals, shock absorber replacement, steering head bearing adjustment
Brakes:
ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System) service, brake pad replacement, brake fluid flush and bleed, caliper overhaul, rotor inspection
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, fuse box, diagnostic connectors
Bodywork Chassis:
Fairing removal and installation, seat adjustment, fuel tank removal, frame inspection, luggage system mounting
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter change, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, drive shaft lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for engine, electrical, and mechanical faults, error code interpretation (if applicable)
Component Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement across all major systems
Overhaul Rebuild:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including torque specifications and clearances
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic servicing to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, air-cooled flat-twin (boxer) engine
Displacement:
848 cc (850cc class)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
Approximately 70 hp @ 6,750 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic M (specific variant applicable)
Length:
Approx. 2,230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) over handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1,300 mm (51.2 in) to handlebars
Dry Weight:
Approx. 210 kg (463 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 440 kg (970 lbs)
Front Tire Size:
110/80 R18
Rear Tire Size:
140/80 R17
Wheel Type:
Spoked wheels
Fuel Tank Capacity:
25 Liters (6.6 US gal), including reserve
Standard Features:
Basic instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, odometer). Optional heated grips.
ABS System:
BMW's robust ABS II system was a significant technological offering for the era.
Diagnostic Interface:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) via specific BMW diagnostic connectors, not standard OBD-II.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Interval:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,400 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Refer to manual, typically around 20,000-30,000 km.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 API SG or higher (refer to specific manual for exact BMW approval).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 Liters (3.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
Transmission Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 90 API GL-5 (for final drive).
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Early fuel pumps could be a point of failure, requiring replacement.
Telelever Pivot Bearings:
Wear in the Telelever pivot bearings can lead to steering looseness; requires periodic inspection and greasing.
Clutch Actuator Seal:
Potential for leaks from the clutch slave cylinder seal.
Bmw Motorcycle History:
BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, beginning in 1923, known for its boxer engines and robust engineering.
R Series Heritage:
The R850R/GS are part of the R-series tradition, evolving from earlier 800cc and 1000cc models, offering a balance of power and manageability.
Gs Lineage:
The GS designation signifies BMW's 'Gelรคnde/Straรe' (off-road/street) dual-purpose motorcycles, emphasizing versatility.
Production Period:
The R850 models were produced from the mid-1990s into the early 2000s.
