🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: R 850 GS / R 850 R Engine Type Identifier: Boxer Twin Codes Chassis Codes: R22 / R24 (typical BMW internal designations, specific year/model variants may exist) 👋 Introduction Market Position Target User: BMW motorcycle technicians, independent repair shops, and knowledgeable DIY enthusiasts. Value Proposition: Provides the same authoritative, vehicle-specific information used by authorized BMW dealerships. Competitive Analysis Differentiation: Unlike generic repair guides, this manual is tailored to the R850 GS and R850 R models, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Key Features Accuracy: Vehicle-specific, ensuring all procedures and specifications are correct for the R850 GS/R. Completeness: Covers all aspects of maintenance, repair, and diagnostics from A-Z. Dealer Equivalence: Authorized dealership-level technical information, ensuring professional repair quality. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Comprehensive A-Z repair and maintenance for all models and repairs. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Likely 500+ pages (typical for full workshop manuals covering multiple models/variants) Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair Manual / Service Manual Language Language: English (assumed based on typical availability for global markets, actual may vary) Format Format: Digital (PDF implied by common sales practices for such manuals) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Management: Fuel injection, ignition system, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics and repair, emissions control. Powertrain: Engine mechanical (top-end, bottom-end, timing), clutch, transmission (gearbox, drive shaft), final drive. Chassis And Suspension: Front forks (BMW Telelever or conventional), rear suspension (Paralever), wheel bearings, steering system. Braking System: Hydraulic brake system (front and rear), ABS (if equipped), brake caliper service, master cylinder, brake lines. Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, fault finding for all electrical components. Bodywork And Accessories: Fairings, seats, fuel tank, luggage systems, mounting hardware, body panel repair and removal. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, valve clearance adjustment, final drive oil service. Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical system fault tracing. Engine Repair: Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly; piston ring replacement, cylinder head service, gasket replacement. Transmission Repair: Gearbox disassembly, clutch replacement, shaft inspection and replacement, final drive overhaul. Suspension And Steering Overhaul: Fork seal replacement, damper service, steering head bearing replacement, shock absorber adjustment/replacement. Electrical Component Replacement: Alternator, starter, ignition coil, fuel pump, sensors, ECU replacement and testing. Brake System Overhaul: Brake pad replacement, caliper service, master cylinder rebuild, ABS module testing/replacement. Technical Depth Depth: Full workshop level, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Diagnostic Capability: Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts and explanations for electrical and mechanical issues, potentially referencing BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, ISTA). Torque Specifications: Comprehensive torque specifications for all fasteners, critical for safety and component longevity. Special Tools: Details required BMW special tools for specific procedures, aiding in accurate and safe repairs. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) - typically searchable and printable. Print Quality Resolution And Clarity: High-resolution diagrams and text for clear readability and accurate interpretation of procedures. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Configuration: Two-cylinder horizontally opposed (Boxer) four-stroke engine. Displacement: 848 cc (for R850 variants) Bore X Stroke: 90.0 mm x 66.0 mm (typical for R850 engine family) Power Delivery: Known for smooth, linear power delivery and strong mid-range torque. Performance Horsepower Range: Approximately 70-77 HP (depending on specific model year and tuning) Torque Range: Approximately 77-80 Nm (57-59 lb-ft) at specific RPMs. Fuel System Induction: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Motronic engine management system. Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (RON 91 or higher, consult manual for precise specification). Cooling System Cooling Method: Air-cooled (primarily), with oil cooling assistance. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox (depending on model year and variant). Optional Automatic Transmission: Not available for these models. Features Drive System: Shaft drive (final drive) to the rear wheel. Clutch Type: Single dry plate clutch (operated hydraulically). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Varies by model and year, typically around 1430-1450 mm (56.3-57.1 inches). Seat Height: Varies, generally lower than R1100/R1150 models, around 770-800 mm (30.3-31.5 inches) for R850R, higher for R850GS. Weights Dry Weight: Approximately 200-220 kg (441-485 lbs) depending on model and equipment. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Consult manual for specific GVWR. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: N/A (Motorcycle safety ratings differ from automotive, focus on component integrity and design safety). Active Features ABS Availability: Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on many models. Traction Control: Typically not equipped on these R850 models, focus on rider skill and ABS for control. Passive Features Lighting System: Halogen headlight, LED taillight (on later models), turn signals. Frame Construction: Steel tube frame. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Instrument Cluster: Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meter, clock, and...
