Segment:
Dual-Sport / Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a versatile motorcycle for touring, commuting, and light off-road use. Also aimed at owners who prefer DIY maintenance and repairs.
Key Competitors:
Honda Transalp, Suzuki V-Strom (later models), Yamaha Tenere (later models), Kawasaki KLR
Engine Layout:
Air-cooled, two-valve Boxer Twin
Suspension Design:
Monolever rear suspension, conventional telescopic front forks
Design Philosophy:
Robust engineering, reliability, comfortable ergonomics for long-distance riding.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete Engine Rebuild, Carburetor/Fuel Injection Systems, Ignition System, Exhaust System
Chassis And Suspension:
Front & Rear Suspension, Swingarm, Steering Assembly, Wheel Bearings, Shock Absorbers
Brakes:
Brake System Operation, ABS (if equipped), Brake Pad Replacement, Fluid Bleeding, Master Cylinder and Caliper Overhaul
Electrical System:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition, Charging System, Starter Motor, Battery, Fuses and Relays, Instrument Cluster
Body And Frame:
Fairing Components, Seat, Fuel Tank, Fenders, Frame Inspection and Repair
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Clutch, Gearbox Overhaul, Final Drive, Driveshaft Maintenance
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures for Common Issues, Fault Finding Charts
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine:
BMW Boxer Twin Engine (2-valve), Cylinder Head, Pistons, Crankshaft, Valve Train, Lubrication System, Cooling System (Oil)
Fuel System:
Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic), Carburetors (on earlier models/variants), Fuel Pump, Fuel Lines, Air Filter Assembly
Exhaust System:
Exhaust Headers, Catalytic Converter (where applicable), Muffler, Lambda Sensor (O2 Sensor)
Transmission:
Single Plate Dry Clutch, 5-Speed Manual Gearbox, Final Drive Shaft
Suspension Front:
Telescopic Forks (Non-Paralever), Spring Preload Adjustment, Damping Control
Suspension Rear:
Monolever Swingarm, Single Rear Shock Absorber with Adjustable Preload and Rebound Damping
Brakes Front:
Dual Disc Brakes, Caliper Type, Rotor Specifications
Brakes Rear:
Single Disc Brake, Caliper Type, Rotor Specifications
Electrical Ignition:
Electronic Ignition System, Spark Plugs, Coil Specifications
Electrical Charging:
Alternator, Voltage Regulator, Battery Type and Specifications
Electrical Lighting:
Headlight, Taillight, Turn Signals, Brake Light, Dashboard Illumination, Bulb Types
Bodywork Fairings:
Windscreen, Handguards, Engine Guards, Fairing Panels, Seat Assembly, Fuel Tank Removal and Installation
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and Filter Changes, Air Filter Cleaning/Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Chain Adjustment (if applicable for drive type), Tire Pressure Checks
Engine Overhaul:
Top End Rebuild (Cylinder Head, Valves), Bottom End Rebuild (Pistons, Crankshaft), Gasket Replacement, Timing Procedures
Fuel System Service:
Fuel Injector Cleaning, Fuel Pump Testing, Throttle Body Synchronization, Carburetor Adjustment and Rebuild
Brake System Service:
Brake Pad Replacement, Rotor Inspection, Brake Fluid Flush and Bleed, ABS System Bleeding Procedures
Suspension Service:
Fork Seal Replacement, Fork Oil Change, Shock Absorber Service and Adjustment, Wheel Bearing Replacement
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring Diagram Interpretation, Fault Code Reading (if applicable), Component Testing (e.g., alternator output, starter draw)
Transmission Service:
Clutch Adjustment and Replacement, Gearbox Oil Change, Final Drive Oil Change, Driveshaft U-Joint Inspection
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common performance issues, starting problems, electrical faults
Depth Level:
Comprehensive - Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes detailed electrical schematics, component testing procedures, and troubleshooting guides for identifying and resolving faults.
Torque Specifications:
Provides essential torque values for critical fasteners throughout the motorcycle.
Special Tools:
Lists required or recommended special tools for specific repair procedures.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke Boxer Twin
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated
Horsepower:
Approx. 70-72 HP @ 6750 RPM (depending on market and exact model year)
Torque:
Approx. 75-77 Nm @ 5000 RPM (depending on market and exact model year)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with single throttle body
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 RON or higher)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 Liters (including filter)
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher (refer to manual for specific BMW recommendations)
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
Major Service:
Every 20,000 km (includes valve clearance check, spark plug replacement, fuel filter inspection).
Final Drive Oil Change:
Every 20,000 km or annually.
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher. BMW recommends their own branded oils.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific DOT rating and replacement interval).
Final Drive Oil:
GL-5 SAE 90 Hypoid Gear Oil.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Some models may experience fuel pump issues over time; manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Spline Lubrication:
Regular greasing of driveshaft and final drive splines is crucial to prevent wear; manual details the procedure.
Fuel Injector Clogging:
Can occur with poor fuel quality; manual provides cleaning and testing procedures.
Clutch Actuation:
Hydraulic clutch system requires occasional fluid checks and bleeding; covered in detail.
Bmw Motorcycles:
BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history of producing reliable, innovative, and durable motorcycles, particularly known for their Boxer engine and shaft drive configurations.
Gs Lineage:
The R 850 GS is part of BMW's highly successful 'GS' (Gelände/Straße - Off-road/Street) family, which originated with the R 80 G/S in 1980. The R 850 GS was introduced as a more accessible and slightly less powerful alternative to the R 1100 GS, offering a smoother power delivery.
Technical Advancements:
This generation benefited from advancements like the Monolever rear suspension and a more refined fuel injection system, building upon the robust Boxer platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (Berlin-Spandau Plant)
