R 850 C

1999 BMW R 850 C Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by BMW for the custom - cruiser motorcycle segment, the 1999 BMW R 850 C relies on a 848 cc (51.7 cu in) air-cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 70 HP (51.1 kW) at 7,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 82.5 HP per liter, the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the R 850 C measures 240 kg (529 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.29 HP/kg (3.43 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 1,650 mm (65 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 17-liter (4.5 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 155 km/h (96 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 1999 to 2002, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.