🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R1200C

Model Variant:

R850C

Production Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Chassis Code:

R1200C (Various sub-models, e.g., base, Classic, Independant)

👋 Introduction

Category:

Premium Cruiser Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Discerning riders seeking a distinctive, powerful, and well-engineered motorcycle.

Key Competitors:

Harley-Davidson Softail/Dyna models, Indian Chief, and other large-displacement cruisers of the era.

Unique Selling Points:

BMW's signature boxer engine, shaft drive, exceptional build quality, unique styling, and optional integrated luggage.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive, official BMW factory information, enabling cost-effective maintenance and repair for owners.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

BMW R1200C and R850C

Secondary Coverage:

All styles of R1200C and R850C produced during the covered years.

Total Pages:

494

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Instant Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed repair, overhaul, and diagnostics for the Boxer Twin engine.

Transmission:

Service and repair of the gearbox and clutch assembly.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system diagnosis, maintenance, and repair.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive troubleshooting, wiring diagrams, and component testing.

Brakes:

ABS (if equipped), brake system maintenance, bleeding, and repair.

Suspension:

Front fork and rear monoshock servicing and adjustments.

Frame And Bodywork:

Chassis inspection, repair, and body panel removal/installation.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, and adjustments.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for complete disassembly and reassembly of all major components.

Diagnostics:

Electrical system troubleshooting with detailed wiring diagrams.

Depth:

Detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings for critical information.

Illustrations:

Hundreds of photos, drawings, and enlarged inset illustrations for clarity.

Formatting:

Numbered instructions, bold figure numbers for easy referencing.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable due to digital format.

Quality:

Designed for printing by the user, allowing for selective page printing or full manual printing.

Binding Type:

User-printable, no physical binding information relevant.

Paper Type:

User-defined upon printing.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Four-stroke, air-cooled boxer-twin

Displacement:

1170cc (for R1200C) / 848cc (for R850C)

Bore X Stroke:

101 mm x 73 mm (R1200C) / 85 mm x 73 mm (R850C)

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (R1200C) / 9.6:1 (R850C)

Horsepower:

Approx. 61 hp @ 5000 rpm (R1200C) / Approx. 72 hp @ 7500 rpm (R850C - *Note: R850C engine variant might have different power figures than typical R1100/1150 R models, figures sourced from general knowledge for the period; manual will confirm definitive figures.*)

Torque:

Approx. 98 Nm @ 3000 rpm (R1200C) / Approx. 88 Nm @ 4750 rpm (R850C - *Note: As above, manual confirmation is key.*)

Induction:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 95 RON recommended

Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 motorcycle-specific synthetic/mineral blend

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 liters (R1200C) with filter change (manual will provide exact figure).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual gearbox

Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch, cable-operated

Drive Type:

Shaft drive

Final Drive Ratio:

Specific ratio for R1200C cruiser configuration (manual will detail).

Gearbox Oil:

BMW Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-5, manual will specify)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1670 mm (R1200C)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 230 kg (R1200C)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle's VIN plate and manual for specific ratings.

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS:

Optional BMW Integral ABS available on some models (covered in manual).

Braking System:

Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake; hydraulic actuation.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals, taillight/brake light.

💡 Technology Features

Instrumentation:

Analog speedometer, tachometer, digital odometer, clock, and indicator lights.

ABS:

Integral ABS system (optional) provides linked braking and anti-lock functionality.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD) via BMW's proprietary diagnostic port, with details on accessing and interpreting codes likely in the manual.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 10,000 km or annually (manual will provide precise interval).

Major Service:

Detailed in manual, likely involving valve adjustments, spark plug replacement, and other checks at significant mileage intervals.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (manual will confirm exact specification and replacement interval).

Coolant:

Not applicable (air-cooled engine).

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, fuel pump (depending on model year and maintenance), potential for output shaft seal leaks over time (detailed troubleshooting in manual).

Electrical Gremlins:

While generally robust, the manual's detailed wiring diagrams are crucial for diagnosing any intermittent electrical faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW Motorrad's reputation for engineering excellence, innovation, and durability since 1923.

Segment:

BMW's foray into the cruiser market, offering a distinct European take on the American cruiser style.

Design Philosophy:

Combines classic cruiser aesthetics with BMW's characteristic engineering, including boxer engine, shaft drive, and innovative suspension.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Reception:

The R1200C was noted for its distinctive styling and BMW's engineering prowess, carving out a unique niche in the cruiser market.