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Touring Motorcycles

2002BMW R 850 RT

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The 2002 BMW R 850 RT is a midsize touring motorcycle designed for comfortable long-distance travel and everyday practicality. Its reliable 848cc boxer engine delivers smooth power with excellent torque, making it ideal for riders seeking a manageable platform that doesn't sacrifice capability. The R 850 RT is best known for its BMW engineering quality, shaft drive reliability, and balanced handling across varied terrain.

Capacity
848.0 ccm
Engine
Boxer, four-stroke
Gearbox
Not on record
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Dry weight
282.0 kg
Seat height
780 mm
Power
73.0 HP (53.7 kW)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2002 BMW R 850 RT

vs the 2001
Spec20012002
Power 70.0 HP (51.5 kW) 73.0 HP (53.7 kW)
Torque — 80.0 Nm (8.2 kgf-m or 59.0 ft.lbs) @ 5500 RPM
Top speed 170.0 km/h (105.6 mph) 190.0 km/h (118.1 mph)
Dry weight 216.0 kg (476.2 pounds) 282.0 kg (621.7 pounds)
Other years 2001 2002

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 45Agility 40Comfort 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 2002 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
73.0 HP (53.7 kW)
Torque
80.0 Nm (8.2 kgf-m) @ 5500 RPM
Engine type
Boxer, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2589 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
87.5 x 70.5 mm
Cooling system
Air
Valves per cylinder
4
Transmission
Final drive
Shaft
Performance
Top speed
190.0 km/h (118.1 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1487 mm
Seat height
780 mm
Dry weight
282.0 kg
Fuel capacity
21.00 litres
Reserve fuel capacity
4.00 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 2002 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 2002 BMW R 850 RT has a Power of 73.0 HP (53.7 kW).

What is the torque of the BMW R 850 RT?

The 2002 BMW R 850 RT has a Torque of 80.0 Nm (8.2 kgf-m or 59.0 ft.lbs) @ 5500 RPM.

How much does the BMW R 850 RT weigh?

The 2002 BMW R 850 RT has a Dry weight of 282.0 kg (621.7 pounds).

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