Positioning:
The BMW R 850 R of 1997 was positioned as a comfortable, versatile touring motorcycle, bridging the gap between smaller displacement models and the larger R 1100 series, offering accessible BMW boxer-twin performance.
Competitors:
Competed with other mid-range touring/sport-touring motorcycles from brands like Moto Guzzi, Honda (e.g., Nighthawk series), and Yamaha (e.g., XJ series).
Features:
Boxer-twin engine, shaft drive, comfortable ergonomics, ABS (optional), well-suited for touring and commuting.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Clutch, Final Drive
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front and Rear)
Electrical:
Ignition System, Lighting, Instruments, Starter, Charging System, Fuel Injection System (Motronic)
Bodywork:
Body Panels, Fuel Tank, Seat, Fairings, Luggage Systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled Service, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Chain/Shaft Drive Adjustment, Spark Plug Replacement, Valve Clearance Adjustment
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Common Faults and Solutions, Electrical System Diagnostics
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Service, Electrical Component Repair/Replacement
Technical Data:
Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities, Clearances, Wiring Diagrams, Component Identification
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical system wiring diagrams for troubleshooting and repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance and routine servicing to in-depth diagnostics and full component overhauls.
Diagnostic Codes:
Information on reading and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable to the Motronic system.
Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin engine
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Valvetrain:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated
Horsepower:
Approx. 70 hp (52 kW) at 7,500 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 79 Nm (58 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection with single injector per cylinder.
Induction:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane
Oil Type:
BMW Motor Oil Advantec Ultimate Performance SAE 15W-50 (or equivalent API SG/SH/SJ specification)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 Liters (2.6 US qt) without filter change, 2.7 Liters (2.9 US qt) with filter change
Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Drive System:
Shaft drive
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W/90 GL-5 hypoid gear oil
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.5 Liters (0.53 US qt)
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 75W/90 GL-5 hypoid gear oil
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.2 Liters (0.21 US qt)
Length:
Approx. 2,180 mm (85.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 830 mm (32.7 in) (including mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1,330 mm (52.4 in) (to handlebar)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 213 kg (470 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)
Tank Capacity:
19 Liters (5.0 US gal), including 3-liter reserve
ABS:
Optional BMW Motorrad Integral ABS system available.
Brakes:
Dual 305 mm discs with 4-piston calipers (front), Single 276 mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear)
Suspension Front:
BMW Motorrad Telelever front suspension
Suspension Rear:
Paralever single-sided swingarm with monoshock
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital odometer, trip meters, fuel level indicator, warning lights.
ABS:
Optional BMW Motorrad Integral ABS II, a sophisticated anti-lock braking system.
Accessories:
Provisions for heated grips, auxiliary power sockets, and luggage systems were available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed based on operating conditions.
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Motor Oil Advantec Ultimate Performance SAE 15W-50 (or equivalent API SG/SH/SJ)
Transmission Oil Spec:
SAE 75W/90 GL-5 hypoid gear oil
Final Drive Oil Spec:
SAE 75W/90 GL-5 hypoid gear oil
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 brake fluid
Common Issues:
Some models may experience issues with the fuel pump relay, stator, or the ABS system if not properly maintained. Occasional wear on the clutch slave cylinder seal.
Maintenance Notes:
Regular inspection of the shaft drive boot and U-joint is recommended. Valve clearance checks are crucial for engine longevity.
Heritage:
BMW has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, particularly known for its durable and innovative boxer-twin engines and shaft drive systems.
Evolution:
The R 850 R is part of the modern BMW R series, evolving from earlier air-cooled boxer models, incorporating technological advancements like fuel injection and advanced suspension systems, and preceding the more technologically integrated R 1150 RT and R 1100 R models.
Production Years:
The R 850 R was produced from 1995 to 2006.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin Spandau plant, Germany
