Naked Motorcycles
1997BMW R 850 R
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The 1997 BMW R 850 R is a middleweight naked bike that appeals to riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Its air-cooled boxer engine delivers smooth, accessible performance ideal for both commuting and leisurely rides. Known for its shaft drive durability and upright ergonomics, the R 850 R represents BMW's tradition of practical, long-lasting motorcycles.
- Capacity
- 848.0 ccm
- Engine
- Boxer
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 214.0 kg
- Seat height
- 780 mm
- Power
- 70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM
What’s new for the 1997 BMW R 850 R
vs the 1996| Spec | 1996 | 1997 |
|---|---|---|
| Torque | 75.5 Nm (7.7 kgf-m or 55.7 ft.lbs) | 77.0 Nm (7.9 kgf-m or 56.8 ft.lbs) |
| Top speed | — | 190.0 km/h (118.1 mph) |
| Dry weight | — | 214.0 kg (471.8 pounds) |
| Wet weight | 235.0 kg (518.1 pounds) | not listed |
| Fuel capacity | 19.00 litres (5.02 US gallons) | 21.00 litres (5.55 US gallons) |
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
- 77.0 Nm (7.9 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- Boxer
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.3271 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
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Clutch
- Single-disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated
Performance
- Top speed
- 190.0 km/h (118.1 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1487 mm
- Seat height
- 780 mm
- Dry weight
- 214.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 21.00 litres
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
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 | 1997 | 1999 | 2001 | 2004 | 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 848 cc | 848 cc | 848 cc | 848 cc | 848 cc | 848 cc |
| Dry weight | — | 214 kg | 218 kg | — | 218 kg | 218 kg |
| Seat height | 780 mm | 780 mm | 760 mm | 760 mm | 770 mm | 800 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 19 L | 21 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 1997 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 1997 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 1997 BMW R 850 R has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the BMW R 850 R?
The 1997 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 1997 BMW R 850 R has a Dry weight of 214.0 kg (471.8 pounds).
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