Segment:
Mid-size sport touring/roadster motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners and independent mechanics seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information for the R850 R
Competitors:
Moto Guzzi California, Honda NT700V Deauville, Yamaha FJR1300 (though R850R is smaller displacement)
Bike Design:
Characterized by BMW's signature boxer-twin engine, shaft drive, and Telelever front suspension (on some models/years)
Manual Value:
Provides essential knowledge for maintaining the reliability and performance of a classic BMW motorcycle
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, tuning, and diagnostics
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel filter replacement
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control, timing
Transmission:
Gearbox internal components, clutch assembly (dry single plate), shift mechanism, final drive (shaft drive)
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearings, fork assembly, rear suspension linkage
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (calipers, discs, master cylinders, ABS components if applicable), hydraulic system bleeding
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, starter motor, alternator, lighting, instrumentation, fuse box, relays
Cooling System:
Oil cooling system (oil cooler, lines, oil filter)
Exhaust System:
Mufflers, exhaust pipes, catalytic converter (if equipped), gasket replacement
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairings, fuel tank, seat, fenders, panels, removal and installation procedures
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing replacement, tire mounting and balancing, spoke tensioning
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain/shaft drive lubrication and adjustment (if applicable to variants), brake fluid checks
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable)
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical system repairs
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing individual parts and sub-assemblies
Calibration And Adjustment:
Throttle cable adjustment, idle speed setting, clutch lever adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and information for electrical and mechanical systems
Illustrations:
Illustrated with clear step-by-step instructions
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated
Horsepower:
Approximately 70 hp (51 kW) at 7000 rpm (varies slightly by year/market)
Torque:
Approximately 70 Nm (52 lb-ft) at 5500 rpm (varies slightly by year/market)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 22 liters (5.8 US gallons)
Oil Type:
BMW recommends specific synthetic motorcycle oil (e.g., SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 depending on ambient temperature)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change
Length:
Approximately 2220 mm (87.4 in)
Width:
Approximately 800 mm (31.5 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approximately 1230 mm (48.4 in) at windshield
Wheelbase:
Approximately 1430 mm (56.3 in)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 213 kg (470 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approximately 430 kg (948 lbs)
ABS:
Optional ABS (BMW Motorrad ABS)
Braking System:
Hydraulic dual disc front brakes, hydraulic single disc rear brake
Suspension Front:
Telelever (on most R850R models, providing stable handling and anti-dive characteristics)
Suspension Rear:
Monoshock with single-sided swingarm (Paralever) and adjustable preload/rebound damping
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight (depending on year)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise intervals)
Air Filter Inspection:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil Grade:
SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 (check manual for temperature ranges), full synthetic motorcycle oil recommended
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (same as gearbox)
Common Problems:
Potential for weak clutch springs, occasional charging system issues (regulator/rectifier), Telelever pivot wear, and common electrical connector corrosion over time. Some riders report stiff gear changes.
Troubleshooting Focus:
Manual will detail diagnosis for engine performance, fuel delivery, electrical faults, and drivetrain noise.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Motorcycle Division:
BMW Motorrad, known for its boxer-twin engines and innovative technology
Lineage:
Part of the R259 family, which includes models like the R1100 R and R1150 R. The R850 R was positioned as a more accessible and slightly less powerful variant.
Introduction Year:
Introduced in 1995
Production Years:
Approximately 1995 - 2006
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)