Naked Motorcycles
1996BMW R 850 R
28 fields on record
The 1996 BMW R 850 R is a versatile naked bike that appeals to riders seeking accessible performance and practical everyday usability. Its air-cooled boxer engine delivers smooth power and torque ideal for both commuting and weekend riding. Known for its comfortable ergonomics, reliable mechanics, and European refinement, the R 850 R established itself as a benchmark middleweight roadster of the 1990s.
- Capacity
- 848.0 ccm
- Engine
- Boxer
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 235.0 kg
- Seat height
- 780 mm
- Power
- 70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built as a comfortable, practical all-rounder for commuting, backroad riding, and light touring rather than outright performance.
- Built for
- A classic BMW boxer-twin character: relaxed, torque-driven, mechanically distinctive, and reassuringly stable rather than exciting.
- Not ideal for
- Not for riders chasing high-speed thrills, track-day lap times, or any serious off-road capability.
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 usEngine
- Capacity
- 848.0 ccm
- Power
- 70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM
- Torque
- 75.5 Nm (7.7 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- Boxer
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2979 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 87.5 x 70.5 mm
- Compression
- 10.3:1
- Cooling system
- Oil & air
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Clutch
- Single-disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1487 mm
- Seat height
- 780 mm
- Wet weight
- 235.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 19.00 litres
- Dry weight
- Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
- Front wheel travel
- 120 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 135 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 305 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 276 mm
- Front tyre
- 120/70-ZR17
- Rear tyre
- 160/60-ZR18
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 | 1996 | 1999 | 2001 | 2004 | 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 848 cc | 848 cc | 848 cc | 848 cc | 848 cc |
| Dry weight | — | 218 kg | — | 218 kg | 218 kg |
| Seat height | 780 mm | 760 mm | 760 mm | 770 mm | 800 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 19 L | 21 L | 19 L | 20.5 L | 20.5 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the BMW R 850 R?
The 1996 BMW R 850 R has a Capacity of 848.0 ccm (51.75 cubic inches).
What engine power does the BMW R 850 R have?
The 1996 BMW R 850 R has a Power of 70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM.
How many gears does the BMW R 850 R have?
The 1996 BMW R 850 R has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the BMW R 850 R?
The 1996 BMW R 850 R has a Torque of 75.5 Nm (7.7 kgf-m or 55.7 ft.lbs).
How much does the BMW R 850 R weigh?
The 1996 BMW R 850 R has a Wet weight of 235.0 kg (518.1 pounds).
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