R 850 RT

2001 BMW R 850 RT Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around BMW's touring motorcycle platform, the 2001 BMW R 850 RT features a 848 cc (51.7 cu in) air-cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 70 HP (51.1 kW) at 7,000 rpm. 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 RT measures 216 kg (476 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.32 HP/kg (3.09 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 1,487 mm (58.5 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 21-liter (5.5 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 170 km/h (106 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 2001 to 2002, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.