Market Position:
The R850GS, a derivative of the popular R1100GS, occupied a niche for riders seeking the adventure-touring capabilities of the GS with a more accessible engine and potentially lower entry price point.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with other mid-range adventure touring motorcycles, offering BMW's signature boxer engine, shaft drive, and robust build quality. Less powerful than its larger sibling but often considered more manageable for some riders.
Key Features:
Air/oil-cooled boxer twin engine, shaft drive, Paralever rear suspension, ABS (typically), comfortable ergonomics for touring, and moderate off-road capability.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Fuel System, Ignition System, Electrical System, Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Bodywork, Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting, Maintenance
Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era of BMW workshop manuals)
Manual Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of the Boxer twin-cylinder engine (R259), including cylinder heads, valves, pistons, crankshaft, connecting rods, and lubrication system.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank, and pressure regulator.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Gearbox (5-speed), clutch operation, final drive (Paralever system), driveshaft, and universal joints.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, instruments, control units (ECU), and accessory circuits.
Chassis Suspension:
Frame inspection, front fork (BMW Telelever on some models, but R850GS likely Telelever) maintenance and adjustment, rear shock absorber (Monolever or Paralever), steering head bearings.
Brakes:
Brake system (often ABS II on this model), hydraulic lines, brake calipers, master cylinders, brake discs, and pads. Bleeding procedures.
Bodywork Ergonomics:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, fenders, luggage systems, and control levers.
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control, and timing.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, clutch adjustment, brake fluid flush, drive shaft lubrication.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, gearbox rebuild, final drive servicing, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, brake system repairs.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable), electrical system troubleshooting guides.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of torque values for all critical fasteners and components.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Displacement:
848 cc (850cc designation)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Cooling System:
Air/oil cooled
Horsepower:
Approx. 70-75 hp @ 7250 rpm (depending on specific market tune)
Torque:
Approx. 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic 2.1 or similar)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON
Valve Train:
OHV, 2 valves per cylinder actuated by pushrods and rocker arms
Safety Ratings:
No formal crash test ratings (motorcycles typically not rated like cars). Emphasis on rider protection through design.
ABS:
BMW ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System) typically standard or optional on this model, enhancing braking control.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, integrated turn signals, taillight.
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame offering rigidity and rider protection in the event of a tip-over.
Fairing Protection:
Provides wind and weather protection for the rider.
Infotainment System:
Not applicable for this era and model. Focus is on functional riding instrumentation.
ABS:
BMW ABS II, a significant safety feature for its time, providing anti-lock functionality for both front and rear wheels.
Connectivity Features:
Not applicable.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, odometer, trip meter, warning lights for oil pressure, neutral, turn signals, and high beam. Some may have had a basic onboard computer.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Transmission Oil Change:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Final Drive Oil Change:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 API SG or higher (refer to manual for precise specification).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3 liters (3.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 synthetic brake fluid.
Transmission Oil:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
Final Drive Oil:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil.
Common Issues:
Paralever joint wear, ABS sensor issues, occasional clutch slave cylinder leaks, fuel pump reliability can vary, alternator brushes wear. Some early models might have had minor fuel injection tuning quirks.
Preventative Maintenance:
Regular lubrication of the Paralever pivot and driveshaft splines, monitoring ABS system, timely replacement of wearable items like spark plugs and brake pads.
Brand Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing reliable and innovative motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer engines and shaft drive systems dating back to the 1920s.
Model Evolution:
The R850GS is part of the highly successful 'GS' (Gelände/Straße - Dirt/Street) line of adventure motorcycles, evolving from the R80GS and sharing technology with the larger R1100GS. It represented a move towards more accessible displacement within the GS family.
Production Years:
The R850GS (R259 platform) was produced from the mid-1990s into the early 2000s, with the 1996 model year being an early iteration.
