Four stroke, two-cylinder, horizontally-opposed
Boxer engine, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity
848 cc / 51.7 cu in.
Bore x Stroke
87.5 x 70.5 mm
Cooling System
Air/Oil-cooled
Compression Ratio
10.3:1
Lubrication
Wet sump
Induction
Electronic injection, Bosch
Motronic
Ignition
Electronic Bosch Motronic MA 2.4
Generator
700 W three phase alternator
Battery
12V / 19 Ah
Starting
Electric
Max Power
53.2 kW /
73 hp @ 6750 rpm
Max Torque
77 Nm / 7.85 kgf-m / 56 ft/lb @ 5600 rpm
Clutch
Single disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated
Transmission
5 Speed
Final Drive
Shaft
Frame
Three section composite frame consisting of front & rear
section, load bearing engine
Front Suspension
Motorrad Telelever, stanchion ∅35
mm, central strut, rebound damping adjustable.
Front Wheel Travel
120 mm / 4.7 in
Rear Suspension
Die-cast
aluminium single sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, central
strut, spring preload adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of
a hydraulic handwheel, rebound adjustable damping.
Rear Wheel Travel
135 mm / 5.2 in
Front Brakes
2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes
Single ∅276mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Wheels
Die cast aluminium wheels
Front Wheel
3.50 x 17
Rear Wheel
5.00 x 17
Front Tyre
120/70 - ZR17
Rear Tyre
160/60 - ZR18
Steering Head Angle
61.9°
Dimensions
Length 2170 mm / 85.4 in
Width
940 mm / 37.0 in
Height
1220 mm / 48.03 in
Wheelbase
1487 mm / 58.54 in
Seat Height
800 mm / 31.4 in. (low seat: 770 mm / 30.31 in)
Dry Weight
218kg / 481 lbs
Wet Weight
238 Kg / 524 lbS
Fuel Capacity
20.5 Liters / 5.4 US gal
Consumption Average
6.2 L/100 km / 16.1 km/l / 37.9 US mpg
Braking 60 km/h - 0
13.2 m / 43.3 ft
Braking 100 km/h - 0
39.1 m / 128.3 ft
Standing
¼ Mile
12.5 sec / 167.0 km/h / 104 mph
Top Speed
193.9 km/h / 120.5 mph
.
The R850R is BMW's newest entry in its
ever-expanding line of four-valve Boxer twin models. At first glance the new
Beemer looks just like the R1100R, BMW's flagship in the standard class which
was first introduced in 1994. Actually the 850 is a scaled-down version
of the big boxer, and serves as a replacement for the discontinued K75 triples
and single-cam two-valve boxer twins in the more-affordable smaller-displacement
standard, or naked, class.
The R850R shares most all the same features found on it's
larger stablemate. The fuel-injected, four-valve twin-cylinder engine is
identical to the R1100R's mill, save for a smaller bore (87.8mm vs 99mm).
Combined with the Bosch Motronic engine management system, BMW clai
ms 70 horsepower from the air-cooled boxer -- the same output
as the K75 three-cylinder, water-cooled powerplant, and 12 more than the old
air-cooled R100, along with a torque figure of 57 ft.-lbs -- a full seven more
than the K75. The technologically advanced Bosch Motronic fuel-injected and
three-way catalyst-equipped system results in what BMW claims is one of the most
environmentally friendly motorcycles ever produced.
Other standard features borrowed from the R1100R include the
stressed-member frame, front Telelever and rear Paralever suspension systems,
12.0 inch front and 10.9 inch rear disc brakes and four-piston Brembo calipers,
three-spoke cast alloy wheels equipped with Bridgestone Battlax radials
(120/70ZR-17 front, 160/60ZR-18 rear), stainless-steel exhaust system, large,
easily removable saddlebags, and touring-sized 5.5-gallon fuel tank. Also handed
down to the 850 from its big brother is that unique styling you either love or
hate. There's no middle ground here. In fact, the R850R epitomizes the phrase
"naked bike." Lacking even a tachometer, the spartan instrument layout provides
only the -- dare we say it -- barest essentials; the speedo, three idiot lights
(low fuel, oil pressure, battery), and the obligatory neutral light and turn
indicator, all housed in a weirdly styled pod.
As an entry-level motorcycle, the
BMW R850R has all the talents required to fit the billing -- except for the
price
The R850R offers an accommodating, easy-to-handle seating
position for those long enough of leg to straddle the boxer -- although its
three-position adjustable seat allows even those of short inseam to find a seat
height where both feet touch down comfortably. The wide, cast-alloy handlebars
have a tall rise, forcing a straight up sit up and beg riding position. Indeed,
the bar-seat-peg relationship, coupled with the saddle style of the seat itself,
makes for a very upright riding position. BMW states the R850R is one of its
"entry-level" models, and we found it suited for that role, although we still
believe that first riders will gain confidence faster on a smaller, more easily
manageable bike. Admittedly, safety items like the side-stand cut-off switch
that won't allow the engine to start unless the the stand is up are the kind of
features beginning riders appreciate, but experts hate. Everyone loved its ease
of use, however. With its advanced engine-management system, the motor is
delightfully user-friendly. Cold starts are as simple as turning the choke
(actually just a fast-idle cam) to the start position and thumbing the green
start button. You can ride away immediately, with no hint whatsoever of
traditional carburetor stumble. The engine pulls cleanly from idle to what would
normally be called redline -- without a tachometer you are left to shift at
whatever point you feel comfortable with. The middleweight boxer delivers plenty
of useable, real-world torque at all revs, but more advanced riders will find
this Beemer somewhat lacking in twist-grip punch -- especially if they've
experienced the big-bore power of the R1100R.
The 850's handling is on par with what we found in our test of
the R1100R, although the 850 seems to have a lighter feel about it. As with the
1100, the 850's suspension is tuned for comfort, not sport. The bike will wallow
and move about if pushed hard into turns, but decent ground clearance and the
renowned traction of the stock Bridgestone Battlaxes help keep the confidence
level high. Around town and out on the freeway the BMW performs as one expects a
BMW to perform -- smoothly. The Showa-built rear shock is adjustable for both
spring pre-load and rebound damping, and coupled with the Paralever suspension,
soaks up road irregularties both large and small with aplomb. Shaftdrive effect
is negligible, and engine vibration is only noticeable at low engine speeds. The
BMW-exclusive Telelever front suspension has a built-in anti-dive effect,
allowing one to make full use of the excellent Brembo front discs, but the
rather spindly 35mm fork stanchions do not inspire much confidence during
aggressive maneuvers. BMW is offering its ABS system, standard equipment on the
R1100R, as an option on the 850.