BMW R 850 RT (2001-2002) Specs, Performance & Photos

After the R 1100 RT, the German motorcycle manufacturer introduced a smaller 850cc version in the form of the BMW R 850 RT. The bikes were practically similar, with the engine being the single exception.

The R 850 RT was a luxurious motorcycle with a large touring cockpit, an electrically adjustable windscreen, a digital fuel gauge, an oil temperature gauge, a clock, a gear indicator, a speedometer, and a tachometer. It also packed an ABS that could have been turned off.

In addition to its luxurious fittings, the bike had standard features such as a full fairing, a single headlight unit, a windscreen, a two-piece dual seat with passenger grab rails, a top case, side-mounted panniers, a side stand, and five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels.

The motorcycle was built around a three-section composite frame with a BMW Motorrad Telelever system on the front and a BMW Motorrad Paralever system on the rear, offering excellent suspension performance and handling.

In the performance department, the 2001 BMW R 850 RT had its soul brought to life by an 848cc four-stroke air/oil-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine underneath its fuel tank, boasting 73 hp at 6,750 rpm and 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) torque at 5,600 rpm.

The bike's engine was coupled to a five-speed transmission that sent the power to the rear wheel via a final shaft drive, launching the motorcycle to a top speed of 186 kph (116 mph).