Motorcycle Segment:
Cruiser motorcycle segment, known for its distinctive styling and Boxer engine.
Competitors:
Competed against other large-displacement cruisers and custom motorcycles from brands like Harley-Davidson and Moto Guzzi.
Design Philosophy:
Unique cruiser styling with a BMW Boxer engine, emphasizing torque and a relaxed riding experience.
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a distinctive, characterful cruiser with BMW's engineering pedigree.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive mechanical and electrical repair for BMW R1200C and R850C motorcycles.
Secondary Coverage:
Routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and component-level diagnostics.
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 500-700 pages (typical for this type of manual).
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, component inspection, timing, fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, cooling (oil).
Transmission:
Gearbox removal, disassembly, assembly, clutch service, final drive.
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, forks, shock absorbers, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, swingarm.
Brakes:
Brake system maintenance, bleeding, caliper overhaul, master cylinder service, ABS (if applicable).
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, ignition system, control units (ECU).
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel tank, lines.
Exhaust System:
Removal, installation, and inspection.
Bodywork And Fittings:
Fairings, seat removal, luggage systems, controls.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, spark plug replacement, valve clearance checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, symptom-based problem solving.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair.
Diagnostics:
Fault code interpretation, sensor testing, electrical system diagnosis.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic servicing to full engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics.
Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin cylinder engine.
R1200C Displacement:
1170 cc (1.2 L)
R850C Displacement:
850 cc (0.85 L)
Bore X Stroke R1200C:
101 mm x 73 mm
Bore X Stroke R850C:
91 mm x 67.5 mm
Valve Train:
SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, actuated by pushrods and rocker arms.
R1200C Horsepower:
Approx. 61 hp @ 5000 rpm
R1200C Torque:
Approx. 70 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
R850C Horsepower:
Approx. 50 hp @ 5000 rpm
R850C Torque:
Approx. 54 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 motorcycle specific oil.
Engine Oil Capacity R1200C:
Approx. 4.0 L (4.2 US qt) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity R850C:
Approx. 3.5 L (3.7 US qt) with filter change.
Type:
5-speed manual transmission with constant mesh gears.
Clutch:
Single dry plate, cable-operated clutch.
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with enclosed universal joint.
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W/90 API GL-5 gear oil.
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.6 L (0.63 US qt).
Crash Safety:
N/A (Motorcycle safety ratings are not standardized like automotive).
Brakes Front:
Dual 305 mm discs, 4-piston calipers.
Brakes Rear:
Single 280 mm disc, 2-piston caliper.
ABS Availability:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS system available on some models.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light, turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame.
Display:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meter, clock, and indicator lights.
Audio System:
Optional audio system available on some models, integrated into the instrument cluster or fairing.
ABS:
Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was a significant safety technology for its era.
Connectivity Features:
None directly integrated; typically relies on aftermarket GPS or communication devices.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Check Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Final Drive Oil Change Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Coolant Type:
Not applicable (air/oil-cooled).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, fuel pump reliability (early models), voltage regulator, final drive spline lubrication.
Electrical Concerns:
Corrosion on connectors, occasional ABS sensor issues.
Engine Notes:
Generally robust Boxer engine, but requires regular valve adjustment and oil changes.
Oil Filter Part Number:
BMW part number 11 42 1 457 111 (or equivalent aftermarket).
Air Filter Part Number:
BMW part number 13 72 1 458 431 (or equivalent aftermarket).
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), Germany.
Motorcycle Division History:
BMW has a long history of motorcycle manufacturing dating back to the early 20th century, renowned for its Boxer engines and engineering.
Segment Introduction:
The R1200C and R850C were introduced in the mid-1990s to cater to the growing cruiser market.
Design Influences:
Styled by David Robb, featuring a minimalist, custom-bike aesthetic with a prominent Boxer engine.
Production Years:
Approximately 1997-2006.
Manufacturing Plant:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad's primary manufacturing facility).
