🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R850R

Year:

1996

Chassis Code:

R259

Engine Code:

M248 (Derived from R1100RS/RT engine)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size touring motorcycle, positioned as a more accessible and less powerful alternative to the R1100 series.

Key Competitors:

Honda VFR750F, Kawasaki GTR1000, Yamaha FJ1100/1200 (though R850R is smaller displacement).

Platform:

Shares significant components and engineering with the R1100 series, notably the boxer-twin engine architecture and Telelever/Paralever suspension.

Engine Variant:

A detuned version of the R1100 engine, designed for smoother power delivery and potentially better fuel economy.

Target Audience:

Riders seeking the BMW boxer-twin experience with a focus on comfort, touring capability, and a manageable power output.

📋 Manual Details

General:

Comprehensive service, repair, maintenance, troubleshooting, and restoration for the 1996 BMW R850R.

Estimated:

300-500 pages (typical for a full service manual of this era)

Primary:

Full Service Repair Manual

Primary:

English

Primary:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, tuning, fuel injection system, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system.

Transmission:

Gearbox disassembly, assembly, repair, clutch system, final drive, driveshaft.

Chassis:

Frame, suspension (front Telelever, rear Paralever), steering, wheel bearings.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system, hydraulic lines, calipers, master cylinders, ABS (if equipped).

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system (alternator, regulator), lighting, instrumentation, ECU, ABS sensors.

Bodywork:

Fairing removal/installation, seat, fuel tank, fenders, instrumentation panel.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, valve clearance adjustment, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, drive shaft lubrication.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault finding for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement, including engine rebuilds, gearbox overhauls, and electrical system diagnostics.

Restoration:

Guidance on refurbishing and restoring the motorcycle to original specifications.

Level:

Expert-level, covering everything from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostics:

Inclusion of diagnostic codes, fault symptom analysis, and repair procedures for electronic control units (ECU).

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

Searchable PDF

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory manual pages, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Features:

Hyperlinked table of contents, bookmark functionality, zoomable pages.

Notes:

While the product is digital, the quality is such that it can be printed for a physical reference.

Notes:

N/A (Digital Format)

Notes:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine.

Displacement:

848 cc

Bore X Stroke:

90.0 mm x 66.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.3:1

Valve Train:

2 valves per cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), pushrod actuated.

Horsepower:

70 hp (51 kW) @ 6750 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market).

Torque:

77 Nm (57 lb-ft) @ 4750 rpm (approximate).

Induction:

Bosch Motronic 2.2 fuel injection system.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended).

Fuel Tank Capacity:

23 liters (5.0 Imp gal / 6.1 US gal)

System:

Dry sump lubrication with oil reservoir.

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 3.2 liters (including oil reservoir) with filter change.

System:

Digital ignition system (BMW Electronic Ignition).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission.

Type:

N/A (No automatic or alternative transmission offered).

Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated.

Drive:

Shaft drive to rear wheel.

Gearbox:

BMW recommends SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (API GL-5 specification).

Final Drive:

BMW recommends SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (API GL-5 specification).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,210 mm (87.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 840 mm (33.1 in) (including mirrors)

Height:

Approx. 1,330 mm (52.4 in) (seat height adjustable)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 220 kg (485 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)

Payload Capacity:

Approx. 230 kg (507 lbs)

Front Wheel Size:

3.00 x 18

Rear Wheel Size:

4.00 x 17

Front Tire Size:

110/80 ZR18

Rear Tire Size:

140/80 R17

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

N/A (Cast Alloy Wheels, specific hub fitment)

🛡️ Safety Features

Notes:

Motorcycles are not typically assigned crash test ratings like automobiles; safety is evaluated based on design and features.

Brakes:

Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was an option on this model, featuring Brembo dual-disc front brakes and a single-disc rear brake.

Suspension:

BMW's Telelever front suspension provides precise steering and excellent damping control, contributing to stability.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, multi-reflector rear light and indicators for good visibility.

Chassis:

Sturdy frame construction designed for stability and rider confidence.

💡 Technology Features

System:

Primarily focused on core motorcycle functionality; no integrated infotainment systems in the modern sense. Instrumentation includes speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights.

ABS:

Optional ABS system (Integral ABS on later models) was a significant safety technology for its time.

Notes:

No wireless or modern connectivity features. Basic electrical system for lights, ignition, and ECU.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Check oil level at least every 5,000 km.

Filter Change:

Oil filter to be replaced at every oil change.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Valve Clearance:

Check and adjust every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Brake Fluid:

Replace every 2 years.

Coolant:

If water-cooled engine component (oil cooling dominates) check and top up as needed. Full flush typically every 2-4 years.

Drive Shaft:

Lubricate spline every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Engine Oil:

BMW recommends synthetic engine oil with API SJ or higher, viscosity grade 20W-50 or 15W-50, depending on operating temperature. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Coolant:

BMW recommends a 50/50 mix of distilled water and BMW antifreeze/coolant concentrate (or equivalent).

Fuel Pump:

Early models may experience fuel pump wear or diaphragm failure, leading to intermittent running or starting issues.

ABS Sensors:

ABS sensor rings or wiring can become contaminated or damaged, leading to ABS warning lights or malfunction. Requires careful cleaning and inspection.

Clutch Slave Cylinder:

Leaking clutch slave cylinders are a known issue; rebuild kits or replacement are available.

Starter Motor:

Occasional starter motor solenoid failure can occur, preventing cranking.

Fork Seals:

Front fork seals can degrade over time, leading to oil leaks. Regular inspection and replacement are recommended.

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing reliable, technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer-twin engines and touring capabilities.

Development:

The R850R was introduced as a derivative of the highly successful R1100 series, offering a more accessible displacement while retaining the core BMW boxer-twin technology and chassis design.

Year Introduction:

The R850R was launched in the mid-1990s as part of BMW's strategy to expand its boxer-twin range.

Manufacturing Location:

Germany (BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin).

Production Period:

Produced from around 1994/1995 through to the early 2000s, evolving alongside the R11xx series.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Notes:

While specific awards for the R850R model are not widely documented, BMW's boxer-twin platform has consistently received accolades for reliability, touring comfort, and engineering prowess from motorcycle publications and enthusiast groups.

Reputation:

The R850R is generally well-regarded for its smooth power delivery, comfortable ergonomics, and durable build quality, making it a solid choice for touring and commuting.