R 850 GS

1999 BMW R 850 GS Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by BMW for the enduro - offroad motorcycle segment, the 1999 BMW R 850 GS utilizes a 848 cc (51.7 cu in) oil & air-cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 70 HP (51.1 kW) at 7,500 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 GS measures 225 kg (496 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.31 HP/kg (3.21 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 1,509 mm (59.4 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 25-liter (6.6 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 185 km/h (115 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 1999 to 2000, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.