Full workshop level, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Capability:
Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts and explanations for electrical and mechanical issues, potentially referencing BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, ISTA).
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive torque specifications for all fasteners, critical for safety and component longevity.
Special Tools:
Details required BMW special tools for specific procedures, aiding in accurate and safe repairs.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format) - typically searchable and printable.
Print Quality
Resolution And Clarity:
High-resolution diagrams and text for clear readability and accurate interpretation of procedures.
90.0 mm x 66.0 mm (typical for R850 engine family)
Power Delivery:
Known for smooth, linear power delivery and strong mid-range torque.
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 70-77 HP (depending on specific model year and tuning)
Torque Range:
Approximately 77-80 Nm (57-59 lb-ft) at specific RPMs.
Fuel System
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Motronic engine management system.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 91 or higher, consult manual for precise specification).
Cooling System
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled (primarily), with oil cooling assistance.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox (depending on model year and variant).
Optional
Automatic Transmission:
Not available for these models.
Features
Drive System:
Shaft drive (final drive) to the rear wheel.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch (operated hydraulically).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Varies by model and year, typically around 1430-1450 mm (56.3-57.1 inches).
Seat Height:
Varies, generally lower than R1100/R1150 models, around 770-800 mm (30.3-31.5 inches) for R850R, higher for R850GS.
Weights
Dry Weight:
Approximately 200-220 kg (441-485 lbs) depending on model and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Consult manual for specific GVWR.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Motorcycle safety ratings differ from automotive, focus on component integrity and design safety).
Active Features
ABS Availability:
Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on many models.
Traction Control:
Typically not equipped on these R850 models, focus on rider skill and ABS for control.
Passive Features
Lighting System:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight (on later models), turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meter, clock, and indicator lights.
Audio System:
Not typically equipped with an integrated audio system from the factory.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as an optional feature for enhanced safety.
Connectivity
Diagnostic Port:
Diagnostic port for reading fault codes and system diagnostics, potentially requiring BMW-specific tools or adapters.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Major Service:
Typically every 10,000-12,000 km (6,000-7,500 miles) or annually, including valve checks, spark plug replacement, etc.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-6,000 km (3,000-3,750 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-40 or 15W-50 semi-synthetic or synthetic motorcycle oil, API SG or higher. Consult manual for specific BMW recommendations and viscosity charts based on temperature.
Occasional issues with the fuel level sender unit in the fuel tank.
Alternator Brushes:
Wear on alternator brushes can occur over high mileage, requiring replacement.
ABS Sensor Rings:
Accumulation of dirt or debris on ABS sensor rings can lead to intermittent ABS warnings.
Paralever Splines:
Lubrication of the paralever spline can be crucial to prevent wear and seizing.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust, reliable, and technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for their Boxer engine and touring capabilities.
Model Evolution
R850 Series Introduction:
The R850 series was introduced as a more accessible and user-friendly option compared to the larger displacement Boxer models (like the R1100/R1150 series), offering a balance of performance and manageable power.
Gs Variant Focus:
The R850GS variant offered a lighter, more agile package for adventure touring and light off-road use, featuring longer travel suspension and a higher riding position.
R Variant Focus:
The R850R variant was the roadster version, emphasizing comfortable street riding, touring, and general usability.
Production
Production Years:
Mid-1990s to early 2000s (e.g., roughly 1996-2006, specific start/end dates vary by market and model variant).
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (BMW Motorrad factories)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Recognition:
BMW Boxer twins are consistently recognized for their durability, reliability, and enduring design.
Ratings
Consumer Satisfaction:
Generally high consumer satisfaction due to BMW's engineering and build quality.
Certifications
Emissions Standards:
Designed to meet applicable emissions standards for their respective production years.
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