🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R850GS

Vehicle Type:

Motorcycle

Internal Model Code:

R259C (Variant)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Adventure Touring / All-Rounder Motorcycle

Competitors:

Honda Africa Twin (earlier models), Triumph Tiger, Ducati Multistrada (earlier models), Yamaha Tenere

Engine Layout:

Horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)

Drive System:

Shaft drive

Suspension Type:

Long-travel telescopic front fork, Monolever or Paralever rear suspension (depending on exact R850GS variant)

Target Audience:

Touring riders, adventure riders, commuting riders seeking versatility and reliability

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

BMW R850GS Motorcycle

Engine Variants Covered:

All R850GS engine configurations

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual of this type)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Purpose:

Professional-level repair, maintenance, and diagnostics

Language:

English

Format:

Likely digital (PDF) given the description, but potentially printed depending on the specific offering.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul of engine components (pistons, cylinders, valves, crankshaft, camshafts, timing chain, etc.)

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic, component testing, injector service, fuel pump diagnostics, throttle body calibration)

Ignition System:

Ignition control unit, spark plugs, ignition coils, troubleshooting

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, mufflers, lambda sensors

Transmission:

Gearbox assembly, clutch operation, shift mechanism, maintenance, and repair

Drivetrain:

Shaft drive system, final drive unit, U-joints, lubrication

Chassis Frame:

Frame integrity, subframes, mounting points

Suspension Front:

Telescopic fork (e.g., possibly Marzocchi or similar OEM), seals, oil changes, damping adjustments, spring replacement

Suspension Rear:

Monolever or Paralever rear suspension, shock absorber overhaul, linkage maintenance, adjustment procedures

Brakes Front:

Brake caliper service, disc replacement, brake line routing, master cylinder overhaul, ABS component diagnostics (if equipped)

Brakes Rear:

Brake caliper service, disc replacement, master cylinder, ABS component diagnostics (if equipped)

Wheels Tires:

Wheel bearing replacement, tire mounting, balancing, spoke tensioning (if applicable)

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting, horn, fuses, relays

Instrumentation:

Instrument cluster diagnostics and repair

Bodywork Faring:

Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, fender maintenance

Controls:

Handlebars, levers, cables, foot controls

Cooling System:

Air-cooled engine, but includes oil cooler maintenance and checks

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), use of BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., MoDiTec compatible)

Preventative Maintenance:

Scheduled servicing, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, pre-delivery checks

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter service, brake fluid checks, tire pressure adjustments

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuild, gearbox overhaul, suspension fork seal replacement, clutch replacement

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnosis of common and uncommon problems, fault finding based on symptoms

Calibration Adjustment:

Throttle body synchronization, idle speed adjustment, valve clearance checks/adjustments

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, testing procedures for sensors and actuators, electrical component testing

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and gearbox overhaul)

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostics, including electronic systems and troubleshooting of fuel injection and ignition

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners and engine components

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools required for certain procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing quick access to specific information

Illustrations:

High-quality diagrams, schematics, and photographs for clear visual guidance

Printed Format Binding:

Spiral-bound or perfect-bound (common for workshop manuals to lie flat)

Printed Format Paper:

Durable, possibly laminated or coated paper suitable for workshop environments

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder Boxer engine

Displacement:

848 cc

Bore X Stroke:

90.0 mm x 66.0 mm

Cooling System:

Air-cooled with oil cooling (oil cooler integrated into the engine block)

Valvetrain:

Two valves per cylinder, pushrod operated (OHV), with BMW's patented DOHC system for improved breathing.

Horsepower:

Approximately 70-75 hp @ 7250 rpm (specific output may vary slightly by year/market)

Torque:

Approximately 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm (specific output may vary slightly by year/market)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), typically Bosch Motronic system

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 20-25 liters (dependent on specific R850GS variant)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated

Final Drive:

Shaft drive to rear wheel

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 2180 mm (varies slightly by model year)

Width:

Approximately 890 mm (including mirrors, varies slightly)

Height:

Approximately 1350 mm (seat height adjustable, varies)

Dry Weight:

Approximately 192 kg (varies slightly)

Wet Weight:

Approximately 215 kg (fully fueled, varies slightly)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS:

Optional ABS II system (anti-lock braking system) often available on R850GS models

Braking System:

Disc brakes front and rear, potentially linked braking (Integral ABS), depending on configuration.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight and indicators (depending on model year)

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD multi-function display for odometer, trip meter, time, temperature, and warning lights. May include basic diagnostic readouts.

ABS:

Optional ABS II system, a significant safety feature for its era.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics compatible with BMW's proprietary diagnostic tools for professional fault finding.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.

Major Service Interval:

Major services, including valve checks and adjustments, are often recommended every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil. (Always verify with the specific manual for the exact API and viscosity grade).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts) for oil and filter change. (Verify with manual).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Oil Type:

SAE 75W/90 GL-5 gear oil (for the final drive).

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, rear main seal leaks (common on Boxer engines with age), alternator brushes, regulator/rectifier failure, fork seal leaks.

Electrical Gremlins:

Occasional issues with wiring harness connections, particularly in exposed areas, and ABS sensor failures can occur.

Fuel System Maintenance:

Regular cleaning of throttle bodies and checking for fuel injector performance is recommended.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorrad Legacy:

BMW Motorrad has a long-standing reputation for building durable, technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly the R-series Boxer models which have been in continuous production since 1923.

Gs Lineage:

The R850GS is a derivative of the highly successful R1100GS and R1150GS models, offering a slightly smaller displacement engine for a more accessible price point and potentially lighter feel, while retaining the core GS adventure-touring DNA.

Production Years:

Generally produced from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s (e.g., 1996-2006 range).

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)