Segment:
Touring/Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
BMW R850R owners, independent motorcycle mechanics, enthusiasts seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.
Key Competitors Era:
Honda ST1100, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki Concours ZG1000, Moto Guzzi California series.
Unique Selling Proposition Vehicle:
Smooth Boxer twin engine, comfortable ergonomics for touring, shaft drive, quality BMW engineering, relatively accessible performance compared to larger R series models.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to maintain their investment, reduces reliance on expensive dealership services, provides in-depth technical knowledge for accurate diagnostics and repairs.
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, diagnosis, fuel injection, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication, performance tuning, component replacement (pistons, rings, valves, bearings, etc.)
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, gearbox (5-speed), driveshaft, final drive (bevel gear housing), maintenance and repair procedures.
Chassis Systems:
Frame inspection and repair, suspension (front telelever, rear Paralever), wheel bearings, steering head bearings, general chassis setup.
Braking Systems:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid replacement, caliper overhaul, master cylinder service, pad and disc replacement.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator, regulator), lighting, instrumentation, starter system, ECU diagnosis, sensor testing, troubleshooting electrical faults.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, throttle body, fuel tank, emissions control systems.
Bodywork And Trim:
Body panel removal and installation, seat, fairing components, fenders, trim pieces, care and cleaning.
Maintenance Procedures:
Regular service checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant checks, drive shaft lubrication, valve clearance adjustment.
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major vehicle systems.
Technical Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, measurement data for all components.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke boxer-twin 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)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
Overhead camshaft (OHC), two valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated
Power Output Hp:
Approx. 70 hp (52 kW) at 6750 rpm (This may vary slightly by market specification)
Torque Nm:
Approx. 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) at 5500 rpm (This may vary slightly by market specification)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 fuel injection system with integrated ignition
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline (91-98 RON / 87-93 AKI)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20 liters (5.3 US gal), including a reserve of approx. 3 liters.
Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-40 or 15W-50 motorcycle specific oil.
Oil Capacity W Filter:
Approx. 3.5 liters (3.7 US qt)
Ignition Type:
Digital electronic ignition (Motronic MA 2.4)
Cooling Method:
Air cooling for cylinders and heads, oil cooling via an integrated oil cooler.
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final Drive:
Shaft drive, with a bevel gear housing at the rear wheel
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios are detailed within the manual, essential for performance calculations and diagnostics.
Transmission Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific SAE grade and API classification for final drive oil (typically GL-5, SAE 90).
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles are not subject to standardized automotive crash testing like cars)
Braking System:
Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake. Optional BMW Motorrad ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
Suspension Features:
BMW Telelever front suspension for improved stability and feedback, Paralever rear suspension for reduced driveline lash.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, turn signals.
Chassis Design:
Robust steel frame designed for stability and rider comfort.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator (if equipped), warning lights for oil pressure, neutral, turn signals, high beam, ABS. Limited digital display for odometer, trip meter.
ABS System:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS system, a significant safety feature for its time.
Connectivity Features:
None in the modern sense; no Bluetooth, smartphone integration, or advanced electronic rider aids beyond ABS.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for exact interval.
Valve Clearance Check Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually. Requires manual inspection and adjustment.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Refer to manual; often around 20,000 km (12,000 miles), depending on plug type.
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-40 or 15W-50 motorcycle specific oil.
Transmission Oil Specification:
Consult manual for exact grade and API specification for the gearbox.
Final Drive Oil Specification:
GL-5, SAE 90 gear oil is commonly used for BMW shaft drives.
Coolant Specification:
N/A (Air/oil-cooled engine)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, brake pads/discs, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, swingarm pivot bearings, fuel pump.
Electrical Common Problems:
Corrosion on connectors, particularly in the wiring harness, regulator/rectifier failures (though less common on this specific model compared to earlier R-series), starter solenoid issues.
Engine Common Problems:
Occasional oil leaks from cylinder base gaskets or seals. Valve seat wear over very high mileage.
Maintenance Schedule Overview
Annual Checks:
Tire pressure, lights, horn, brake function, fluid levels, drive shaft boot integrity.
Bmw Motorcycles Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history dating back to 1923, known for engineering excellence, boxer engines, and shaft drive.
R850R Lineage:
The R850R is part of the modern R series boxer-engined motorcycles, positioned as a more accessible and slightly less powerful alternative to the R1100R and subsequent R1150R models. It shares many components and design principles with its larger siblings.
Production Period:
The R850R was produced from 1995 through 2006. The 2000 model falls within this primary production run.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (primarily BMW's Berlin Spandau plant)
Bike Magazine Reviews:
Generally praised for its comfortable ride, predictable handling, and the character of the boxer engine, often rated well for touring capability and build quality.
Reliability Perception:
BMW boxer twins are generally considered reliable and durable with proper maintenance, with the R850R benefiting from proven technologies.
Emissions Standards:
Complies with emissions standards relevant to the 2000 model year in its target markets (e.g., Euro 1/2).