🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R850C, R1200C

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Cruiser motorcycle segment, targeting riders who appreciate classic styling with modern BMW engineering.

Bmw Philosophy:

Represents BMW's foray into the cruiser market, blending traditional American cruiser aesthetics with German engineering and boxer engine character.

Key Competitors:

Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycles, Honda Shadow series, Yamaha V-Star series, and other European cruisers of the era.

Distinctive Design:

Characterized by its boxer engine prominently displayed, unique Telelever front suspension (on R1200C), and custom cruiser styling.

Engine Configuration:

Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine.

Target Audience:

Riders seeking a comfortable, distinctive, and mechanically engaging cruiser with the reliability and build quality expected from BMW.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Repair Manual, Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

Digital Features:

Zoom In/Out Functionality

Print Capability:

Yes

Quality Standard:

Factory Original

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed inspection, overhaul, tuning, and troubleshooting of the Boxer twin-cylinder engine.

Fuel System:

Carburetor (for R850C variants where applicable) and fuel injection system components, including fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, and throttle body.

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, coils, ECU control, and timing adjustments.

Transmission:

Gearbox disassembly, assembly, clutch operation, and final drive unit maintenance.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator/generator), starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, and control modules (ECU).

Braking System:

Hydraulic systems, brake pads, discs, calipers, ABS (where equipped), and bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front fork (telescopic or EVO Telelever depending on model year/variant), rear monoshock absorber, linkage, and adjustments.

Chassis And Frame:

Frame inspection, steering head bearing maintenance, and general chassis components.

Bodywork And Fairings:

Removal and installation of panels, seats, fuel tank, and accessories.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable, though many were shaft drive), and lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues across all major vehicle systems.

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step guides for engine and transmission overhauls, including torque specifications and component clearances.

Diagnostics:

Fault code interpretation (if applicable to the era), electrical system testing, and component functional checks.

Repair Instructions:

Specific procedures for replacing worn or damaged parts, including specialized tool requirements.

Adjustment Procedures:

Valve clearance adjustment, throttle cable synchronization, idle speed setting, and suspension sag adjustments.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive coverage from basic rider maintenance to full engine and gearbox rebuilds, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Special Tool Requirements:

Identifies necessary BMW special tools or equivalents for specific repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable due to factory PDF origin, enhancing usability.

Print Readability:

High resolution, ensuring clear diagrams, text, and images when printed.

Digital Fidelity:

Maintains factory original layout and clarity for digital viewing.

Binding Type Digital:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type Digital:

N/A (Digital Format), but factory manual paper quality is assumed to be durable.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)

Cooling System:

Air/oil-cooled

Bore X Stroke R850C:

85 mm x 70.5 mm (Approximate, check specific variant)

Bore X Stroke R1200C:

101 mm x 76 mm (Approximate, check specific variant)

Displacement R850C:

848 cc

Displacement R1200C:

1170 cc

Valve Train:

SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated

Horsepower R850C:

Approx. 70-73 hp @ 7500 rpm

Torque R850C:

Approx. 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower R1200C:

Approx. 61 hp (restricted for some markets) or up to 80 hp @ 6750 rpm (unrestricted variants)

Torque R1200C:

Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5200 rpm

Fuel Delivery R850C:

Carburetor (e.g., 2x Bing) or Bosch Motronic EFI (model dependent)

Fuel Delivery R1200C:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum octane rating 91 (RON+MON)/2

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 17.5 liters (4.6 US gal)

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

Gear Ratios:

Detailed gear ratios for each speed are provided within the manual.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Specific BMW gear oil specifications or SAE 90 GL-5 gear oil recommended (verify in manual).

Clutch Adjustment:

Procedure for adjusting clutch free play and cable tension.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase R1200C:

Approx. 1560 mm (61.4 inches)

Seat Height R1200C:

Approx. 760 mm (29.9 inches)

Dry Weight R1200C:

Approx. 216 kg (476 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Specifications available in the manual.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Motorcycle crash testing data is not typically standardized like automotive; focus is on system integrity.

ABS:

Available on many R1200C models; manual covers ABS system diagnostics and maintenance.

Braking Performance:

Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear. Manual provides specifications for pad wear limits and rotor thickness.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight, turn signals. Manual covers bulb replacement and electrical system checks.

Tire Specifications:

Recommended tire sizes and pressures for front and rear wheels are detailed. Typical sizes: 100/90-18 front, 150/70-16 rear.

💡 Technology Features

Instrumentation:

Analog speedometer and tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel level indicator, warning lights. Some may have a basic digital clock.

ABS System:

BMW's Integral ABS (option on many models) provides sophisticated braking assistance.

Diagnostic Port:

OBD-II or proprietary BMW diagnostic connector present for electronic diagnostics (manual will cover access).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually. Specific interval for engine oil and final drive oil detailed in manual.

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Recommended every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as per manual's specific guideline.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Engine Oil Type:

BMW recommends specific oils, generally synthetic SAE 15W-50 or 10W-40 depending on temperature. Verify with manual for exact BMW specification (e.g., BMW Motor Oil 20W-50 for some air-cooled Boxer). Note: Engine and gearbox share oil on some older BMW models, but these likely have separate compartments.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.0 - 3.5 liters (7.9 - 9.2 US quarts) with filter change (check manual).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid, depending on ABS system requirements. Manual will specify.

Coolant Type:

Not applicable, as these are primarily air/oil-cooled.

Electrical Gremlins:

As with many bikes of this era, intermittent electrical issues due to corrosion or aging wiring can occur. Manual covers tracing these.

Clutch Slave Cylinder:

Some models may experience leaks from the clutch slave cylinder, particularly the hydraulic unit.

Fuel Pump Reliability:

Fuel pump issues are not uncommon on higher mileage examples; manual details testing and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorrad:

BMW Motorrad has a long history of innovation, particularly with its boxer engine motorcycles, dating back to the 1920s.

Cruiser Segment Entry:

The R850C and R1200C represented BMW's deliberate entry into the cruiser market, a departure from their sport-touring and adventure focus.

R1200C Unveiling:

Introduced in 1997, the R1200C quickly became known for its unique styling and the integration of BMW's signature boxer engine into a cruiser platform.

R850C Variant:

Often a lower-displacement variant, offering a similar chassis and styling with a slightly detuned engine for certain markets or rider preferences.

Production Years:

R1200C: circa 1997-2006. R850C: produced concurrently with varying market availability.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Critical Acclaim:

While not typically winning specific 'awards' in the automotive sense, the R1200C received critical acclaim for its unique styling and excellent handling characteristics, praised for being a 'different' kind of cruiser.