Segment:
Touring/Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
BMW R850 R850C owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.
Competitors:
Other BMW Boxer models of the era, Honda ST series, Yamaha FJR series, Kawasaki GTR series.
Vehicle Appeal:
Torque-rich boxer engine, shaft drive, comfortable ergonomics for touring, renowned BMW build quality.
Benefit:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to maintain their R850 R850C efficiently and cost-effectively, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Regions Covered:
Global (All Markets)
Model Variants Covered:
All R850 R850C variants
Engine Variants Covered:
All engine configurations for R850 R850C
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels
Transmission Types Covered:
All transmission types
Estimated Pages:
High (Exact count varies based on edition, typically 500+ pages for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch operation and maintenance, driveshaft and final drive servicing.
Brakes:
ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid replacement, caliper servicing, brake disc inspection and replacement, hydraulic system troubleshooting.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery and charging system, starter motor, alternator, lighting system, instrument cluster, ignition switch, fuses and relays, basic diagnostic codes.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork (telescopic), rear suspension (Paralever), wheel bearing replacement, steering system maintenance, frame and mounting points.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairings, body panels, fuel tank removal, seat servicing, mounting hardware.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, lubrication points, brake pad replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault code interpretation, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance issues, starting problems.
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, fuel system servicing, brake system repairs.
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic routines, electrical schematics analysis, mechanical component testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic owner maintenance to complete engine and component overhauls)
Detail Level:
Detailed exploded views, torque specifications, special tool requirements, step-by-step instructions with diagrams.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin engine
Displacement:
848 cc (approx.)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1 (typical for this engine family)
Horsepower:
~70 hp @ 7000 rpm (estimated, model specific)
Torque:
~77 Nm @ 5250 rpm (estimated, model specific)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M7.2 or similar)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91-98 RON
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 API SG or higher motorcycle specific oil
Oil Capacity:
~3.0 liters (with filter change)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual gearbox
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Standard manual gearbox)
Drive Type:
Shaft drive (via Paralever rear suspension system)
Final Drive Ratio:
Typically 32/11 (2.91:1) or similar for this model range.
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 or GL-4 API gear oil
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
~0.9 liters
Safety Standards:
Adheres to relevant motorcycle safety standards for the production era.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, often with optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
ABS Version:
Bosch ABS II (if equipped)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, turn signals.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meter, fuel level, temperature, and warning lights.
Audio System:
Optional accessory stereo systems were available, not standard integrated infotainment.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on certain models/trims.
Diagnostics Port:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) port for electronic fault code reading (typically requires proprietary BMW diagnostic tools or adapters).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km or 24 months.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 km or as needed based on operating conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km or 24 months.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50, API SG or higher, motorcycle specific
Gearbox Oil Specification:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 or GL-4, API gear oil
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, wheel bearings, fork seals, exhaust system corrosion.
Electrical Gremlins:
Occasional issues with stator windings or rectifier, aging wiring harnesses, particularly at connector points.
Fuel System Considerations:
Fuel pump reliability and potential clogging of injectors due to fuel quality.
Bmw Motorcycle History:
BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle production, dating back to the 1920s, particularly known for its boxer-twin engines and shaft drive.
R Series Lineage:
The R850 is part of the long-standing R series, which has evolved significantly, incorporating modern technology while retaining the core boxer engine layout.
Production Period:
The R850 family was produced from the mid-1990s through the early 2000s, with various iterations.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)
