Positioning:
The BMW R850R was positioned as a versatile, comfortable, and reliable touring motorcycle, offering a more accessible entry point to BMW's boxer twin experience.
Competitors:
Competed against other mid-range European and Japanese touring motorcycles, such as Moto Guzzi California, Yamaha Diversion, and Honda ST series.
Features:
Torquey boxer-twin engine, shaft drive, comfortable ergonomics, solid build quality, telelever front suspension (on some variants).
Covered Models:
All R850R models for the 1996 model year
Covered Engines:
All engine variants for the R850R model
Covered Transmissions:
All transmission types for the R850R model
Covered Trims:
All trim levels for the R850R model
Estimated Pages:
200-300 (typical for this era of detailed BMW motorcycle manuals)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Engine:
Detailed engine overhaul, diagnostics, component testing, internal measurements, timing, valve clearance adjustment.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, throttle body, diagnostic procedures.
Ignition System:
Ignition coil, spark plugs, ECU control, troubleshooting ignition faults.
Transmission:
Gearbox internal components, clutch operation, gear selection mechanism, maintenance, fluid changes.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive system, universal joints, final drive housing, lubrication, maintenance.
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, ABS (if equipped), calipers, master cylinders, brake pads, rotors, bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front fork (telelever or conventional), rear shock absorber, linkage, springs, damping adjustments.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, starter motor, alternator, lighting, fuses, relays, switches, instrument cluster.
Bodywork:
Fairings, tank, seat, fenders, body panel removal and installation.
Cooling System:
Oil cooling system, oil filter, oil circulation, temperature sensor.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain/shaft drive lubrication, brake checks, tire pressure.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon issues, error code interpretation, electrical system fault finding.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, suspension overhauls, electrical component repair.
Specifications:
Torque values for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical tolerances.
Diagnostics:
Detailed procedures for diagnosing engine performance, electrical faults, and mechanical issues.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and gearbox rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics.
Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin engine
Displacement:
848 cc (approx.)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
9.2:1 (typical for this era)
Horsepower:
Approx. 70-75 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 77-80 Nm @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic (typical)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Oil Type:
Typically SAE 20W-50 motorcycle specific oil
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 - 3.5 liters (including filter)
Crash Tests:
N/A for motorcycles of this era; safety focus is on handling and braking.
Braking:
Optional ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System II) available on some models, enhancing stopping control.
Handling:
Stable chassis geometry, responsive suspension for predictable handling.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated tail light and turn signals.
Visibility:
Good rider visibility due to upright seating position and handlebar design.
Infotainment System:
N/A (basic instrumentation common for this era)
ABS:
Optional ABS II system available, providing enhanced braking safety.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (no modern connectivity features)
Gauge Cluster:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, fuel gauge, warning lights for oil pressure, neutral, indicators, battery.
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
Major Service:
Recommended major service intervals around 20,000-30,000 km, including valve checks, fuel system checks, and drivetrain inspection.
Spark Plugs:
Replacement typically around 20,000-30,000 km, depending on type.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid
Transmission Oil:
GL-5 SAE 90 gear oil (for final drive)
Coolant:
N/A (Air-cooled engine with oil cooling)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, ABS sensor reliability (if equipped), front fork seals, throttle position sensor (TPS) issues.
Electrical Quirks:
Occasional issues with headlight relays, starter solenoids, and general wiring loom integrity due to age.
Engine Notes:
Generally robust boxer engines, but routine valve clearance checks are crucial for optimal performance and longevity.
Heritage:
BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, particularly renowned for its boxer-twin engine configuration dating back to the R32 in 1923.
Evolution:
The R850R is a derivative of the larger R100R and R1100R models, utilizing a slightly smaller displacement engine to offer a more accessible and potentially more fuel-efficient option.
Production Years:
The R850R was produced from 1994 through 2006.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)
