Segment:
Touring/Sport-Touring Motorcycle
Competitors:
Honda ST1100 Pan European, Yamaha FJ1200, Kawasaki GTR1000, Moto Guzzi Norge 1200.
Features:
Flat-twin boxer engine, Telelever front suspension, Monolever rear suspension, shaft drive, comfortable riding ergonomics, touring capability.
Applicable Years:
1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system (oil cooler), fuel injection system (Motronic), ignition system.
Transmission:
Gearbox inspection, maintenance, repair, clutch assembly (dry single plate), final drive (shaft drive).
Chassis:
Frame inspection and repair, suspension (front Telelever, rear Monolever), steering system, wheels, bearings, spokes.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system servicing, ABS II (if equipped), brake fluid replacement, caliper overhaul, master cylinder servicing.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting system, instrument cluster, ignition coil, fuses, relays, ECU diagnostics.
Bodywork:
Fairings, fuel tank, seat, fenders, handlebars, control cables, body panel removal and installation.
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, valve clearance adjustment, brake pad replacement, tire pressure checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problems and solutions, electrical system fault finding, engine performance issues.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine rebuilds, gearbox overhauls, and suspension component replacement.
Diagnostics:
Information on reading diagnostic codes (if applicable for the era), sensor testing, and troubleshooting electronic systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic owner maintenance to advanced engine and electrical system diagnostics and rebuilds.
Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke flat-twin (boxer) 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
Horsepower:
70 hp (52 kW) at 7,500 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by year)
Torque:
79 Nm (58 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by year)
Induction:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.75 liters (2.9 US qt) with filter change
System:
Air cooling with oil cooler
Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Clutch:
Dry, single-plate clutch
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios available in manual (e.g., 1st: 3.46, 2nd: 2.50, 3rd: 1.88, 4th: 1.53, 5th: 1.27)
Gearbox Oil:
BMW Special Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90, API GL-5) or equivalent
Length:
Approx. 2,170 mm (85.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 810 mm (31.9 in) (at handlebars)
Height:
Approx. 1,230 mm (48.4 in) (at handlebars)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,420 mm (55.9 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 217 kg (478 lbs)
Gross Weight:
Approx. 430 kg (948 lbs)
Tank Capacity:
Approx. 25 liters (6.6 US gal), including 3-liter reserve
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Motorcycle safety standards apply, not typical car crash testing)
ABS:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS II on some models.
Brakes:
Dual 305mm disc brakes (front), Single 276mm disc brake (rear), often with braided stainless steel lines.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight (standard for the era), integrated turn signals.
Audio System:
Not standard; aftermarket radio/MP3 player installation possible.
ABS:
Available as an option on many models (ABS II system).
Bluetooth:
Not standard; requires aftermarket integration.
Dashboard:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meters, clock, fuel level, and warning lights.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually.
Major Service:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) including valve clearance check, spark plug replacement, and fuel filter check.
Brake Fluid:
Every 2 years.
Transmission Oil:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 API SG or higher motorcycle specific oil.
Coolant:
N/A (Air/oil cooled)
Common Problems:
Worn clutch plates, starter motor issues, electrical connector corrosion, fuel injector cleaning, potential ABS sensor issues (if equipped).
Oil Filter:
e.g., BMW 11 42 1 456 741 or equivalent aftermarket (e.g., HiFlofiltro HF160, Mahle OC 262)
Air Filter:
e.g., BMW 13 72 1 458 535 or equivalent aftermarket
Spark Plugs:
e.g., NGK CR9EK or Champion RA6HC
Awards:
While specific awards for the R850R are not widely publicized, it contributed to BMW Motorrad's reputation for quality, durability, and touring comfort.
Consumer Reports:
Generally rated positively for comfort, handling, and reliability for its class and era.
