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
Displacement848.0 ccm (51.74 cubic inches)
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Engine DetailsTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power70.0 HP (51.1 kW)) @ 7000 RPM
Torque77.0 Nm (7.9 kgf-m or 56.8 ft.lbs) @ 5500 RPM
Compression10.3:1
Bore x Stroke87.5 x 70.5 mm (3.4 x 2.8 inches)
Valves/Cylinder4
Fuel SystemInjection
Fuel ControlOverhead Cams (OHC)
CoolingOil & air
Transmission
Gearbox6-speed
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Performance
Top Speed187.0 km/h (116.2 mph)
Fuel Consumption4.60 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l or 51.13 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases106.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Chassis
Frame TypeThree-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine.
Rake28.0°
Front SuspensionBMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central strut, rebound damping adjustable
Front Travel120 mm (4.7 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
Rear Travel135 mm (5.3 inches)
Wheelbase1487 mm (58.5 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre120/70-ZR17
Rear Tyre170/60-ZR18
Front BrakesDouble disc
Front Brake Ø320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear BrakesSingle disc
Rear Brake Ø276 mm (10.9 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight218.0 kg (480.6 pounds)
Weight incl.238.0 kg (524.7 pounds)
Power/Weight0.3211 HP/kg
Seat Height770 mm (30.3 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Alt. Seat Height800 mm (31.5 inches) If adjustable, highest setting.
Overall Height1220 mm (48.0 inches)
Overall Length2170 mm (85.4 inches)
Overall Width940 mm (37.0 inches)
Fuel Capacity20.50 litres (5.42 US gallons)
Reserve Fuel4.00 litres (1.06 US gallons)
Notes
Special equipment BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral), disengageable
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
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Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.