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Introduction
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Market Position
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Segment:
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Mid-size touring/cruiser motorcycle, positioned as a more accessible alternative to the R1100/R1150 series.
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors:
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Honda VFR750, Yamaha FJ1200 (earlier versions), Kawasaki GTR1000, Moto Guzzi California.
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Key Features
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Engine Configuration:
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Air-cooled, two-cylinder, boxer engine (flat-twin).
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Drive Type:
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Shaft drive, a hallmark of BMW motorcycles.
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Suspension Design:
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Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear suspension for predictable handling and reduced dive/squat.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine:
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Engine disassembly, assembly, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system.
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Transmission:
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Gearbox (likely 5-speed), clutch operation, final drive (shaft drive).
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Chassis And Suspension:
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Frame, front fork (Telelever), rear suspension (Paralever), wheel bearings, steering.
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Brakes:
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Hydraulic braking system, front and rear brake calipers, master cylinders, brake fluid service.
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Electrical System:
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Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, sensors, ECU (engine control unit).
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Fuel System:
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Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, throttle body, idle control.
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Bodywork And Trim:
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Fairings, seat, body panels, mounting points, accessories.
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Routine checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake fluid flush, coolant service.
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Troubleshooting:
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Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault codes (if applicable), symptom-based diagnostics.
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Repair:
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Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation.
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Overhaul:
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Engine and gearbox disassembly and reassembly procedures.
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Wiring Diagrams:
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Complete electrical schematics for all systems.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Type:
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Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer twin
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Displacement:
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848 cc
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Bore X Stroke:
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90.0 mm x 66.0 mm
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Compression Ratio:
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10.0:1
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Valve Train:
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Overhead camshafts (OHC), 4 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuation (common for BMW boxer twins).
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Performance
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Horsepower:
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Approx. 70-73 hp (at crankshaft)
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Torque:
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Approx. 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) (at crankshaft)
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Fuel System
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Fuel Delivery:
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Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
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Fuel Type:
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Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON)
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Lubrication
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Oil Type:
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SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil (API SG or higher recommended for this era)
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Oil Capacity:
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Approx. 2.75 liters (including oil filter)
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change:
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Every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
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Major Service:
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Valve clearance check and adjustment every 20,000 km. Spark plug replacement every 20,000 km.
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Brake Fluid:
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Replace brake fluid every 2 years.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Spec:
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SAE 20W-50, API SG or higher.
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Gearbox Final Drive Oil Spec:
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Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90.
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Coolant Type:
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If equipped with oil cooler and potentially coolant-cooled elements, typically a 50/50 mix of distilled water and ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. (Note: R850R is primarily air-cooled, oil-cooled).
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Known Issues
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Common Wear Items:
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Clutch wear, brake pad wear, swingarm pivot bearings, Telelever seal leaks, aging fuel lines.
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Electrical Potential Issues:
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Corrosion on connectors, aging battery terminals, regulator/rectifier issues (less common than on later models but possible).
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Engine Specific:
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Occasional idle issues due to throttle body or sensor problems, exhaust header pipe leaks.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Heritage:
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BMW Motorrad, founded in 1916, has a long and storied history in motorcycle production, renowned for its boxer engines, shaft drive, and touring capabilities.
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Model Evolution
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Evolution:
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The R850 series was introduced as a middleweight boxer, evolving from the larger R100/R1100 series, offering a more accessible performance and handling profile while retaining core BMW engineering principles. The 'C' variant typically denotes a cruiser-style interpretation.
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Production
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Production Period:
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The R850 series was produced from the mid-1990s into the early 2000s, with specific variants like the R850R and R850C having defined production runs.
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Manufacturing Location:
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Berlin, Germany (Spandau plant)
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