🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: R850R Year: 1997 Codes Model Code: R850R Engine Code Designation: M44 👋 Introduction Market Position Motorcycle Segment: Sport Touring / Roadster Target Audience: Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, enthusiasts looking for in-depth technical knowledge. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 1997: Honda VFR750F, Yamaha FZR600R, Kawasaki ZX-6R, Suzuki Bandit 600/1200. Key Features Unique Selling Proposition Vehicle: Torquey boxer-twin engine, shaft drive, robust build quality, comfortable ergonomics for touring. Manual Value Proposition: Empowers owners to maintain and repair their motorcycle efficiently, saving on labor costs and increasing understanding of the machine. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Full Service Repair Manual Language: English Format: Digital (Likely PDF, implied by common sales of such manuals) Page Count Estimated Page Count: 300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive motorcycle service manuals) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Full overhaul, including disassembly, inspection, assembly of engine components (pistons, rings, cylinders, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing). Specifics on torque values and clearances. Fuel System: Carburetor (likely Bing or similar) tuning, cleaning, rebuilding, fuel pump operation, fuel lines, filters. Injection system if applicable (less likely for this specific model year and variant). Ignition System: Spark plug specifications, timing adjustments, coil and ignition module testing and replacement. Transmission Drivetrain: Clutch operation, maintenance, and adjustment; gearbox inspection, repair, and fluid changes; shaft drive system maintenance and inspection. Brake System: Hydraulic brake system maintenance (fluid replacement, bleeding), caliper inspection and service, master cylinder overhaul, rotor and pad replacement, ABS system (if equipped) troubleshooting. Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, component testing (lights, horn, starter, alternator, battery), troubleshooting electrical faults, fuse box layout, battery maintenance. Suspension Steering: Front fork service (oil change, seal replacement, spring inspection), rear shock absorber maintenance and adjustment, steering head bearing inspection and adjustment, wheel bearing service. Bodywork Chassis: Frame inspection, fairing removal and installation, seat maintenance, fuel tank removal and installation, general body component repair. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil and filter changes, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable, though R850R is shaft-driven), brake fluid flush, coolant flush. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts for common performance issues, starting problems, electrical gremlins, braking complaints, and handling issues. Repair Rebuild: Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilding, electrical component repair/replacement. Technical Specifications: Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearance specifications, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, timing marks, ignition timing data. Special Tools: Identification of BMW-specific or recommended tools required for certain procedures (e.g., flywheel holding tools, seal drivers, torque wrenches). Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF (assumed for digital delivery) Searchable Text: High likelihood of searchable text, enabling quick access to specific information. Printable: Designed for printing, allowing users to have a physical copy for the workshop. Print Quality Image Resolution: Good quality images and diagrams, essential for mechanical work. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally-opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer) Displacement: 848 cc (850 cc designation) Bore X Stroke: 90.0 mm x 66.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 (Typical) Valve Train: Overhead camshaft (SOHC) per cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder Power Output: Approximately 65 hp @ 7000 rpm (Manufacturer's claim for R850R) Torque Output: Approximately 76 Nm (56 lb-ft) @ 4750 rpm (Manufacturer's claim for R850R) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Twin Carburetors (likely Bing 32mm or similar) or Fuel Injection (less common for base R850R, more for R1100 series). Recommended Fuel: Unleaded 91 octane (RON+MON)/2 Fuel Tank Capacity: Approximately 23 liters (6.1 US gallons) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed manual transmission Optional Optional Transmission: N/A (5-speed was standard) Features Final Drive: Shaft drive Clutch Type: Single dry plate clutch, mechanically operated 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 2200 mm (86.6 in) Width: Approximately 850 mm (33.5 in) Height: Approximately 1350 mm (53.1 in) Weights Dry Weight: Approximately 215 kg (474 lbs) Wet Weight: Approximately 230 kg (507 lbs) (Estimate with fluids) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: N/A (Motorcycle Specification) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Ratings: N/A (Motorcycle Safety Standards Differ from Automobiles) Active Features ABS: Optional ABS (BMW Motorrad ABS II) Braking System: Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, dual discs front, single disc rear. Passive Features Lighting: Halogen headlight, LED tail light, standard turn signals. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Instrument Cluster: Analog speedometer and tachometer, fuel gauge, warning lights, odometer, trip meter. Driver Assistance ABS System: Optional BMW Motorrad ABS II system, providing enhanced braking safety. Connectivity Connectivity Features: N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Valve Clearance Check: Every 20,000 km (12,000...
