Segment:
Touring/Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
BMW R850R owners, independent motorcycle mechanics, enthusiasts seeking detailed technical information
Competitors:
Other mid-range touring motorcycles of the era (e.g., Honda ST1100, Yamaha FJ1200, Kawasaki GTR1000)
Model Philosophy:
A more accessible and user-friendly version of BMW's boxer-twin touring platform, emphasizing comfort and reliability
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical knowledge for maintaining and repairing the R850R, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.
Years Covered:
1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, but not explicitly stated, assuming standard for online sales)
Engine:
Complete overhaul, tuning, diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition system, lubrication, cooling
Transmission:
Clutch, gearbox, final drive (shaft drive), maintenance, repair
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front forks, rear shock absorber), steering, wheels, tires, braking system (ABS optional)
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, ignition, EFI system components
Bodywork:
Fairings, seat, fuel tank, fenders, maintenance, removal, installation
Maintenance:
Scheduled servicing, oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, brake fluid flush, coolant service
Repair:
Component disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, common fault diagnosis, replacement procedures
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problems and solutions, electrical system fault finding
Diagnostics:
EFI system diagnostics, ignition system checks, mechanical component testing
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic owner maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally-opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
OHV, 2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated
Horsepower:
70 hp (52 kW) @ 6750 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
78 Nm (57.5 lb-ft) @ 4750 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Oil Capacity:
3.5 Liters (3.7 US qt) (with filter change)
Oil Specification:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 API SG or higher (check manual for exact BMW spec)
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 910 mm (35.8 in) (over handlebars)
Height:
Approx. 1350 mm (53.1 in) (to handlebars)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 215 kg (474 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 230 kg (507 lbs) (fully fueled)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
26 Liters (6.9 US gal)
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is assessed differently)
Brakes Front:
Dual disc, 305 mm diameter, 4-piston calipers
Brakes Rear:
Single disc, 276 mm diameter, 2-piston caliper
ABS:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight
Tires Front:
110/80 ZR 18
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, warning lights.
Audio System:
N/A (No factory-fitted audio system)
ABS:
Available as an option, enhancing braking safety.
Diagnostics Port:
Motronic diagnostic connector for engine management system checks.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually
Major Service Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles) including valve clearance check, spark plug replacement.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years
Coolant Type:
BMW approved coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., Prestone 50/50 mix)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, fuel pump issues (especially with ethanol fuels), starter motor brushes, rear shock absorber damping
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur due to aging wiring or connections, particularly to the Motronic unit or ABS sensors.
Fuel Injection Tuning:
Requires specialized knowledge for optimal performance and idle stability.
Spark Plugs:
Specific NGK or Champion plugs recommended, crucial for correct ignition timing.
Brand Specialty:
Pioneering motorcycle engineering, particularly boxer engines and shaft drive systems.
Development Context:
Introduced as a more accessible alternative to the larger R1100 series, offering the signature BMW boxer character in a slightly smaller package.
Series Relation:
Part of the R259 family, which also included the R850GS, R1100R, R1100RT, R1100GS, R1100RS, and R1100S.
Production Period:
1994-2001
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
Model Recognition:
The R850R was generally well-received for its comfort, build quality, and the unique character of its boxer engine, though it wasn't a segment leader in performance.
Consumer Reports Rating:
N/A (Not typically rated by consumer magazines for motorcycles)
Emission Standards:
Euro 1/2 compliant depending on market and year.
