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Naked bike · 2004

R 850 R

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MotoLibrary Score
53 /100 Balanced
Power/Weight
0.32 hp/kg
Top Speed
187 km/h
Torque
77 Nm
Engine
848 ccm

2004 BMW R 850 R Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in BMW's naked motorcycle lineup, the 2004 BMW R 850 R relies on a 848 cc (51.7 cu in) oil & 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 while maximum torque reaches 77 Nm (56.8 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 82.5 HP per liter and a 1,500 rpm working window between peak torque (5,500 rpm) and peak power (7,000 rpm), 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 R measures 238 kg (525 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.29 HP/kg (3.4 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 770 mm (30.3 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,487 mm (58.5 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 20.5-liter (5.4 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 4.6 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 446 km (277 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 187 km/h (116 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 11 indexed model years from 1996 to 2006, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.

Specific Output
82.5 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.29 HP/kg (3.4 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
5,500–7,000 rpm
Theoretical Range
~446 km (277 mi)
Engine
Displacement 848.0 ccm (51.74 cubic inches)
Engine Type Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Engine Details Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power 70.0 HP (51.1 kW)) @ 7000 RPM
Torque 77.0 Nm (7.9 kgf-m or 56.8 ft.lbs) @ 5500 RPM
Compression 10.3:1
Bore x Stroke 87.5 x 70.5 mm (3.4 x 2.8 inches)
Valves/Cylinder 4
Fuel System Injection
Fuel Control Overhead Cams (OHC)
Cooling Oil & air
Transmission
Gearbox 6-speed
Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Performance
Top Speed 187.0 km/h (116.2 mph)
Fuel Consumption 4.60 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l or 51.13 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases 106.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Chassis
Frame Type Three-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine.
Rake 28.0°
Front Suspension BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central strut, rebound damping adjustable
Front Travel 120 mm (4.7 inches)
Rear Suspension Die-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
Rear Travel 135 mm (5.3 inches)
Wheelbase 1487 mm (58.5 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre 120/70-ZR17
Rear Tyre 170/60-ZR18
Front Brakes Double disc
Front Brake Ø 320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear Brakes Single disc
Rear Brake Ø 276 mm (10.9 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 218.0 kg (480.6 pounds)
Weight incl. 238.0 kg (524.7 pounds)
Power/Weight 0.3211 HP/kg
Seat Height 770 mm (30.3 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Alt. Seat Height 800 mm (31.5 inches) If adjustable, highest setting.
Overall Height 1220 mm (48.0 inches)
Overall Length 2170 mm (85.4 inches)
Overall Width 940 mm (37.0 inches)
Fuel Capacity 20.50 litres (5.42 US gallons)
Reserve Fuel 4.00 litres (1.06 US gallons)
Notes

Special equipment BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral), disengageable

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Transmission
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Rider Profile

Who Is This Bike For?

🟡
Intermediate
Requires some riding experience.
🏍️
Best For
City & Weekend Rides
📏
Seat Height
77 cm / 30.3 in
⚖️
Handling
Medium weight — some experience needed
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