Class:
Mid-size touring motorcycle.
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, independent workshops, and motorcycle enthusiasts.
Competitors 1997:
Honda Shadow series, Kawasaki Vulcan series, Yamaha Virago series, Moto Guzzi California series.
Engine Layout:
Air-cooled, two-cylinder boxer engine.
ABS Availability:
Optional Integral ABS system, a significant safety feature for its era.
Value For Owner:
Enables owners to maintain their vehicle to BMW standards, saving money on labor costs and ensuring longevity.
Value For Workshop:
Provides accurate and efficient repair procedures, reducing diagnostic time and improving customer satisfaction.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed information on engine teardown, assembly, component specifications, and tolerances for the R850 boxer twin engine.
Engine Management:
Covers fuel injection (Motronic), ignition system, sensors, actuators, and troubleshooting diagnostic codes.
Transmission Gearbox:
Comprehensive instructions for gearbox removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly, including clutch service.
Final Drive:
Specific procedures for maintenance and repair of the shaft drive and final drive unit.
Brakes System:
Detailed coverage of the BMW Integral ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, caliper maintenance, rotor replacement, and bleeding procedures.
Suspension And Steering:
Includes front fork (telescopic) and rear shock absorber maintenance, adjustment, and replacement. Covers steering head bearing service.
Electrical And Ignition:
Wiring diagrams, component locations, troubleshooting guides for lighting, ignition, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter, and battery.
Fuel And Exhaust:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, and exhaust system components.
Frame And Bodywork:
Instructions for body panel removal, fairing, seat, and frame component inspection.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, valve clearance adjustments, drive shaft lubrication, and brake pad inspection.
Major Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including torque specifications for critical fasteners.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common running issues, electrical faults, and performance problems.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing wear items and major components such as clutch plates, wheel bearings, and brake lines.
Tune Up Procedures:
Detailed instructions for tune-ups, including fuel mixture adjustments (if applicable) and ignition timing checks.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Detail Level:
Mechanic-grade: Utilizes precise measurements, torque values, and diagnostic procedures as used by professional BMW technicians.
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchable:
Yes, text-searchable for quick information retrieval.
Resolution:
High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.
Diagrams:
Includes clear, detailed exploded diagrams, schematics, and illustrations.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin engine.
Displacement:
848 cc (51.7 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm (3.54 in x 2.60 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, overhead camshaft (OHC) driven by pushrods.
Horsepower:
Approximately 70 hp (52 kW) at 7,500 rpm (varies slightly by market/configuration)
Torque:
Approximately 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm (varies slightly by market/configuration)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic 2.2 Fuel Injection (EFI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91-98 RON recommended).
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 20W-40 motorcycle specific oil. (Refer to manual for exact BMW specification).
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition (Motronic).
Spark Plugs:
Champion RA 4 HC or NGK CR 9 E (Check manual for precise application).
Length:
Approx. 2,225 mm (87.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 925 mm (36.4 in) (including mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1,295 mm (51.0 in) (seat height)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 220 kg (485 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
19.5 liters (5.2 US gallons), including 3.5 liters reserve.
Safety Standards:
Designed to meet prevailing European safety standards for motorcycles of the era.
Braking System:
Dual 305 mm (12.0 in) discs with 4-piston calipers front, 276 mm (10.9 in) disc with 2-piston caliper rear. Optional Integral ABS.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel tubular frame for rigidity and rider protection.
Infotainment System:
N/A (1997 motorcycle technology focus is on function and reliability, not infotainment).
ABS System:
Optional BMW Integral Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No modern connectivity features).
Engine Management Unit:
Bosch Motronic 2.2 ECU controls fuel injection and ignition timing for optimal performance and emissions.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. (Consult manual for specific interval and oil type).
Valve Clearance Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years.
Drive Shaft Lubrication:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified.
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Motorrad Approved 20W-50 or 20W-40 motorcycle oil (API SG/SH or higher).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, wheel bearings, brake caliper seals, and potential for ABS sensor issues.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Early models may have had some fuel pump reliability concerns, addressable with proper maintenance.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion in electrical connectors can lead to intermittent issues; manual guides inspection and cleaning.
Bmw Motorcycles:
BMW Motorrad has a long history dating back to the 1920s, renowned for engineering excellence, shaft drive, and boxer engines.
R850 Lineage:
The R850 series, introduced in the mid-1990s, offered a more accessible displacement within the BMW boxer lineup, derived from the larger R1100 models, with the R850C representing the cruiser-styled variant.
Production Period:
The R850C model was produced primarily from 1997 to 2004.
Manufacturing Plant:
Berlin-Spandau, Germany.
Awards:
While specific awards for the R850C may not be widely publicized, BMW motorcycles of this era were generally well-regarded for their build quality, touring comfort, and engineering.
Reliability Reputation:
BMW boxer twins are known for their robust construction and longevity when properly maintained. The 850cc variant offers a balance of performance and ease of use.
Certification Standards:
Compliant with relevant automotive and motorcycle emissions and safety standards of the time.