Segment:
Mid-size touring/cruiser motorcycle, positioned as a more accessible alternative to the R1100/R1150 series.
Competitors:
Honda VFR750, Yamaha FJ1200 (earlier versions), Kawasaki GTR1000, Moto Guzzi California.
Engine Configuration:
Air-cooled, two-cylinder, boxer engine (flat-twin).
Drive Type:
Shaft drive, a hallmark of BMW motorcycles.
Suspension Design:
Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear suspension for predictable handling and reduced dive/squat.
Primary Coverage:
All R850R and R850C models for 1998
Secondary Coverage:
Likely covers minor variations within the 1998 model year and potentially early 1999 updates if applicable.
Estimated Pages:
300-400 (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Language:
English (primary language of description)
Engine:
Engine disassembly, assembly, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Gearbox (likely 5-speed), clutch operation, final drive (shaft drive).
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, front fork (Telelever), rear suspension (Paralever), wheel bearings, steering.
Brakes:
Hydraulic braking system, front and rear brake calipers, master cylinders, brake fluid service.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, sensors, ECU (engine control unit).
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, throttle body, idle control.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairings, seat, body panels, mounting points, accessories.
Maintenance:
Routine checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake fluid flush, coolant service.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault codes (if applicable), symptom-based diagnostics.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation.
Overhaul:
Engine and gearbox disassembly and reassembly procedures.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics for all systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer twin
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
Overhead camshafts (OHC), 4 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuation (common for BMW boxer twins).
Horsepower:
Approx. 70-73 hp (at crankshaft)
Torque:
Approx. 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) (at crankshaft)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON)
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil (API SG or higher recommended for this era)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.75 liters (including oil filter)
Gearbox:
5-speed manual transmission
Clutch:
Single dry plate clutch
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with single-sided swingarm
Transmission Oil:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90 (for gearbox and final drive)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Gearbox: Approx. 1.5 liters; Final Drive: Approx. 0.18 liters
Length:
Varies by model (R vs. C variant), typically around 2200 mm
Width:
Varies by model, typically around 900 mm
Height:
Varies by model, typically around 1300 mm
Dry Weight:
Approx. 210-215 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 440 kg
Crash Testing:
N/A (Motorcycle safety standards differ from automotive; focus is on design and rider protection)
Brakes:
Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) likely available on some models.
Suspension:
Telelever and Paralever systems contribute to stability and predictable handling.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, tail light, brake lights, turn signals.
Features:
Basic instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, indicator lights. No integrated infotainment systems typical of modern motorcycles.
ABS:
Optional ABS available on certain R850R/R850C configurations of this era.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
Major Service:
Valve clearance check and adjustment every 20,000 km. Spark plug replacement every 20,000 km.
Brake Fluid:
Replace brake fluid every 2 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 20W-50, API SG or higher.
Gearbox Final Drive Oil Spec:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90.
Coolant Type:
If equipped with oil cooler and potentially coolant-cooled elements, typically a 50/50 mix of distilled water and ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. (Note: R850R is primarily air-cooled, oil-cooled).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, brake pad wear, swingarm pivot bearings, Telelever seal leaks, aging fuel lines.
Electrical Potential Issues:
Corrosion on connectors, aging battery terminals, regulator/rectifier issues (less common than on later models but possible).
Engine Specific:
Occasional idle issues due to throttle body or sensor problems, exhaust header pipe leaks.
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad, founded in 1916, has a long and storied history in motorcycle production, renowned for its boxer engines, shaft drive, and touring capabilities.
Evolution:
The R850 series was introduced as a middleweight boxer, evolving from the larger R100/R1100 series, offering a more accessible performance and handling profile while retaining core BMW engineering principles. The 'C' variant typically denotes a cruiser-style interpretation.
Production Period:
The R850 series was produced from the mid-1990s into the early 2000s, with specific variants like the R850R and R850C having defined production runs.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (Spandau plant)
