Positioning:
The BMW R850R and R850GS were positioned as more accessible, user-friendly alternatives to the larger R1100 series, offering the characteristic BMW boxer-twin experience in a lighter, more manageable package, suitable for touring and everyday riding.
Competitors:
Competed against other middleweight touring and sport-touring motorcycles from brands like Moto Guzzi, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Honda.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine with two valves per cylinder.
Drive System:
Shaft drive, a hallmark of BMW motorcycles.
Gs Variant:
The R850GS variant featured longer travel suspension, wire-spoke wheels, and a higher handlebar for improved off-road capability and a more upright riding position.
Primary Coverage:
Full Service, Repair, Workshop Manual
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual
Language:
English (standard for international manuals)
Format:
Likely digital (PDF) or printed book
Powertrain:
Engine (all aspects), Transmission (gearbox, clutch), Final Drive (shaft drive, differential)
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (front forks, rear shock absorber), Steering, Brakes (ABS if equipped), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Battery, Charging System, Starter Motor, EFI System (fuel injection), ABS control unit (if equipped)
Bodywork:
Fairings, Body Panels, Seat, Fuel Tank, Handlebars, Footpegs
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, valve adjustments, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, clutch fluid flush, drive shaft spline lubrication
Repair:
Engine overhaul, gearbox rebuild, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component diagnosis and repair, fuel system servicing
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (if applicable to EFI), systematic diagnostic procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers routine maintenance, intermediate repairs, and complete engine/gearbox rebuilds. Includes torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences.
Digital Format:
PDF (typically searchable and printable)
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text
Binding Type:
N/A (for digital format) / Spiral-bound or perfect-bound (for printed versions)
Paper Type:
N/A (for digital format) / Durable, high-quality paper stock (for printed versions)
Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1 (typical for this engine family)
Horsepower:
Approximately 70-75 hp @ 7,000 rpm (R850R), slightly less for R850GS due to gearing/tuning
Torque:
Approximately 75-77 Nm (55-57 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic 2.2 typically)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 95 RON minimum recommended
Valve Train:
Overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated
Cooling System:
Air cooling
Length:
Refer to specific model variant specifications (R850R vs. R850GS)
Width:
Refer to specific model variant specifications
Height:
Refer to specific model variant specifications
Dry Weight:
R850R: Approx. 213 kg (470 lbs); R850GS: Approx. 215 kg (474 lbs)
Wet Weight:
R850R: Approx. 235 kg (518 lbs); R850GS: Approx. 237 kg (523 lbs) (with fluids)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 450-460 kg
Front Tire Size:
R850R: 110/80 ZR 18; R850GS: 90/90-21
Rear Tire Size:
R850R: 140/70 VR 17; R850GS: 130/80-17
Wheel Type:
R850R: Cast alloy; R850GS: Wire-spoke
Crash Test Ratings:
Motorcycles are not typically rated in the same way as cars; safety focuses on design and rider aids.
Braking System:
Integral ABS II (optional, but common on R850 models of this era). Front: Dual disc with 2-piston calipers. Rear: Single disc with 1-piston caliper.
Suspension:
Telelever front suspension (BMW patented), Monolever rear suspension, providing stability and predictable handling.
Frame Construction:
Steel trellis frame offering rigidity and rider protection in a low-speed tip-over.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, integrated turn signals.
Infotainment System:
Primarily analogue instrumentation with basic LCD display for odometer, trip meter, and clock. No integrated infotainment system.
ABS System:
BMW Integral ABS II was a significant technological feature for its time, providing combined braking actuation and anti-lock functionality.
Efi System:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection offered precise fuel delivery and improved performance and emissions compared to carbureted systems.
Connectivity:
No Bluetooth or smartphone integration. Basic electrical system for lights, ignition, and instruments.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles) (check manual for specific requirements).
Drive Shaft Spline Lube:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) is recommended by many owners, though BMW's official interval may be longer.
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 (API SG or higher). Capacity: Approx. 3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Transmission Oil:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil. Capacity: Approx. 0.3 liters (0.3 US quarts).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid (for Integral ABS II).
Coolant:
N/A (Air-cooled engine)
Common Wear Items:
Drive shaft splines (require regular greasing), clutch slave cylinder seals, fuel pump issues, voltage regulator failures.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur with age, particularly related to corrosion in connectors and wiring harnesses, especially near the battery and ignition components.
Suspension Leaks:
Front fork seals and rear shock absorber can develop leaks over time, requiring replacement.
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history dating back to the 1920s, renowned for its boxer engines, shaft drive, and robust touring motorcycles.
Evolution:
The R850 series was an evolution of the R100 series, introducing fuel injection and updated chassis designs. It served as a stepping stone to the highly successful R1100 series.
Production Period:
The R850R and R850GS were produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, preceding the R850R Classic and other model updates.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
Model Specific Awards:
While specific awards for the 1998 R850R/GS are not widely publicized, the model series benefited from BMW's reputation for build quality, reliability, and engineering excellence in the touring motorcycle segment.
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high owner satisfaction due to the characterful engine, comfortable ergonomics (especially for touring), and robust build quality, despite some known maintenance requirements.
