🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 850 GS

Model Designation:

R850GS

Family:

R Series

Type:

Dual-Sport Motorcycle

Product Type:

Service Repair Manual

Product Name:

BMW R 850 GS 1999-2001 Service Repair Manual

Chassis Code Range:

259

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Adventure Touring / Dual-Sport Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Owners and independent workshops seeking to perform maintenance and repairs on the BMW R 850 GS.

Competitors:

Honda Africa Twin (older generations), Yamaha Ténéré, Suzuki V-Strom (earlier models), Kawasaki KLR.

Differentiation:

BMW's signature boxer twin engine, shaft drive, robust build quality, and touring capabilities differentiate it.

Vehicle Highlights:

Torquey boxer twin engine, shaft drive for low maintenance, comfortable ergonomics for long-distance travel, capable on varied terrain.

Manual Benefit:

Empowers owners to maintain their motorcycle, saving on dealership costs and ensuring proper upkeep for longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1999, 2000, 2001

Engine Variants Covered:

848cc (R850GS)

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (specific count not provided, but described as comprehensive)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Content Focus:

Maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and diagnostics

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, inferred from typical sales of such manuals)

Format Details:

Searchable text, printable pages

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, internal components, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust

Transmission:

Gearbox service, clutch operation, final drive (Paralever system), lubrication

Chassis And Suspension:

Frame inspection, front fork (Telelever or traditional depending on specific R850GS model variant if any, though R850GS typically uses conventional forks), rear monoshock, Paralever rear suspension

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system (front and rear), ABS (if equipped), brake pad replacement, caliper service, brake fluid flush

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator/stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting (headlight, taillight, indicators), instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, throttle body, idle control

Bodywork And Trim:

Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank cover, fenders, luggage systems (if applicable)

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel bearing service, tire replacement, wheel balancing, spoke tensioning (if applicable)

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid change, coolant flush (if liquid-cooled variant), valve clearance adjustment, drive shaft lubrication

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault codes (if applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair:

Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for all major systems

Diagnostics:

Engine performance analysis, electrical system checks, ABS diagnostics (if equipped)

Calibration And Adjustment:

Throttle position sensor (TPS) adjustment, idle speed adjustment, ignition timing checks (if adjustable)

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic owner maintenance to advanced mechanical and electrical repairs, including full engine and transmission rebuilds.

Detail Level:

Step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, exploded views, diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Full text searchable for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use.

Visuals:

High-resolution images, clear diagrams, and exploded views.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin cylinder

Displacement:

848 cc (cubic centimeters)

Bore X Stroke:

87.4 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valve Train:

Two valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated with rockers

Horsepower:

Approx. 70 hp (52 kW) at 6,750 rpm (European spec)

Torque:

Approx. 55 lb-ft (75 Nm) at 5,250 rpm (European spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 Fuel Injection (Multi-point injection)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (87 AKI)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 25 liters (6.6 US gallons)

Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 motorcycle specific oil recommended (check manual for precise BMW recommendation)

Oil Capacity With Filter:

Approx. 3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts)

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition (Digital)

Exhaust System:

Two into one catalytic converter system

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed manual gearbox

Clutch:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated

Final Drive:

Shaft drive via BMW Paralever system

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios available in the manual. Typically geared for strong mid-range torque and touring.

Final Drive Ratio:

Typically 32:11 (2.91:1)

Gearbox Oil Type:

SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 (check manual for specific BMW spec)

Gearbox Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.9 liters (0.95 US quarts)

Final Drive Oil Type:

SAE 75W-140 API GL-5 (check manual for specific BMW spec)

Final Drive Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.18 liters (0.19 US quarts)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,200 mm (86.6 in)

Width:

Approx. 920 mm (36.2 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,400 mm (55.1 in) to seat height

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1,430 mm (56.3 in)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 210 kg (463 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 230 kg (507 lbs) (with all fluids)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly specified but typically around 450 kg (992 lbs).

Front Tire Size:

110/80 R 19 M/C 59V

Rear Tire Size:

130/80 R 17 M/C 65S

Front Wheel Type:

Spoked aluminum alloy

Rear Wheel Type:

Spoked aluminum alloy

Front Wheel Size:

19 x 2.50

Rear Wheel Size:

17 x 3.00

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety:

Motorcycle safety is primarily rider-dependent and vehicle dynamics. No formal NCAP-style ratings exist for this era of motorcycles.

ABS:

Optional BMW Motorrad ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models.

Brakes:

Dual 305 mm discs with 2-piston calipers (front), Single 265 mm disc with 1-piston caliper (rear).

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight and brake light, amber turn signals.

Instrumentation:

Analogue speedometer and tachometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meters, gear indicator, fuel gauge, warning lights.

Ergonomics:

Upright riding position for rider comfort and control.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A - This era of motorcycle did not feature integrated infotainment systems as commonly understood today. Systems like heated grips might be present.

Audio System:

N/A

ABS Availability:

Optional ABS II system

Traction Control:

N/A

Connectivity Features:

N/A - No Bluetooth or smartphone integration.

Display Type:

Analog gauges with a multi-function LCD display.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).

Filter Change Interval:

At every oil change.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles), depending on spark plug type.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified in the manual.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Final Drive Oil Change:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or every 2 years.

Engine Oil Spec:

BMW Motorrad ADVANTEC Ultimate 15W-50 or equivalent high-quality motorcycle oil meeting API SG, JASO MA standards.

Gearbox Oil Spec:

BMW Motorrad Gear Oil LS SAE 75W-140 or equivalent GL-5 rated synthetic gear oil.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Coolant Type:

Not applicable for R850GS as it is primarily air/oil-cooled, but some components may have minimal coolant for specific systems if present.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, swingarm bearings, alternator brushes, fuel injector seals, intake boot cracks.

Electrical Gremlins:

Can sometimes experience minor electrical faults due to vibration or age; thorough inspection of wiring harness is advised.

Paralever Boot Wear:

The protective boot on the Paralever final drive can wear, leading to contamination of the universal joint; regular inspection and replacement are recommended.

ABS Reliability:

Older ABS systems can be prone to issues if not maintained; proper bleeding and electrical checks are crucial.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing durable, technically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer engines and touring capabilities.

Series Introduction:

The R 850 GS is part of BMW's highly successful 'GS' (Gelände/Straße - off-road/street) lineage, which began with the R 80 G/S in 1980.

R850Gs Positioning:

The R 850 GS was introduced as a slightly less powerful and more accessible alternative to the R 1100/1150 GS models, offering a balance of performance and economy.

Common Variants:

Over the years, the GS line saw numerous iterations and engine displacements, with the R 850 GS being a specific displacement offering within the 2-valve and later 4-valve boxer generations.

Production Period:

The R 850 GS was produced from the mid-1990s until the early 2000s, with the specific 1999-2001 models aligning with the 2-valve boxer era before the transition to the 4-valve R 1150 GS platform.

Manufacturing Location:

Germany (BMW Motorrad production facilities)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award History:

While specific awards for the R 850 GS model itself are not widely documented, the R GS series as a whole has consistently been recognized for its versatility, reliability, and touring capabilities by motorcycle publications globally.

Customer Satisfaction:

BMW motorcycles generally receive high marks for build quality and rider satisfaction, particularly within the adventure touring segment.

Emission Standards:

Complies with European emission standards relevant to its production years.