🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 850 C / R 1200 C

Model Variant:

Cruiser

Body Style:

Motorcycle

Chassis Code R850C:

R21

Chassis Code R1200C:

R28

👋 Introduction

Segment:

BMW's cruiser segment, offering a distinct style and character from their touring and sport models.

Target Audience:

Riders seeking a relaxed, comfortable riding experience with the quality and engineering of BMW motorcycles.

Key Competitors:

Harley-Davidson, Honda Shadow series, Indian Scout.

Design Philosophy:

Classic cruiser styling blended with BMW's boxer-twin engine and refined engineering.

Powertrain Layout:

Air-cooled, four-stroke boxer-twin engine with shaft drive.

Distinguishing Features:

Low seat height, pulled-back handlebars, distinctive styling, and the characteristic BMW boxer engine feel.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting for BMW R 850 C and R 1200 C motorcycles.

Secondary Coverage:

Includes diagnostic procedures, electrical system diagrams, and component specifications.

Estimated Page Count:

Over 500 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Type:

Repair Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul, including cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, valve train, lubrication system, and cooling (air-cooled).

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, fuel tank, and fuel lines.

Ignition System:

Ignition coil, spark plugs, ECU control, and timing.

Transmission:

Gearbox assembly, clutch operation, shift mechanism, and final drive (shaft drive).

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, lighting systems (headlight, taillight, signals), battery, alternator, starter motor, and control modules.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, including ABS (if equipped), brake calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, and pad replacement.

Suspension:

Front telescopic fork (including oil change and seal replacement) and rear Monolever swingarm with shock absorber.

Frame And Bodywork:

Frame structure, body panels, fairings, seat, handlebars, and mounting hardware.

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel bearing maintenance, tire replacement, and balancing.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, valve clearance adjustments, brake fluid replacement, and drive shaft lubrication.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common running issues, electrical faults, and performance problems.

Repair:

Detailed instructions for component disassembly, repair, reassembly, and adjustments.

Installation:

Procedures for installing genuine BMW accessories and replacement parts.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, wear limits, and diagnostic parameters.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostics:

Detailed fault finding for engine management and electrical systems, often including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable.

Electrical Diagrams:

High-quality, detailed wiring schematics for all electrical circuits.

Illustrations:

Clear, step-by-step illustrations and diagrams for all procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution scans suitable for printing key sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type R850C:

Air-cooled, four-stroke boxer-twin

Displacement R850C:

848 cc

Bore X Stroke R850C:

90.0 mm x 66.0 mm

Type R1200C:

Air-cooled, four-stroke boxer-twin

Displacement R1200C:

1170 cc

Bore X Stroke R1200C:

101.0 mm x 73.0 mm

Horsepower R850C:

70 hp @ 6,750 rpm (approx.)

Torque R850C:

79 Nm @ 4,750 rpm (approx.)

Horsepower R1200C:

100 hp @ 7,000 rpm (approx.)

Torque R1200C:

115 Nm @ 5,500 rpm (approx.)

Injection System:

Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Premium)

Fuel Capacity:

16.5 Liters (4.36 US gal) (approx.)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Drive:

Shaft drive

Availability:

N/A (Standard on both models)

Clutch:

Single dry plate, hydraulically operated

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios detailed within the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length R1200C:

2260 mm (88.98 in) (approx.)

Width R1200C:

800 mm (31.50 in) (approx., excluding mirrors)

Height R1200C:

1100 mm (43.31 in) (approx., to handlebars)

Dry Weight R850C:

Approx. 223 kg (491.6 lbs)

Curb Weight R1200C:

Approx. 255 kg (562.2 lbs) (fully fueled)

Seat Height R1200C:

760 mm (29.92 in) (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS Availability:

Optional Integral ABS on R1200C, standard on some later models.

Braking System:

Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake. Integral ABS provides combined braking function.

Chassis Design:

Sturdy steel tube frame providing a stable platform.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight (model dependent).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional factory-fitted stereo system available on some R1200C models.

ABS:

Integral ABS system available as an option, providing enhanced braking safety.

Diagnostic Port:

On-board diagnostics accessible via a specific connector for fault code reading.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.

Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 20,000 km or as per manual recommendations.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 20,000 km.

Brake Fluid Replacement:

Every 2 years.

Drive Shaft Lubrication:

Every 10,000 km (or check interval per manual).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle specific, API SG/SH or higher.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.0 Liters (3.2 US qt) with filter change.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (or DOT 4 LV for ABS models as specified).

Gearbox Oil Type:

SAE 75W/90 Synthetic Gear Oil, API GL-5.

Gearbox Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.25 Liters (0.26 US qt).

Electrical Connectors:

Corrosion or poor contact in connectors, particularly common in older models exposed to elements.

Fuel Pump Reliability:

Occasional fuel pump failures reported, though generally reliable.

Clutch Actuation:

Hydraulic clutch system can sometimes require bleeding due to moisture ingress.

Front Fork Seals:

Leaking fork seals can occur with age and mileage.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), Germany.

Motorcycle Division Legacy:

Long history of producing motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer-twin engines and engineering prowess since the 1920s.

Introduction Period:

Introduced in the mid-to-late 1990s as BMW's entry into the cruiser market.

R850C Positioning:

A more accessible and slightly less powerful version, designed for comfort and style.

R1200C Positioning:

The flagship cruiser, offering more performance and touring capability.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant).

Production Years:

R 850 C: Approximately 1997-2006. R 1200 C: Approximately 1997-2005.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Reception:

While not typically winning 'best of' awards in the same vein as sportbikes, the R-series cruisers were recognized for their unique styling, build quality, and comfortable ride, carving out a niche in the market.