Segment:
Mid-size touring/sport-touring motorcycle
Competitors 1999:
Honda VFR750F, Kawasaki GTR1000, Yamaha FJR1300 (later models), Moto Guzzi California
Engine Layout:
Air-cooled, flat-twin (Boxer)
Drive System:
Shaft drive
Suspension:
Telelever front, Paralever rear
Handling Characteristics:
Known for stable handling, comfortable ride, and predictable feedback.
Manual Purpose:
Essential for owners and technicians seeking accurate maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting guidance for the BMW R850R and R850GS.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission, Drive Shaft
Chassis:
Frame, Front Suspension (Telelever), Rear Suspension (Paralever), Wheels, Tires, Brakes (ABS available), Steering
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Ignition, Fuel Injection Control, ABS Control Module, Starter Motor, Horn, Switches, Wiring Diagrams
Bodywork:
Fairings, Seat, Fuel Tank, Fenders, Luggage Systems (if applicable), Handlebars, Footpegs
Maintenance:
Routine Service (oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, valve clearance checks), Lubrication Schedule, Tire Pressure Monitoring
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Fault Code Interpretation (if applicable), Common Problems and Solutions
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Servicing, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Special Tools:
Identification of required BMW special tools for specific procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, air-cooled, flat-twin (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
70 hp @ 6,750 rpm
Torque:
77 Nm (57 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic 2.2 or similar)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON (91 AKI)
Ignition:
Digital Electronic Ignition (CDI)
Oil Capacity W Filter:
Approx. 3.5 Liters (3.7 US qt)
Recommended Oil:
SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle specific oil (check manual for exact BMW recommendation)
Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Optional Gearbox:
N/A (Standard 5-speed)
Clutch:
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with universal joint and final drive unit
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 90 Hypoid Gear Oil (API GL-5)
ABS Availability:
Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models.
Braking System Front:
Dual 305 mm discs with 4-piston calipers
Braking System Rear:
Single 276 mm disc with 2-piston caliper
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight (check specific model variant)
Chassis Stability:
Integral to the Telelever and Paralever suspension systems providing inherent stability.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, warning lights.
ABS:
Optional ABS system significantly enhances braking safety.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (Standard for the era)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Air Filter Inspection:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (per manual specification)
Coolant:
N/A (Air-cooled engine)
Fuel Pump:
Occasional fuel pump failures reported; manual provides diagnostic steps.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion at electrical connectors can cause intermittent issues; manual details wiring diagrams for tracing.
Clutch Slave Cylinder:
Leaking clutch slave cylinder seals are a known potential issue; manual details replacement procedure.
Hall Sender Unit:
Failure of the Hall sender unit can cause starting or running problems; manual outlines testing methods.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad, founded in 1916, has a long history of producing innovative and reliable motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer engines and shaft drive systems.
R850 Lineage:
The R850R and R850GS are part of BMW's long-running R series of boxer-twin motorcycles, offering a more accessible displacement than the larger R1100/R1150 models.
Production Period R850R:
Introduced in 1994, R850R produced until 2006.
Production Period R850Gs:
Introduced in 1996, R850GS produced until 2000.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
General Reputation:
The R850 series is generally praised for its build quality, reliability, and comfortable touring capabilities, often considered a more affordable entry into BMW ownership.
User Satisfaction:
Consistent positive feedback for long-term ownership and ride comfort.
Manual Quality Assurance:
This workshop manual adheres to professional automotive documentation standards, providing accurate and reliable information for service professionals and enthusiasts.
