BMW R 850 R - 2004 Specifications and Reviews

The 2004 BMW R 850 R is a versatile naked bike ideally suited for riders seeking upright, comfortable riding position and reliable everyday performance. Known for its iconic air-oil-cooled boxer engine delivering smooth power delivery, this bike excels as an accessible, practical middleweight for both experienced and intermediate riders seeking classic BMW engineering with modern fuel injection reliability.

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General information

CategoryNaked bike
Year2004
ModelBMW R 850 R

Engine and Transmission Specifications

Transmission typefinal driveShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox6-speed
Cooling systemOil & air
Fuel controlOHC
Valves per cylinder4
Fuel systemInjection
Bore x stroke87.5 x 70.5 mm (3.4 x 2.8 inches)
Compression10.3:1
Torque77.00
Power70.00
Stroke4
Engine typeTwo cylinder boxer
Capacity:848.00 ccm (51.74 cubic inches)
 
 

Physical measures and capacities

Wheelbase1,487 mm (58.5 inches)
Overall width940 mm (37.0 inches)
Overall length2,170 mm (85.4 inches)
Overall height1,220 mm (48.0 inches)
Alternate seat height800 mm (31.5 inches) If adjustable, highest setting.
Seat height770 mm (30.3 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc238.0 kg (524.7 pounds)
Dry weight218.0 kg (480.6 pounds)

BMW R 850 R dimensions and frame

Rear brakes diameter276 mm (10.9 inches)
Rear brakesSingle disc
Front brakes diameter320 mm (12.6 inches)
Front brakesDouble disc
Rear tyre dimensions170/60-ZR18
Front tyre dimensions120/70-ZR17
Rear suspension travel135 mm (5.3 inches)
Rear suspensionDie-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
Front suspension travel120 mm (4.7 inches)
Front suspensionBMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central strut, rebound damping adjustable
Rake (fork angle)28.0°
Frame typeThree-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine.
 
 

Speed and acceleration

Power/weight ratio0.3211 HP/kg
Top speed187.0 km/h (116.2 mph)

Other specs

MaintenanceFind parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay
Fuel consumption pr. 10 km (6.2 miles)4.60 litres (1.22 gallons)
Reserve fuel capacity4.00 litres (1.06 gallons)
Fuel capacity20.50 litres (5.42 gallons)

Performance Profile & Rider Fit

69.7 hp
Peak Power
4.8s
0-60 mph
116.2 mph
Top Speed

Best For

Track25%
City65%
Cornering60%
Daily Riding82%
Touring74%
Passenger68%

Rider Profile

Best ForSuits riders from mid-level to experienced who want a torquey, low-maintenance shaft-drive naked rather than an outright sportbike.
PurposeBuilt as a comfortable, practical all-rounder for commuting, backroad riding, and light touring rather than outright performance.
Rider FitThe 800mm seat height and upright naked-bike ergonomics make it approachable for riders of average and shorter stature, though the 238kg wet weight demands some confidence at low speeds.
CharacterA classic BMW boxer-twin character: relaxed, torque-driven, mechanically distinctive, and reassuringly stable rather than exciting.
Not Ideal ForNot for riders chasing high-speed thrills, track-day lap times, or any serious off-road capability.

Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.

Rider Fit Visualizer

2004 BMW R 850 R Rider Ergonomics Assessment

Calculated in your browser only - your height/inseam are never sent to our servers.

Feet:

At 770mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2004 BMW R 850 R, with a relaxed knee angle of around 120 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Data quality: measured. Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated (a typical street-bike rule of thumb - stiffer or softer suspension will vary). This is an approximation from category-typical geometry and generic body proportions, not a measurement of this specific bike or you - sit on it before you buy.

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