Segment:
Touring/Adventure motorcycle segment, known for versatility and boxer-twin character
Competitors Era:
Honda VFR/Africa Twin, Yamaha XT/Super Tenere, Suzuki DR Big, Kawasaki KLR
Engine Layout:
Air-cooled flat-twin boxer engine
Drivetrain Type:
Shaft drive
Suspension Design:
Typically features BMW's Telelever front suspension for improved handling and stability (though some R850 variants might differ slightly)
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service, maintenance, and repair for all R850R and R850GS models
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, diagnostics, technical specifications
Estimated Pages:
High (typical workshop manuals for this era are 500+ pages, exact count not provided)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Language:
English (assumed, common for official BMW service documentation)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, assembly, component specifications, timing, valve clearance
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, sensor diagnostics, ECU troubleshooting
Transmission Drivetrain:
Gearbox service, clutch operation, final drive maintenance, shaft drive inspection
Suspension Steering:
Front fork (telelever or conventional depending on exact R850 variant), rear monoshock, steering head bearing service
Brakes:
ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid changes, caliper overhaul, disc inspection, hydraulic lines
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), lighting, starter motor, fuses, relays
Bodywork Chassis:
Frame inspection, body panel removal/installation, seat, fairings, luggage systems
Exhaust System:
Exhaust components, lambda sensor (if applicable), catalytic converter (if applicable)
Wheels Tires:
Wheel bearing maintenance, tire replacement, wheel balancing
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter service, brake adjustments
Scheduled Maintenance:
Valve clearance checks, drive shaft spline lubrication, fork oil changes
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic fault finding, error codes, electrical diagnostics
Component Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for major component overhauls (engine, gearbox, suspension)
Torque Specifications:
Crucial torque values for all fasteners and assemblies
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools
Depth Level:
Professional-grade, suitable for dealership technicians and experienced home mechanics
Diagnostic Tools Interface:
References to diagnostic procedures and potential interface requirements (e.g., BMW diagnostic tools)
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, air-cooled flat-twin boxer engine
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm (typical for this engine family)
Compression Ratio:
9.2:1 (typical)
Horsepower:
Approx. 70 hp @ 7250 rpm (factory spec)
Torque:
Approx. 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm (factory spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended)
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition (BMW Motronic)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (R850GS specific, can vary)
Width:
Approx. 900 mm (R850GS specific, can vary)
Height:
Approx. 1380 mm (R850GS specific, can vary)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 215 kg (R850GS specific, can vary)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 450 kg (typical)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 20 liters (including reserve)
ABS Availability:
Optional ABS II system available
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight (common)
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame
Tire Sizes Front:
110/80 R18 (typical for R850GS)
Tire Sizes Rear:
130/80 R17 (typical for R850GS)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or annually (refer to manual for specific confirmation)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (typical for this era BMW boxer engines)
Drive Shaft Spline Lubrication:
Recommended every 10,000-20,000 km (critical for longevity)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 API SG or higher (verify in manual)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 liters (with filter change)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 3 if specified by BMW for ABS II)
Transmission Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90 API GL-5
Final Drive Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90 API GL-5
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, rear shock absorber wear, fuel pump (occasional), starter motor brushes
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur on older bikes; check grounding points and connectors.
Telelever Joint Play:
Check for wear in the Telelever ball joint and pivot bearings.
Brand Focus:
BMW Motorrad has a long-standing reputation for engineering quality, durability, and innovation in motorcycle design.
Platform Basis:
The R850 series was developed as a more accessible and slightly detuned version of the popular R1100 series, sharing many components but with a smaller displacement engine.
Gs Variant Purpose:
The GS (Geländestraße/Sport) variant is designed for a mix of on-road touring and light off-road capability, featuring higher suspension travel and more rugged styling compared to the R model.
Production Period:
The R850R and R850GS models were primarily produced from the mid-1990s through the early 2000s.
