🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R850R / R850C

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

R21 (R850R), R22 (R850C)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Mid-size touring/standard motorcycle, known for comfort, reliability, and accessible performance.

Competitors:

Moto Guzzi California, Honda ST1100 (larger displacement), Yamaha FJR1300 (larger displacement), various Japanese inline-fours in a similar price bracket.

Motorcycle Features:

Boxer twin engine, Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear suspension, shaft drive, comfortable ergonomics, ABS availability.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full service, repair, and maintenance for BMW R850R and R850C models

Secondary Coverage:

Troubleshooting, diagnostics, electrical systems, component overhaul

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 400-600 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Digital (PDF) or Printed Book

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, fuel system (injection), ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system (air-cooled design)

Transmission:

Clutch, gearbox (5-speed), final drive (shaft drive)

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, hydraulic components, ABS (if equipped)

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting system, charging system, instrumentation, ECU diagnostics

Suspension:

Front fork (Telelever), rear shock absorber (Paralever), adjustments

Chassis:

Frame, bodywork, seat, fuel tank, wheels, tires

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, valve adjustments, brake fluid flush, drive shaft lubrication

Repair:

Engine top-end rebuild, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, fork seal replacement, brake caliper service

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault identification, electrical system diagnosis

Diagnostics:

ECU fault code reading, sensor testing, actuator testing

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Features:

Searchable text, bookmarked chapters, printable pages, hyperlinked sections (typical for high-quality PDFs)

Print Quality Description:

High-resolution images and diagrams, clear text reproduction.

Printed Binding:

Coil-bound or perfect-bound for durability in workshop environments.

Printed Paper Type:

Heavy-duty, glossy or semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine

Displacement:

848 cc

Bore X Stroke:

90.0 mm x 66.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valve Train:

Overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated

Horsepower:

Approximately 70 hp @ 7250 rpm (varies slightly by market/tuning)

Torque:

Approximately 73 Nm (54 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm (varies slightly by market/tuning)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2

Fuel Tank Capacity:

23 Liters (5.0 Imperial Gallons / 6.1 US Gallons)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40, API SG or higher (BMW recommendation)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 3.0 Liters (with filter change)

Final Drive Oil Type:

SAE 80W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil (API GL-5)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed constant mesh gearbox

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch, hydraulically operated

Drive System:

Shaft drive to rear wheel via Paralever single-sided swingarm

Gear Ratios:

Manual will specify individual gear ratios and final drive ratio.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

2230 mm (87.8 in)

Width:

850 mm (33.5 in) (across handlebars)

Height:

1370 mm (53.9 in) (seat height)

Dry Weight:

Approximately 207 kg (456 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approximately 230 kg (507 lbs) (with fluids and ready to ride)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Features Overview:

Focus on stable chassis, effective braking, and rider ergonomics.

ABS:

Optional BMW Integral ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System) on many models.

Braking System Front:

Dual 305 mm discs, 2-piston calipers

Braking System Rear:

Single 276 mm disc, 1-piston caliper

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight (typical)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel level, temperature warning lights. No advanced infotainment.

ABS Availability:

Optional ABS is a significant safety technology for its era.

Connectivity Features:

None (no Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Coolant Type:

N/A (Air-cooled engine)

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, brake pad wear, fork seals (Telelever), fuel pump (rarely), starter motor brushes (over many miles).

Specific Faults:

ABS sensor issues (if equipped), fuel injector cleaning, rear shock absorber absorber life.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycle History:

BMW has a long history of producing reliable boxer-twin motorcycles known for their touring capabilities and distinctive engineering.

R850 Series Evolution:

The R850 series was developed as a more accessible and slightly less powerful variant of the popular R1100/R1150 models, offering comparable engineering with a focus on user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness.

Production Period:

The R850R and R850C models were produced roughly from 1996 to 2006, with the 2001 model year being a representative of this generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Awards:

While specific awards for the R850R/C are not widely publicized, the BMW R-series boxer platform has consistently been recognized for reliability, engineering, and comfort in motorcycle reviews and rider surveys.