Segment:
Adventure Touring / Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a capable and comfortable motorcycle for long-distance touring and light off-road use
Competitors 2000:
Honda VFR800 Interceptor, Yamaha Diversion XJ900S, Triumph Tiger 900, Ducati Multistrada 916
Engine Layout:
Boxer-twin
Suspension Front:
Telelever
Suspension Rear:
Monolever
ABS:
Optional ABS (BMW Motorrad ABS II)
Comprehensiveness:
Provides detailed schematics, step-by-step repair instructions, and diagnostic procedures essential for maintaining the R850GS
Utility:
Indispensable tool for independent mechanics, dealership technicians, and dedicated owners
Main Coverage:
All Models, Engines, Trim, Transmissions
Geographic Coverage:
Global (Technical specifications generally applicable across markets, though regional variations for emissions or safety may exist)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Purpose:
Service, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair
Engine:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, timing, fuel injection, ignition system, cooling system
Transmission:
Gearbox, clutch operation, final drive (Paralever)
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork (Telelever), rear suspension (Monolever/Paralever), steering, frame, wheels, tires
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, engine management system (Motronic), ABS
Braking System:
Front and rear brakes, ABS system components and troubleshooting
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, emission control systems
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairings, seat, panels, fuel tank cover, bodywork removal and installation
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake fluid changes, valve clearance checks
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault finding for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems; diagnostic error codes
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific tasks
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic rider maintenance to full engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
Type:
Four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated OHV
Horsepower At Rpm:
70 hp (51 kW) @ 7,250 rpm (approx.)
Torque At Rpm:
75 Nm (55 lb-ft) @ 5,500 rpm (approx.)
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 octane (RON)
Type:
5-speed manual gearbox
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with Paralever single-sided swingarm
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific gear ratios (typically I: 2.35, II: 1.65, III: 1.27, IV: 1.04, V: 0.87)
Length:
Approx. 2,230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 940 mm (37.0 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1,370 mm (53.9 in) at seat (unladen)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,490 mm (58.7 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 213 kg (470 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 440 kg (970 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
25 liters (6.6 US gal), including approx. 3 liter reserve
ABS Availability:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS II system
Braking:
Dual disc front, single disc rear with BMW ABS II capability
Suspension Stability:
Telelever front and Monolever rear suspension contribute to stable handling
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight (standard)
Ergonomics:
Upright riding position designed for comfort and control over long distances
Features:
Basic instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, warning lights). No integrated infotainment systems in the modern sense.
ABS:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS II, a sophisticated anti-lock braking system for its time.
Features:
No native connectivity features like Bluetooth or smartphone integration.
System:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 electronic fuel injection and ignition control system.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually
Filter Change:
With every oil change
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil:
BMW Motorrad Recommended: SAE 15W-50 Synthetic or Semi-Synthetic. API SG, JASO MA compliant.
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts) with filter change
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil. API GL-5 compliant.
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.25 liters (0.26 US quarts)
Coolant:
Not applicable (Air-cooled engine)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, paralever splines lubrication and wear, fuel pump relay, alternator brushes
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring harness integrity, especially around the steering head and battery connections, can be a common area for minor issues if not maintained.
Suspension Maintenance:
Regular inspection and servicing of the Telelever and Monolever systems are crucial for optimal performance and longevity.
Bmw Motorcycles:
BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, dating back to the 1920s, known for its engineering prowess, reliability, and boxer-twin engines.
R Series Lineage:
The R850GS is part of BMW's successful R series, evolving from earlier models like the R100GS, offering a more accessible displacement while retaining the GS adventure touring capabilities.
R850Gs Specific:
Introduced in the late 1990s, the R850GS was positioned as a more manageable and budget-friendly alternative to the R1100GS, offering similar versatility with a slightly detuned engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (Spandau plant)
Production Years R850Gs:
Approximately 1996-2007 (model years vary by region)
