🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R850 GS

Model Line:

GS

Motorcycle Type:

Dual-sport / Adventure

👋 Introduction

Segment:

BMW's R850 GS historically occupied a niche within the mid-weight adventure touring segment, offering a more accessible and manageable alternative to its larger R11xx/R12xx GS siblings.

Competitors:

Competed with motorcycles like the Honda Transalp, Suzuki V-Strom (smaller variants), and some Triumph Tiger models of its era.

Engine Configuration:

Air/oil-cooled, horizontally-opposed twin-cylinder boxer engine.

Drivetrain:

Shaft drive, a signature BMW feature known for low maintenance.

Suspension:

Paralever rear suspension, Telelever front suspension (on some models/years), contributing to stable handling.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Digital (PDF) based on product description, potentially printable.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanics, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust.

Drivetrain Systems:

Clutch, transmission (gearbox), final drive (shaft drive).

Chassis Systems:

Frame, suspension (front forks, rear shock absorber), steering, wheels, tires.

Braking Systems:

Brake calipers, master cylinders, lines, ABS (if equipped).

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, ECU.

Bodywork And Trim:

Fairings, body panels, seat, luggage systems (if applicable).

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, valve clearance checks, drive shaft maintenance.

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component diagnosis and repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common issues, error code interpretation (if applicable).

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, covering all aspects from routine maintenance to major overhauls, including torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic routines.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format) is the standard for such manuals, offering searchability and printability.

Readability:

High resolution, clear diagrams and text for easy interpretation of repair steps and technical data.

Physical Format If Printed:

Spiral-bound or perfect-bound to lie flat for ease of use in a workshop environment.

Durability:

Durable, likely coated paper to resist oil, grease, and workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder Boxer

Displacement:

848 cc (approx.)

Bore X Stroke:

Typically around 81 mm x 83 mm

Cooling System:

Air and Oil-cooled

Horsepower:

Approximately 70-71 HP @ 7,000-7,500 RPM (varies slightly by year/market).

Torque:

Approximately 74-75 Nm (54-55 lb-ft) @ 5,500-6,000 RPM (varies slightly by year/market).

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

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

Oil Type:

Fully synthetic motorcycle oil, API SG/SH or higher, JASO MA certified, SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 (refer to manual for exact specifications and seasonal recommendations).

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with oil filter change.

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

Constant mesh, 5-speed sequential gearbox.

ABS System:

Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on certain models/years.

Final Drive:

Shaft drive via single-sided swingarm (Paralever system).

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate clutch, cable-actuated.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,180 mm (85.8 in)

Width Over Handlebars:

Approx. 910 mm (35.8 in)

Height Over Seat:

Approx. 1,270 mm (50.0 in)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 214 kg (472 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 445 kg (981 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 20 liters (5.3 US gallons), including a 3-liter reserve.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Motorcycle safety is not typically rated by standardized crash tests like automobiles; however, design features contribute to rider safety.

ABS:

Optional BMW Motorrad ABS, a significant active safety feature for its time, reducing stopping distances and preventing wheel lock-up.

Braking Performance:

Dual front discs and single rear disc, providing strong stopping power suitable for its performance class.

Frame Construction:

Steel tube frame providing a robust and stable platform.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight for illumination, LED taillight (depending on specific year).

Wind Protection:

Standard adjustable windscreen offering significant wind protection for a motorcycle of its type.

💡 Technology Features

Instrumentation:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meter, fuel level, gear indicator, and warning lights. Optional heated grips and ABS indicators.

ABS:

Available as an optional feature, significantly enhancing braking safety.

Oem Accessories:

Provision for heated grips, auxiliary power outlets, and often compatibility with GPS mounting systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Valve Clearance Check Interval:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Drive Shaft Maintenance:

Regular inspection and lubrication of the drive shaft and final drive splines is crucial, often recommended annually or every 10,000 km.

Engine Oil:

See engine_specs section for oil type and viscosity. Critical to use motorcycle-specific oil with JASO MA rating.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid (refer to manual for exact type for front and rear circuits, especially if ABS is equipped).

Transmission Oil:

Specific gear oil is not typically specified as the transmission shares engine oil. However, for final drive, a high-quality GL-5 gear oil or specialized BMW final drive oil is recommended.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch plates (dry clutch), wheel bearings, alternator brushes, regulator/rectifier units, fuel pump components.

Potential Faults:

Corrosion on electrical connectors, ABS sensor failures, paralever bearing wear, occasional fuel injector issues.

Drive Shaft Spline Lubrication:

Crucial to maintain lubrication of the output shaft and driveshaft splines to prevent premature wear and potential failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

Germany

Motorcycle Focus:

BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, particularly known for its boxer-twin engines and the GS (Gelände/Straße - Off-road/Street) line, which revolutionized the adventure touring segment.

Gs Lineage:

The R850 GS is part of the iconic GS family, which began with the R80 G/S in the early 1980s. The R850 GS was introduced to offer a more accessible entry point into the GS world.

Production Period:

The R850 GS was produced roughly from the mid-1990s (around 1996) until the mid-2000s (around 2006), overlapping with and eventually being superseded by the R1200 GS and other models.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Berlin, Germany, at BMW's motorcycle production facility.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Reception:

The R850 GS was generally well-received for its comfortable ergonomics, robust build quality, and the inherent practicality of the GS platform, although often overshadowed by its larger displacement siblings.

Durability Ratings:

BMW motorcycles, including the GS range, are renowned for their durability and longevity when properly maintained, making them popular for long-distance touring and adventure riding.

Emissions Standards:

Compliant with prevailing emissions standards of its production era (e.g., Euro 1, Euro 2, depending on the specific model year and market).