🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R850 R850GS

Year:

1995

Engine Variant:

R850cc Boxer Twin (Air-Cooled)

Chassis Code:

R259

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size adventure touring motorcycle

Competitors:

Honda Transalp, Kawasaki KLR650, Suzuki V-Strom (later models), Moto Guzzi Norge

Motorcycle Attributes:

Torquey boxer-twin engine, shaft drive, comfortable riding position, capable on mixed surfaces, BMW build quality

📋 Manual Details

Technical Topics:

Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Electrical System, Bodywork, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Repair

Estimated Pages:

300-400

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete disassembly, assembly, tuning, lubrication, cooling system, fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, exhaust system

Transmission:

Gearbox disassembly, assembly, clutch operation, final drive (shaft drive), gear ratios, fluid specifications

Chassis:

Front fork (Monolever), rear suspension (Paralever), wheel bearings, steering head bearings, frame inspection, tightening torques

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, ignition coils, starter relays, fuses, diagnostic codes

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, brake fluid specifications, caliper maintenance, disc inspection, ABS system (if equipped)

Bodywork And Trim:

Fairing removal, seat, fuel tank, fenders, exhaust system components, panel fitment

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, brake pad inspection, chain adjustment (if applicable to earlier models, but this is shaft drive), tire pressure checks, battery maintenance

Repair:

Engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, fuel system servicing

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault finding, engine performance issues, electrical system faults

Level:

Comprehensive (from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls)

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution scans, often searchable PDF text

Reproducibility:

Suitable for home printing of specific sections or full manual

Binding Digital:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Digital:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Configuration:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine

Displacement:

848 cc

Bore X Stroke:

90.0 mm x 66.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valvetrain:

SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (pushrod actuated)

Horsepower Approx:

70 hp @ 7,000 rpm (approximate, subject to market and tuning)

Torque Approx:

75 Nm @ 5,000 rpm (approximate, subject to market and tuning)

Injection Type:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 RON or higher)

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 3.0 liters (with filter change)

Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 motorcycle specific or synthetic equivalent (refer to manual for exact BMW spec)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual gearbox

Options:

N/A (Standard 5-speed)

Drive Type:

Shaft drive (BMW's Paralever system)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated

Final Drive Fluid:

SAE 90 Hypoid Gear Oil (refer to manual for specific BMW approval code)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,180 mm

Width:

Approx. 840 mm (at handlebars)

Height:

Approx. 1,300 mm (seat height adjustable)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 215 kg

Wet Weight:

Approx. 235 kg (fully fueled, ready to ride)

Payload Capacity:

Refer to owner's manual or specific model documentation

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

N/A (Motorcycles are not typically subject to the same standardized crash testing as cars)

ABS:

Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models

Braking System:

Dual hydraulic disc front, single hydraulic disc rear

Lighting:

Halogen headlamp, multi-reflector tail lamp, incandescent turn signals

Chassis Design:

Steel tubular frame, protective fairing and windshield

💡 Technology Features

Features:

Basic analog instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer), odometer, trip meters, warning lights. No integrated infotainment system in this era.

ABS Availability:

Optional ABS system

Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first

Valve Clearance:

Every 20,000 km

Spark Plugs:

Every 10,000-20,000 km (depending on plug type)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (e.g., Castrol GPS 20W-50, Motul 5100 20W-50, or BMW approved)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Transmission Oil Type:

SAE 90 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., Castrol EPX 90, or BMW approved)

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, front fork seal leaks, alternator brushes, starter motor solenoid, fuel pump relay

Electrical Gremlins:

Can occur with aging wiring harnesses and connectors, check grounds

General Advice:

Regular cleaning and lubrication of drive shaft components, checking for oil leaks around the boxer cylinder heads

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)

Founding:

1916

Heritage Lineage:

Successor to R80 series, precursor to R1100/R1150 GS models, part of BMW's 'GS' adventure bike lineage

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad)

Production Years Series:

Mid-1990s

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards Motorcycle:

Generally well-regarded for its touring capabilities and durability. Specific awards are less common than for mass-market automobiles.

Owner Satisfaction:

High among BMW owners who appreciate its utilitarian and long-distance comfort.

Certification Manual:

While the manual itself isn't certified, it is produced to industry standards for automotive repair documentation.