🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R850GS / R850R

Model Variants:

R850GS, R850R

Product Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

BMW motorcycle owners, independent repair shops, mechanics specializing in BMW motorcycles

Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive, DIY-friendly guidance for all mechanical and electrical aspects of the R850GS and R850R models, aiming to save owners on professional servicing costs.

Comparison To Oem:

Offers comparable depth to official BMW workshop manuals at a potentially lower cost and with greater accessibility.

Completeness:

Extensive A-Z coverage for all repairs, mechanical and electrical.

Visual Aid:

Abundance of detailed pictures and diagrams to clarify procedures.

Printability:

User-friendly printable format for workshop use.

📋 Manual Details

All Models Covered:

Yes

Repair Scope:

A-Z (All Repairs)

Disciplines Covered:

Mechanical and Electrical

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Implied by A-Z coverage and detailed diagrams)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (Assumed based on typical market documentation)

Format:

Printable Digital Format (Likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul, tuning, diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication

Transmission:

Gearbox servicing, clutch replacement, final drive servicing

Chassis:

Frame, suspension (front and rear), steering, wheels, tires

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, brake pad replacement, caliper servicing, ABS (if applicable)

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery, charging system, starter motor, ECU diagnostics, sensors, actuators

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter replacement

Exhaust System:

Exhaust pipe and muffler replacement, gasket renewal

Bodywork:

Fairings, seat, tank cover removal and installation, cosmetic repairs

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, spark plug replacement, valve clearance checks

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, error code interpretation

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for electrical and mechanical issues

Rebuilding:

Engine and gearbox component rebuilding procedures

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive (Covering all repairs from basic maintenance to complete engine/gearbox rebuilds)

Diagrams Illustrations:

Tons of detailed pictures and diagrams included

Searchability:

Likely searchable if digital PDF (assumed based on printable nature)

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF

Printable Pages:

All pages are printable

Physical Binding:

N/A (Digital product, but implies potential for printing and binding)

Physical Paper:

N/A (Digital product, but users would print on standard paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, four-stroke flat-twin (boxer) engine

Displacement:

848 cc (approximately)

Bore X Stroke:

90.0 mm x 66.0 mm (Typical for R850 variant)

Compression Ratio:

9.2:1 (Typical for R850 variant)

Horsepower:

Approx. 70-75 HP (Varies slightly by year and specific model tuning)

Torque:

Approx. 76-80 Nm (56-59 lb-ft) at 4750 rpm (Typical)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium (91 Octane RON or higher)

Ignition System:

Digital electronic ignition (CDI)

Cooling System:

Air cooling

Oil Type:

SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (Check specific manual for exact API rating)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.0 - 3.5 liters (with filter change) (Consult manual for exact)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual gearbox

Optional Transmission:

N/A for this model range

Final Drive:

Shaft drive via BMW's Paralever system

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate clutch

Transmission Oil Type:

Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 80W-90 (API GL-5) for final drive, Manual Transmission Fluid for gearbox (Check manual for exact specs)

Transmission Oil Capacity:

Final Drive: Approx. 180 ml; Gearbox: Check manual for specific capacity

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 inches) (Varies slightly between GS and R)

Seat Height:

R850GS: Approx. 800 mm (31.5 inches); R850R: Approx. 770 mm (30.3 inches) (Adjustable on some models)

Dry Weight:

R850GS: Approx. 191 kg (421 lbs); R850R: Approx. 180 kg (397 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Consult owner's manual for specific model year

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

N/A for motorcycles, but focus is on roadworthiness and stability

Braking System:

BMW Motorrad ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) often optional or standard on later models

Suspension Stability:

Paralever rear suspension and Telelever front suspension (on GS models) contribute to stable handling

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals, taillight

Wind Protection:

Fairing and windscreen for rider comfort and protection (more prominent on GS)

💡 Technology Features

Dash Display:

Analog speedometer and tachometer, LCD multi-function display for odometer, trip meter, clock, temperature, etc.

ABS:

BMW Motorrad ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) - often an option, crucial for safety, especially on wet roads.

Diagnostic Port:

Proprietary BMW diagnostic connector (requires specific BMW diagnostic tools or adapters for advanced fault finding).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually (whichever comes first) - Consult manual for precise interval

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or annually

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) (depending on spark plug type)

Air Filter Replacement:

As needed, typically every 10,000-20,000 km depending on operating conditions

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid

Coolant Type:

N/A (Air-cooled engine)

Common Problems:

Oil leaks (especially from engine seals), starter motor issues, charging system components (rectifier/alternator), ABS sensor faults, clutch slave cylinder leaks.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly inspect for oil leaks, keep electrical connections clean and tight, pay attention to clutch and brake fluid levels.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand:

BMW Motorrad has a long and distinguished history of producing reliable and innovative motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer engines and shaft drive.

Family Lineage:

The R850 series is an evolution of BMW's air-cooled boxer engine platform, offering a slightly smaller displacement and more accessible option compared to the R1100 series, targeting riders seeking versatility and comfort.

Gs Variant:

The R850GS is an adventure touring variant, featuring longer travel suspension, a taller windscreen, and often spoke wheels for off-road capability.

R Variant:

The R850R is a roadster variant, characterized by its more upright riding position, shorter suspension travel, and often cast wheels for on-road performance.

Production Years:

Mid-to-late 1990s through early 2000s (e.g., 1996-2006, specific ranges vary)

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

BMW motorcycles are generally well-regarded in the industry for their build quality, engineering, and rider comfort. Specific awards for the R850 models are not widely publicized but are part of BMW's overall reputation.

Owner Satisfaction:

Generally high owner satisfaction due to reliability and the unique riding experience offered by the boxer engine and shaft drive.

Certification Standards:

Meets all relevant European and international motorcycle safety and emissions standards for its production era.