Segment:
Mid-weight touring motorcycle, known for comfort and BMW's characteristic engineering
Competitors:
Honda VFR750F, Yamaha XJ900S Diversion, Kawasaki GTR1000
Bike Features:
Torquey Boxer-twin engine, shaft drive, Telelever front suspension, comfortable ergonomics for touring
Engine Management:
Detailed diagnosis and repair of fuel injection, ignition, and engine control systems (Motronic M1.2)
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair (5-speed gearbox), final drive, clutch assembly
Chassis:
Suspension (front Telelever, rear Paralever), steering, braking system (ABS II optional), wheel bearings
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting and charging systems, instrument cluster, sensor diagnostics
Bodywork:
Fairings, seat, fuel tank, fenders, minor body panel repairs
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, valve clearance adjustment, drive shaft lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex faults
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reassembly
Diagnostics:
Fault code interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds, including electrical system troubleshooting
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod-actuated with cam followers
Horsepower:
70 hp (51 kW) @ 6,750 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
78 Nm (57.5 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M1.2 fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91-98 RON)
Oil Capacity:
3.0 L (3.2 US qt) with filter change
Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 recommended (refer to manual for precise specs)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition (Motronic)
Spark Plugs:
Bosch WSR6F or equivalent (gap 0.7 mm)
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual, constant mesh
Clutch:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring
Gearbox Oil Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
0.28 L (0.3 US qt)
Crash Testing:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is typically not rated by third parties like NHTSA for cars)
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. ABS II was an optional feature on this model.
Front Brake:
Dual 305 mm discs, 4-piston calipers
Rear Brake:
Single 276 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals, taillight/brake light
Chassis Stability:
Telelever front suspension contributes to stable geometry under braking.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Drive Shaft Lube:
Check and lubricate every 10,000 km (6,000 miles)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (replace every 2 years)
Coolant Type:
BMW specific coolant or equivalent (for oil cooler circuit if applicable, mainly air-cooled but some components may require specific fluid checks)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, alternator brush wear, regulator issues, minor electrical connection corrosion, rear shock absorber degradation over time.
Diagnostic Challenges:
Older Motronic systems can be less communicative than modern ECUs, requiring more hands-on testing of sensors and actuators.
Oil Filter:
BMW Part # 11 42 1 450 723 or compatible aftermarket (e.g., Mahle OC26, K&N KN-160)
Air Filter:
BMW Part # 13 72 1 457 139 or compatible aftermarket (e.g., K&N 33-2073)
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing reliable and innovative motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer engines and shaft drive.
Predecessors:
The R850R is part of the evolution of BMW's R series, building on the legacy of models like the R100R and introducing newer technologies.
Successors:
The R850R paved the way for later R1100/R1150/R1200 models with similar boxer configurations and evolving Telelever/Paralever systems.
Production Period:
Mid-to-late 1990s (1995-2000 for R850R variants)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
