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Touring Motorcycles

2001BMW R 850 RT

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The 2001 BMW R 850 RT is a mid-sized touring motorcycle ideal for riders seeking comfortable long-distance travel and practical everyday riding. Its air-cooled boxer engine delivers smooth, reliable power while the upright ergonomics and generous fuel capacity make it perfect for extended journeys. Known for its legendary durability and versatile handling, the R 850 RT remains a favorite among touring enthusiasts.

Capacity
848.0 ccm
Engine
Boxer, four-stroke
Gearbox
Not on record
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Dry weight
216.0 kg
Seat height
780 mm
Power
70.0 HP (51.5 kW)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 2001 2002

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 44Agility 39Comfort 82Off-road 10Touring 88Road manners 65
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering45%
City riding45%
Daily riding65%
Touring90%
Two-up80%
Track20%
Best for
Built primarily for long-distance, all-day touring with weather protection and comfort taking priority over outright speed or sportiness.
Built for
A calm, understated boxer-twin tourer that rewards smooth, relaxed riding over aggressive throttle inputs.
Not ideal for
Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp acceleration, sporty cornering agility, or any 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 780mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2001 BMW R 850 RT, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and an upright 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
70.0 HP (51.5 kW)
Engine type
Boxer, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.3241 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
87.5 x 70.5 mm
Cooling system
Air
Valves per cylinder
4
Torque
Not on record - add it
Transmission
Final drive
Shaft
Performance
Top speed
170.0 km/h (105.6 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1487 mm
Seat height
780 mm
Dry weight
216.0 kg
Fuel capacity
21.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
Front wheel travel
120 mm
Rear wheel travel
135 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Dual disc
Rear brakes
Single disc
Front tyre
120/70-ZR19
Rear tyre
160/60-ZR17

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 20012002
Capacity 848 cc 848 cc
Dry weight 216 kg 282 kg
Seat height 780 mm 780 mm
Fuel capacity 21 L 21 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 RT?

The 2001 BMW R 850 RT has a Capacity of 848.0 ccm (51.75 cubic inches).

What engine power does the BMW R 850 RT have?

The 2001 BMW R 850 RT has a Power of 70.0 HP (51.5 kW).

How much does the BMW R 850 RT weigh?

The 2001 BMW R 850 RT has a Dry weight of 216.0 kg (476.2 pounds).

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