Market Segment:
Adventure Touring / Sport Touring Motorcycle
Competitors:
Honda VFR750/800, Yamaha Diversion/XJ series, Kawasaki GTR series, Moto Guzzi California/Tonti frame bikes.
Unique Selling Points:
BMW's signature boxer twin engine, shaft drive, robust build quality, comfortable ergonomics for long-distance riding, capable on varied surfaces (GS variant).
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, tuning, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled), fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Gearbox service, clutch operation, final drive (single-sided swingarm with driveshaft), gearbox oil change and inspection.
Chassis Suspension:
Front suspension (forks), rear suspension (Monolever system with adjustable shock absorber), wheel bearing maintenance, steering head bearing service.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) troubleshooting and bleeding, brake pad replacement, brake fluid specifications and change intervals.
Electrical System:
Battery maintenance and testing, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, indicators), instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fuse identification and replacement.
Bodywork Frame:
Fairing removal and installation, seat removal, fuel tank servicing, body panel repair and alignment, frame inspection.
Maintenance:
Regular service checks, oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake inspection, clutch adjustment, valve clearance checks and adjustment.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnosis of common running issues, electrical faults, starting problems, braking system concerns, suspension irregularities.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component replacement, rebuilding of sub-assemblies, and general repairs.
Diagnostics:
Fault code interpretation (if applicable via diagnostic tools), component testing procedures.
Torque Specifications:
All critical fastener torque values provided for engine, chassis, and suspension components.
Special Tools:
Identifies required special tools for specific procedures (e.g., flywheel holder, clutch alignment tool).
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, system-specific wiring schematics included for troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, air-cooled, boxer-twin (Flat-twin)
Displacement:
848 cc (approximately)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1 (typical)
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder.
Horsepower:
Approx. 70-80 hp @ 7000-7500 rpm (depending on specific tuning and regulations)
Torque:
Approx. 70-75 Nm @ 5000-6000 rpm (depending on specific tuning and regulations)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91-98 RON / 87-93 AKI recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 23 liters (5.0 Imp gal / 6.1 US gal)
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual
Clutch:
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically actuated
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Standard 5-speed manual)
Final Drive:
Shaft drive to rear wheel via single-sided swingarm (Monolever system)
Gearbox Oil Type:
GL-5 SAE 75W-90 (or BMW equivalent)
Length:
Approx. 2170 mm (R850GS variant)
Width:
Approx. 910 mm (R850GS variant, including mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1300 mm (R850GS variant, to top of windscreen)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1430 mm
Dry Weight:
Approx. 215 kg
Curb Weight:
Approx. 230 kg (fully fueled)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 440 kg
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meter, clock, fuel level, and warning lights.
ABS:
Optional ABS system with independent front and rear control, or linked system depending on exact build.
Diagnostic Port:
BMW proprietary diagnostic connector for advanced diagnostics (requires specific BMW tools or compatible aftermarket units).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or annually (whichever comes first)
Valve Check Interval:
Every 20,000 km
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 (check manual for precise recommendation based on climate)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 liters (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air-cooled engine)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch friction plates, paralever ball joint, steering head bearings, rear shock absorber damping.
Electrical Quirks:
Occasional issues with alternator output or voltage regulator; check wiring loom integrity, especially at the starter solenoid.
Brand Focus:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing reliable, technologically advanced motorcycles, often with a focus on touring and adventure.
Predecessor:
Evolution from the R850R (Roadster) platform, the GS variant adds longer travel suspension and spoke wheels for light off-road capability.
Successor:
Models like the R1150GS and subsequent R1200GS series took over the adventure touring segment.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)
Production Period:
R850GS model production started in 1994 and continued through 2001 for this generation.
