R 850 RT

2002 BMW R 850 RT Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by BMW for the touring motorcycle segment, the 2002 BMW R 850 RT pairs a 848 cc (51.7 cu in) two cylinder boxer, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 73 HP (53.3 kW) at 6,750 rpm while maximum torque reaches 80 Nm (59 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 86.1 HP per liter and a 1,250 rpm working window between peak torque (5,500 rpm) and peak power (6,750 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 RT measures 282 kg (622 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.26 HP/kg (3.86 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 780 mm (30.7 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance. The 21-liter (5.5 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 190 km/h (118 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.