Positioning:
The R850 GS was positioned as a more accessible, lighter, and urban-friendly variant of the legendary R1100 GS, offering BMW's characteristic engineering and touring capability in a more manageable package.
Competitors:
Competed with other mid-weight adventure touring motorcycles from manufacturers like Honda (Africa Twin 750), Yamaha (TDM 850/900), and Suzuki (DR800).
Features:
Torquey boxer twin engine, robust Telelever front suspension, Monolever rear suspension, shaft drive, comfortable ergonomics for touring, ABS (optional on some models).
Main Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for BMW R850 GS models
Specific Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Electrical System, Fuel System, Suspension, Brakes, Bodywork
Estimated Pages:
300-500 pages (typical for this era and scope)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine:
Detailed breakdown of the 848cc (approx.) air-cooled, two-cylinder boxer engine, including valve adjustment, timing, ignition system, fuel injection, and lubrication.
Transmission:
Operation, maintenance, and repair of the 5-speed gearbox, clutch assembly, and final drive (shaft drive).
Chassis And Suspension:
Front Telelever suspension, rear Monolever swingarm, fork oil changes, shock absorber servicing, wheel bearing replacement, steering head bearing adjustment.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, including hydraulic lines, master cylinders, calipers, disc replacement, brake fluid flushing and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting, instrumentation.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank removal/installation, fuel pump operation, fuel filter replacement, throttle body servicing, EFI system troubleshooting.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, tank cover, fenders, and other body panels.
Maintenance:
Regular service intervals, oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad inspection and replacement, clutch adjustment, drive shaft lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues related to engine performance, electrical faults, and braking.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly, including engine rebuild procedures (partial/full depending on manual scope).
Diagnostics:
Fault finding, electrical component testing, and engine diagnostics.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Covers detailed specifications, torque values, and specialized procedures.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (boxer)
Displacement:
848 cc (approx.)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm (typical for this engine family)
Compression Ratio:
9.8:1 (typical)
Horsepower:
70-72 hp @ 6750 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
56-59 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Ignition:
Digital ignition (Motronic) with dual spark plugs per cylinder.
Oil Type Capacity:
BMW Motorrad ADVANTEC Ultimate 15W-50 or equivalent. Capacity approximately 3.0 liters with filter change.
Gearbox:
5-speed manual transmission
Options:
N/A (Manual transmission standard)
Clutch:
Dry, single-plate clutch, hydraulically actuated.
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with universal joint.
Gearbox Oil:
SAE 75W/90 GL-5 synthetic gear oil. Capacity approximately 0.7 liters.
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 80W/90 GL-5 gear oil. Capacity approximately 0.25 liters.
Length:
Approx. 2180 mm (85.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 880 mm (34.6 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1350 mm (53.1 in) at handlebars
Seat Height:
Approx. 820 mm (32.3 in) (standard seat)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 212 kg (467 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 430 kg (948 lbs)
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 20 liters (5.3 US gal), including 3 liters reserve.
Payload Capacity:
Approx. 218 kg (481 lbs)
ABS:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models.
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes with 4-piston calipers, single rear disc brake with 2-piston caliper.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, integrated turn signals.
Ergonomics:
Designed for rider comfort and control during long-distance touring.
Infotainment System:
Basic instrumentation cluster; no integrated infotainment system in the modern sense. Provision for accessory power outlets.
Driver Assistance:
Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was a key advanced feature for its time.
Connectivity:
N/A. Relies on wired connections for diagnostics by technicians.
Diagnostic Port:
Features a diagnostic connector (often a 7-pin connector) for connection to BMW's diagnostic tools (e.g., MoDiTec).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually.
Valve Check Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed based on conditions.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Coolant:
N/A (Air-cooled engine)
Typical Concerns:
Early models may exhibit issues with the fuel pump relay, occasional ABS sensor failures, and wear on the Telelever pivot bearings. Check for proper clutch slave cylinder sealing.
Common Wear Items:
Steering head bearings, wheel bearings, rear shock absorber (over time), brake pads, and clutch plates.
Oil Filter Part Number:
e.g., 11 42 1 456 240 (verify for specific year)
Air Filter Part Number:
e.g., 13 72 1 456 260 (verify for specific year)
Spark Plug Part Number:
e.g., NGK DPR8EA-9 (verify for specific year)
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing durable and capable motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer twin engines and adventure touring models like the R GS series.
Evolution:
The R850 GS was introduced as a more accessible derivative of the highly successful R1100 GS, sharing many core components but with a smaller displacement engine and often less sophisticated electronics, catering to a broader market.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
Market Release:
First appeared in 1996, with the 1999-2001 range representing a specific iteration before the R1150 GS took over.
