BMW R 850 R (1998-1999) Specs, Performance & Photos

The BMW R 850 was a series of motorcycles produced 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 1998, the German motorcycle manufacturer released the BMW R 850 R, a bike in its fourth consecutive year of production. The 1998 model came with the same package as the previous one, without any changes.

In the performance department, the 1997 BMW R 850 R had installed an 848cc four-stroke air/oil-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine that delivered an output power of 73 hp with maximum strength at 6,750 rpm and 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) torque at 5,600 rpm.

The bike's suspension system comprised a 35 mm Motorrad Telelever system 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.

As for the braking power, the bike's wheels were equipped with 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.

Aesthetically, the motorcycle packed standard features, 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.