Empowers owners to maintain and repair their motorcycle efficiently, saving on labor costs and increasing understanding of the machine.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Language:
English
Format:
Digital (Likely PDF, implied by common sales of such manuals)
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive motorcycle service manuals)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Mechanical:
Full overhaul, including disassembly, inspection, assembly of engine components (pistons, rings, cylinders, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing). Specifics on torque values and clearances.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (likely Bing or similar) tuning, cleaning, rebuilding, fuel pump operation, fuel lines, filters. Injection system if applicable (less likely for this specific model year and variant).
Ignition System:
Spark plug specifications, timing adjustments, coil and ignition module testing and replacement.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch operation, maintenance, and adjustment; gearbox inspection, repair, and fluid changes; shaft drive system maintenance and inspection.
Brake System:
Hydraulic brake system maintenance (fluid replacement, bleeding), caliper inspection and service, master cylinder overhaul, rotor and pad replacement, ABS system (if equipped) troubleshooting.
Front fork service (oil change, seal replacement, spring inspection), rear shock absorber maintenance and adjustment, steering head bearing inspection and adjustment, wheel bearing service.
Bodywork Chassis:
Frame inspection, fairing removal and installation, seat maintenance, fuel tank removal and installation, general body component repair.
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable, though R850R is shaft-driven), brake fluid flush, coolant flush.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common performance issues, starting problems, electrical gremlins, braking complaints, and handling issues.
Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearance specifications, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, timing marks, ignition timing data.
Special Tools:
Identification of BMW-specific or recommended tools required for certain procedures (e.g., flywheel holding tools, seal drivers, torque wrenches).
Technical Depth
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF (assumed for digital delivery)
Searchable Text:
High likelihood of searchable text, enabling quick access to specific information.
Printable:
Designed for printing, allowing users to have a physical copy for the workshop.
Print Quality
Image Resolution:
Good quality images and diagrams, essential for mechanical work.
Overhead camshaft (SOHC) per cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder
Power Output:
Approximately 65 hp @ 7000 rpm (Manufacturer's claim for R850R)
Torque Output:
Approximately 76 Nm (56 lb-ft) @ 4750 rpm (Manufacturer's claim for R850R)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Twin Carburetors (likely Bing 32mm or similar) or Fuel Injection (less common for base R850R, more for R1100 series).
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 23 liters (6.1 US gallons)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission:
N/A (5-speed was standard)
Features
Final Drive:
Shaft drive
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch, mechanically operated
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 2200 mm (86.6 in)
Width:
Approximately 850 mm (33.5 in)
Height:
Approximately 1350 mm (53.1 in)
Weights
Dry Weight:
Approximately 215 kg (474 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approximately 230 kg (507 lbs) (Estimate with fluids)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
N/A (Motorcycle Specification)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle Safety Standards Differ from Automobiles)
Active Features
ABS:
Optional ABS (BMW Motorrad ABS II)
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, dual discs front, single disc rear.
Passive Features
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light, standard turn signals.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Instrument Cluster:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, fuel gauge, warning lights, odometer, trip meter.
Driver Assistance
ABS System:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS II system, providing enhanced braking safety.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher (specific BMW recommendation may vary, consult original owner's manual if available).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 0.8 liters (0.85 US quarts)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4
Fork Oil Type:
SAE 10W (Specific weight may vary; manual will detail correct type)
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Starter motor brushes, clutch plates (depending on riding style), wheel bearings, steering head bearings.
Electrical Quirks:
Occasional issues with wiring harness integrity, particularly around the steering head.
Engine Performance:
Carburetor synchronization can be critical for smooth running; potential for oil leaks from seals over time.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Motorcycle History:
BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, dating back to the 1920s, known for engineering excellence, reliability, and boxer-twin engines.
Model Evolution
R850R Development:
The R850R was introduced as a more accessible and lighter alternative to the popular R1100 series, offering similar boxer-twin character with slightly reduced performance, making it attractive for riders seeking comfort and manageability.
While specific awards for the R850R model might be scarce, BMW Motorrad as a brand has consistently received accolades for engineering, reliability, and rider comfort across its model range.
Ratings
Reliability Reputation:
BMW boxer twins are generally regarded as highly reliable and durable, with proper maintenance.