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Naked Motorcycles

2005BMW R 850 R

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The 2005 BMW R 850 R is a versatile naked bike powered by a 848cc air-oil-cooled boxer twin engine delivering 70 horsepower. Known for its reliable Bosch fuel injection, comfortable ergonomics, and excellent low-end torque, it appeals to riders seeking a practical, easy-handling middleweight with classic BMW character and everyday usability.

Capacity
848.0 ccm
Engine
Boxer
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
218.0 kg
Seat height
800 mm
Power
69.7 HP (51.3 kW) @ 7000 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2005 BMW R 850 R

vs the 2004
Spec20042005
Seat height 770 mm (30.3 inches) 800 mm (31.5 inches)
Front suspension BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central strut, rebound damping adjustable BMW Motorrad Telelever
Rear suspension Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central strut, spring pre-load adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of hydraulic handwheel, rebound damping adjustable Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rear brakes Single disc Double disc
Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 44Agility 57Comfort 75Off-road 15Touring 72Road manners 78
Off-road & trail15%
Cornering60%
City riding65%
Daily riding82%
Touring74%
Two-up68%
Track25%
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 us
At 800mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2005 BMW R 850 R, with a relaxed knee angle of around 125 degrees and a forward-leaning 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.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
848.0 ccm
Power
69.7 HP (51.3 kW) @ 7000 RPM
Torque
77.0 Nm (7.9 kgf-m)
Engine type
Boxer
Power/weight ratio
0.3197 HP/kg (dry)
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
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Shaft
Clutch
Single-disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated
Performance
Top speed
187.0 km/h (116.2 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1487 mm
Overall length
2170 mm
Overall width
940 mm
Overall height
1220 mm
Seat height
800 mm
Dry weight
218.0 kg
Wet weight
238.0 kg
Fuel capacity
20.50 litres
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Three-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine.
Front suspension
BMW Motorrad Telelever
Rear suspension
Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Front wheel travel
120 mm
Rear wheel travel
135 mm
Rake (fork angle)
28.1°
Trail
127 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Double disc
Front brakes diameter
320 mm
Rear brakes
Double disc
Rear brakes diameter
276 mm
Front tyre
120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre
170/60-ZR17

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 199619992001200420052006
Capacity 848 cc 848 cc 848 cc 848 cc 848 cc 848 cc
Dry weight — 218 kg — 218 kg 218 kg 218 kg
Seat height 780 mm 760 mm 760 mm 770 mm 800 mm 800 mm
Fuel capacity 19 L 21 L 19 L 20.5 L 20.5 L 20.5 L

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

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Common questions

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

The 2005 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 2005 BMW R 850 R has a Power of 69.7 HP (51.3 kW) @ 7000 RPM.

How many gears does the BMW R 850 R have?

The 2005 BMW R 850 R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the BMW R 850 R?

The 2005 BMW R 850 R has a Torque of 77.0 Nm (7.9 kgf-m or 56.8 ft.lbs).

How much does the BMW R 850 R weigh?

The 2005 BMW R 850 R has a Dry weight of 218.0 kg (480.6 pounds).

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