🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: R850R Model Variant: R850R Production Years Covered: 1994-1996 Generation Model Generation: First Generation (pre-1997 models) Codes Engine Code Family: M255 (Air-cooled Boxer Twin) 👋 Introduction Market Position Motorcycle Segment: Sport Touring / Roadster Target Demographic: Riders seeking a reliable, comfortable, and characterful touring machine with BMW's engineering pedigree. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda ST1100 Pan European, Yamaha Diversion XJ600S, Kawasaki GTR1000. Key Features Engine Layout: Air-cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer) Drivetrain: Shaft drive Frame Type: Steel tube frame Suspension Type: Telelever front suspension (BMW's signature), Monolever rear swingarm. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Target Audience: Professional Technicians and Experienced DIY Mechanics Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era of BMW motorcycle manuals) Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete overhaul, disassembly, assembly, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU diagnostics, sensor testing). Transmission: Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch operation and adjustment, final drive, driveshaft, lubrication. Chassis: Frame inspection and repair, suspension (front forks, rear shock absorber), steering system, wheel bearings. Brakes: Hydraulic brake system (front and rear), ABS system (if equipped), brake pad replacement, caliper service, brake fluid replacement, bleeding procedures. Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, battery, starter motor, alternator, lighting system, instrumentation, horn, fuses, relays, ignition switch, fault finding. Fuel System: Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, idle control valve, air filter. Bodywork And Fittings: Fairings, seat, handlebars, footpegs, luggage systems, mirrors, minor body panel repairs. Procedures Included Scheduled Maintenance: Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid flush, clutch fluid flush, valve clearance adjustment, driveshaft spline lubrication. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, and electrical issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides. Repair And Rebuild: Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine component replacement, gearbox repairs, suspension overhauls, brake caliper rebuilds, electrical component replacement. Specifications And Tolerances: Torque specifications for all fasteners, bearing clearances, piston-to-cylinder wall clearance, valve lash settings. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering basic adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagrams and exploded views. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital File Type: PDF Searchability: Typically text-searchable (OCR processed) Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution scans of original technical diagrams and photographs. Binding Type Original Binding Type: Likely Spiral-bound or Perfect-bound for professional workshop use. Paper Type Original Paper Type: Heavy-duty, durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Four-stroke, air-cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer) Displacement: 848 cc Bore X Stroke: 90.0 mm x 66.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 Valve Actuation: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder Power Output: Approximately 70 HP (51 kW) at 7,250 RPM Torque Output: Approximately 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) at 5,500 RPM Performance Top Speed: Approx. 190 km/h (118 mph) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (Octane Rating) Lubrication Oil Type: SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher) Oil Capacity: Approx. 2.75 liters (with filter change) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed manual gearbox Final Drive: Shaft drive Features Clutch: Single dry plate, cable-operated clutch Transmission Oil Type: SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5) Gear Oil Transmission Oil Capacity: Approx. 0.25 liters 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 2,150 mm (84.6 in) Width: Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) (including mirrors) Height: Approx. 1,360 mm (53.5 in) (seat height adjustable) Weights Dry Weight: Approx. 210 kg (463 lbs) Wet Weight: Approx. 230 kg (507 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Not explicitly specified, but generally around 450 kg (992 lbs). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Ratings: Not applicable for motorcycles in the same way as cars. Focus is on rider safety through design. Active Features Brakes: Dual front disc brakes (305mm diameter), Single rear disc brake (276mm diameter). Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was available on some models. Suspension Handling: Telelever front suspension designed for improved feedback and anti-dive characteristics. Monolever rear swingarm for robust shaft drive integration. Passive Features Lighting: Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals. Ergonomics: Comfortable riding position for touring, adjustable seat height. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Features: Basic instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel level indicator, warning lights. No advanced infotainment systems. Driver Assistance ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available, offering enhanced safety. Connectivity Features: No integrated connectivity features like Bluetooth or smartphone integration. Aftermarket options may be available. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil And Filter Change: Every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually Valve Clearance Check: Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles) Brake Fluid Flush: Every 2 years Driveshaft Spline Lubrication: Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher) Transmission Oil: SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5)...
Hydraulic brake system (front and rear), ABS system (if equipped), brake pad replacement, caliper service, brake fluid replacement, bleeding procedures.
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder
Power Output:
Approximately 70 HP (51 kW) at 7,250 RPM
Torque Output:
Approximately 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) at 5,500 RPM
Performance
Top Speed:
Approx. 190 km/h (118 mph)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (Octane Rating)
Lubrication
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.75 liters (with filter change)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed manual gearbox
Final Drive:
Shaft drive
Features
Clutch:
Single dry plate, cable-operated clutch
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5) Gear Oil
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.25 liters
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 2,150 mm (84.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) (including mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1,360 mm (53.5 in) (seat height adjustable)
Weights
Dry Weight:
Approx. 210 kg (463 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 230 kg (507 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not explicitly specified, but generally around 450 kg (992 lbs).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Ratings:
Not applicable for motorcycles in the same way as cars. Focus is on rider safety through design.
Active Features
Brakes:
Dual front disc brakes (305mm diameter), Single rear disc brake (276mm diameter). Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was available on some models.
Suspension Handling:
Telelever front suspension designed for improved feedback and anti-dive characteristics. Monolever rear swingarm for robust shaft drive integration.
Aging wiring harness connectors, regulator/rectifier issues are not uncommon in bikes of this age.
Fuel System Maintenance:
Regular injector cleaning and fuel filter replacement can ensure optimal performance.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Motorcycle Division History:
BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, dating back to the 1920s with the R32. Known for engineering innovation, boxer engines, and shaft drive.
Model Evolution
R Series Heritage:
The R850R is part of BMW's iconic R series, which features horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engines. It was positioned as a more accessible alternative to the larger R1100R/R1150R models.
Innovation Adoption:
This era saw BMW increasingly incorporate electronic fuel injection and advanced suspension designs like the Telelever.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin-Spandau, Germany
Production Period:
1994-2005 (various iterations)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
General Reputation:
BMW motorcycles of this era are generally well-regarded for their build quality, durability, and touring comfort, though often perceived as premium-priced.
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