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Adventure Motorcycles

1999BMW R 850 GS

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The 1999 BMW R 850 GS is a middleweight adventure bike designed for riders seeking versatile on-road and light off-road capability. Its 848cc boxer engine delivers reliable power with excellent fuel efficiency, while the shaft drive and robust chassis make it ideal for long-distance touring and exploration. The bike is renowned for balanced handling, durability, and accessibility for both experienced and novice adventure riders.

Capacity
848.0 ccm
Engine
Boxer
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
225.0 kg
Seat height
840 mm
Power
70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 1999 2000

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 44Agility 61Comfort 68Off-road 70Touring 78Road manners 60
Off-road & trail70%
Cornering60%
City riding55%
Daily riding65%
Touring80%
Two-up65%
Track25%
Best for
Built as a versatile adventure-touring machine that balances long-distance comfort with light off-road capability.
Built for
A dependable, torque-rich boxer-twin character that rewards smooth, measured riding rather than aggressive throttle inputs.
Not ideal for
Not ideal for riders seeking outright speed, sharp sportbike handling, or a lightweight machine for technical single-track trails.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 840mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 1999 BMW R 850 GS, with a moderate knee angle of around 90 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
848.0 ccm
Power
70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Engine type
Boxer
Power/weight ratio
0.3111 HP/kg (dry)
Cooling system
Oil & air
Starting
Electric
Torque
Not on record - add it
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Shaft
Performance
Top speed
185.0 km/h (115.0 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1509 mm
Seat height
840 mm
Dry weight
225.0 kg
Fuel capacity
25.00 litres
Ground clearance
Not on record - add it
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Dual disc

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 19992000
Capacity 848 cc 848 cc
Dry weight 225 kg 218 kg
Seat height 840 mm 840 mm
Fuel capacity 25 L 25 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

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Rider rating

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the BMW R 850 GS?

The 1999 BMW R 850 GS has a Capacity of 848.0 ccm (51.75 cubic inches).

What engine power does the BMW R 850 GS have?

The 1999 BMW R 850 GS has a Power of 70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM.

How many gears does the BMW R 850 GS have?

The 1999 BMW R 850 GS has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

How much does the BMW R 850 GS weigh?

The 1999 BMW R 850 GS has a Dry weight of 225.0 kg (496.0 pounds).

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