Market Segment:
Adventure Touring / Sport Touring Motorcycle
Competitors 1997:
Honda VFR750F, Kawasaki GTR1000, Yamaha TDM850
Engine Configuration:
Two-cylinder boxer engine with single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per cylinder
Suspension System:
Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear shaft drive suspension for improved ride and handling
Design Philosophy:
Combines touring comfort with off-road capability, known for robust engineering and Boxer engine characteristics
Engine Systems:
Fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, engine mechanical (disassembly/assembly of cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, etc.)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Gearbox (5-speed), clutch operation and adjustment, final drive (shaft drive), universal joints
Chassis Suspension:
Frame, front suspension (Telelever), rear suspension (Paralever), wheel bearings, steering system
Braking System:
Hydraulic brake systems (front and rear), ABS (if equipped), brake pad replacement, caliper service, master cylinder service
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, turn signals), instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, ignition coils
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, fuel filter replacement
Bodywork Trim:
Fairing components, seat removal, body panel fasteners, tank removal
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug inspection/replacement, valve clearance adjustment, drive shaft lubrication, brake fluid flush/bleed, coolant flush/refill
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, fault finding for common issues (e.g., starting problems, running issues, electrical faults)
Repair Procedures:
Engine component overhaul, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, starter motor replacement, alternator testing
Adjustment Procedures:
Throttle cable adjustment, clutch lever adjustment, idle speed setting
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation (if applicable for the era), electrical system testing using multimeters
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine disassembly, cleaning, inspection, measurement of wear limits, reassembly with torque specifications
Electrical Schematics:
Detailed and clear wiring diagrams for all electrical systems
Special Tools:
Listing of required special tools and their BMW part numbers for specific tasks
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, air-cooled, horizontally opposed boxer twin
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Power Output Hp:
70 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque Nm:
77 Nm @ 5,500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 fuel injection system
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Fuel Tank Capacity:
25 Liters
Oil Capacity:
3.0 Liters (with filter change)
Recommended Oil Grade:
SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 API SG or higher
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, warning lights (oil pressure, battery, ABS, neutral)
ABS System:
BMW Motorrad ABS II (optional) – a two-channel system offering improved braking stability
Diagnostic Interface:
Pre-OBD-II era, relies on specific BMW diagnostic tools or troubleshooting by component testing
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 20,000 km
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 20,000 km (inspection and gap check)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (DOT 4 LV for ABS II systems)
Gearbox Oil Type:
BMW Gear Oil (or equivalent GL-5, 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Final Drive Oil Type:
BMW Final Drive Oil (or equivalent GL-5, 80W-90)
Coolant Type:
BMW Coolant (or ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, ABS sensor issues (if equipped), fuel injector cleaning, drive shaft spline lubrication (critical for longevity)
Potential Electrical Faults:
Corrosion in wiring connectors, regulator/rectifier failures
Bmw Motorcycle Legacy:
BMW has a long history of producing reliable and innovative motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer engines and shaft drive systems since the 1920s.
R850 Series Context:
The R850 series was introduced as a more accessible and lighter-weight alternative to the larger R1100 series, offering a balance of performance and manageability.
Production Period:
The R850 R and R850GS models were produced from the mid-1990s into the early 2000s, with this 1997 model representing a key year in its development.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)
