BMW R 850 R (1996-1997) Specs, Performance & Photos

The BMW R 850 was a series of motorcycles manufactured by BMW in different forms with different designations. The series was powered by an air/oil-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine and was delivered in parallel with the heavier R 1100 and R 1150 models.

In 1996, the German motorcycle maker released the BMW R 850 R, the bare model of the R 850 series. The bike debuted in 1995, six-mounted after the larger R 1100 R model. It was in its second production year and came in the same package as the previous model without any modifications.

The motorcycle packed standard fittings in the visual department, such as a round headlight with a chromed housing, a two-piece dual seat with a passenger grab handle, an up-swept exhaust system, a single-sided swingarm, and three-spoke aluminum wheels.

Suspension-wise, the bike packed a 35 mm Motorrad Telelever stanchion on the front with 120 mm of travel and a die-cast aluminum swingarm with a BMW Motorrad Paralever system on the rear with 135 mm of travel.

The braking performance was achieved by two 320 mm brake discs on the front with four-piston calipers and a single 276 mm brake disc with a dual-piston caliper on the rear, offering optimum stopping power.

As for power, the 1996 BMW R 850 R had its soul brought to life by an 848cc four-stroke air/oil-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine that delivered 73 hp at 6,750 rpm and 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) torque at 5,600 rpm.