Segment:
Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent workshops.
Competitors 1999:
Honda ST1100, Yamaha FJR1300 (emerging), Moto Guzzi California.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on comfortable touring with a capable boxer twin engine and BMW's characteristic engineering.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to maintain their investment, reduce service costs, and understand their machine intimately.
Engine:
Detailed overhaul, diagnostics, and tuning of the R850cc boxer twin engine.
Transmission:
Clutch, gearbox, final drive maintenance and repair procedures.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, charging system, starter, instrumentation.
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front Telelever, rear Paralever), steering, wheels, and tires.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, including ABS if equipped, hydraulic lines, pads, and discs.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, and pipework.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairings, seat, fenders, fuel tank, and related components.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, valve clearance adjustments, drive shaft lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault finding trees.
Component Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for rebuilding major components.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific tasks.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic servicing to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Valve Train:
OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Cooling System:
Air Cooled
Horsepower At Rpm:
70 hp (51 kW) at 7,500 rpm (approx.)
Torque At Rpm:
77 Nm (57 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 API SG/SH motorcycle specific oil.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 liters (with filter change)
Ignition Type:
Digital Electronic Ignition (CDI)
Spark Plug Type:
NGK DPR8EA-9 or equivalent
Clutch:
Single dry plate, cable operated
Gear Ratios:
1st: 3.46, 2nd: 2.46, 3rd: 1.80, 4th: 1.47, 5th: 1.24
Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.85 liters
ABS:
Optional ABS (BMW Motorrad Integral ABS)
Braking System:
Dual 305mm discs with 4-piston calipers (front), Single 276mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, turn signals.
Dashboard:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, warning lights, odometer, trip meter.
ABS Option:
Integral ABS system, which typically operates on both brakes simultaneously with a linked lever actuation and a separate pedal for rear brake input.
Diagnostic Port:
BMW proprietary diagnostic connector for accessing engine management and ABS data.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or annually.
Valve Clearance Interval:
Every 20,000 km.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 km or as needed based on conditions.
Coolant:
N/A (Air-cooled)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, driveshaft U-joint, rear shock absorber, regulator/rectifier.
Electrical Gremlins:
While generally robust, older BMWs can experience intermittent electrical issues, often related to connectors or aging wiring harnesses. The manual's wiring diagrams are crucial here.
Bmw Motorcycle Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing tradition of producing robust, reliable, and technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer engines and shaft drive systems.
R850R Placement:
The R850R was introduced as a slightly less powerful and more accessible alternative to the R1100R, sharing many design elements and the boxer engine configuration.
Production Era:
The R850R was produced from the mid-1990s until the early 2000s, with the 1999 model being a significant iteration.
