Segment:
Middleweight touring motorcycle
Target Audience:
Touring riders, commuters, those seeking a balanced and refined motorcycle experience
Competitors 1997:
Moto Guzzi California, Honda VFR750, Kawasaki GTR1000, Yamaha FJR1300 (though FJR launched later)
Engine Layout:
Air-cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder Boxer engine
Drivetrain Type:
Shaft drive, reducing maintenance compared to chain drive
Suspension Front:
BMW Telelever front suspension system for improved ride and handling
Suspension Rear:
BMW Paralever single-sided swingarm with monoshock
Fueling:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, component inspection, timing, valve adjustment, lubrication system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, ECU diagnostics, sensor data
Transmission Drivetrain:
Gearbox service, clutch operation, driveshaft maintenance, final drive inspection
Chassis Suspension:
Front forks (BMW Telelever), rear shock absorber (Paralever), wheel bearings, steering system
Braking System:
Brake fluid service, caliper overhaul, ABS system (if equipped), disc and pad replacement
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, fault diagnosis
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, injectors
Cooling System:
Oil cooling system (air-cooled with oil cooler)
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe inspection and replacement, muffler service
Bodywork Fittings:
Fairings, seat, handlebars, instrumentation panel, minor body panel repairs
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter service, chain adjustment (if applicable, though R850R is shaft drive), brake fluid flush
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, error code interpretation (if applicable)
Repair Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly
Component Replacement:
Instructions for replacing wear items and major components
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring harness troubleshooting, component testing
Level Of Detail:
Comprehensive workshop level, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Diagnostic Information:
Includes torque specifications, tolerances, and diagnostic flowcharts
Digital Format:
PDF (most common for digital manuals), potentially other formats like CHM or HTML
Print Recommendation:
High-quality printing recommended for clarity of diagrams and technical illustrations
Physical Binding:
Spiral-bound or lay-flat binding is ideal for workshop use
Paper Quality:
Durable, laminated pages or high-quality paper stock for workshop environments
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed boxer-twin
Displacement:
848 cc (850 cc class)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1 (approximate)
Valve Train:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approximately 70 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 74 Nm (55 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection with sequential port injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Fuel Capacity:
20.0 Liters (approximate, including reserve)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.0 Liters (with filter change)
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 motorcycle specific, API SG or higher
Ignition System:
Digital electronic ignition (Bosch Motronic)
Spark Plug Type:
NGK BKR7EK or equivalent (check manual for exact specification)
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual gearbox
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch, operated by cable
Final Drive:
Shaft drive to rear wheel
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios would be detailed in the manual, but typical for this era's BMW boxers.
Final Drive Ratio:
Specific ratio would be detailed in the manual.
Length:
Approx. 2,170 mm (85.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 810 mm (31.9 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1,330 mm (52.4 in) at seat height
Dry Weight:
Approx. 219 kg (483 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 235 kg (518 lbs) (with all fluids and a full tank)
Load Capacity:
Check manual for specific payload rating
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Crash Safety:
Motorcycles are not typically rated by automotive safety agencies (e.g., NHTSA, Euro NCAP). Safety relies on rider skill and vehicle handling characteristics.
Braking System:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) may be available on some models of this era.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight (check specific model variant)
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame, designed for stability and rider feedback
Ergonomics:
Comfortable riding position for touring
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, fuel gauge, warning lights, odometer, trip meter. Likely no integrated audio or navigation from factory.
ABS System:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS system available on some models.
Diagnostic Ports:
Likely has diagnostic connectors for electronic fault finding using specialized BMW tools.
Oil Filter Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first
Engine Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed based on inspection
Air Filter Service:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for ambient temperature recommendations)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid
Transmission Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (API GL-5)
Final Drive Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (API GL-5)
Common Wear Items:
Fuel pump relay, clutch slave cylinder (if hydraulic), regulator/rectifier, wheel bearings, fork seals
Electrical Gremlins:
BMW electrical systems of this era can sometimes be prone to minor issues, requiring careful diagnosis. The manual's wiring diagrams are crucial.
Telelever Maintenance:
Requires specific procedures for pivot bearing lubrication and adjustment.
Bmw Motorcycles:
BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, dating back to the 1920s, known for engineering excellence and innovative designs.
R Series Lineage:
The R850R is part of the long-standing R-series Boxer lineage, which has evolved significantly over decades. It offered a more accessible entry point into BMW's larger displacement touring bikes.
Predecessors Successors:
Evolved from earlier R100RT/RS models and paved the way for later R1100R/R1150R models.
Production Period:
The R850R was produced from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s.
