#BoxerEngine

[motorcycleaccessories01]

BMW R850R Overview – Iconic Touring Bike with Boxer Engine

The BMW R850R is a classic example of German engineering at its finest. As a member of the BMW Motorrad family, this bike has left an indelible mark on the world of touring motorcycles. Introduced in the mid-1990s, the R850R carries forward the legacy of the boxer engine while offering a comfortable and reliable ride for long-distance travel and city commuting alike.

Whether you're a seasoned rider or someone new to the world of motorcycles, the BMW R850R offers a unique blend of tradition, performance, and practicality.

History and Evolution of the BMW R850R

A Mid-Range Alternative in the BMW Lineup

The BMW R850R was introduced as a smaller-displacement sibling to the R1100R. Launched in 1995, it was intended to provide a more affordable and approachable option for riders who wanted the BMW experience without the extra power or cost of the larger models.

Despite being less powerful, the R850R was by no means underwhelming. It used the same frame and styling as its bigger brother, offering excellent road manners and impressive durability. The 848cc air/oil-cooled flat-twin boxer engine delivered smooth power delivery and signature BMW refinement.

Discontinuation and Brief Comeback

Production of the BMW R850R was initially stopped in 2001, only to return briefly between 2002 and 2006 due to popular demand in select markets. This speaks volumes about the bike’s loyal fanbase and enduring appeal. Even today, used models are sought-after by collectors and touring enthusiasts.

Engine and Performance

The Iconic Boxer Engine

At the heart of the BMW R850R is the classic boxer engine—a flat-twin configuration that has become synonymous with BMW motorcycles. The 848cc engine produces around 70 horsepower and 77 Nm of torque. While these numbers may not sound aggressive compared to modern superbikes, the power is delivered in a usable and predictable manner, ideal for touring.

One of the main advantages of the boxer engine is its low center of gravity, which significantly improves stability and handling. It also contributes to the bike’s iconic look, with the cylinders jutting out from either side.

Smooth and Reliable Transmission

The BMW R850R features a 5-speed gearbox coupled with a single-plate dry clutch and shaft drive. This configuration provides a smooth, maintenance-free riding experience. Unlike chain drives, the shaft drive requires minimal attention and lasts significantly longer, making it perfect for long-distance travel.

Design and Aesthetics

Classic Roadster Look

The BMW R850R boasts a clean, minimalist roadster design. Its round headlight, exposed frame, and upright riding position give it a timeless look that appeals to riders who appreciate simplicity and function. The analog speedometer and tachometer add to its retro charm while maintaining clarity and precision.

Ergonomics Built for Comfort

BMW designed the R850R with rider comfort in mind. The ergonomics suit both city rides and highway touring. The upright seating position, wide handlebars, and well-padded seat ensure that long journeys are less fatiguing. Optional features like heated grips and adjustable windshields made it even more touring-capable.

Ride Quality and Handling

Suspension and Braking

The BMW R850R features BMW’s unique Telelever front suspension, which separates braking and suspension forces. This results in stable and predictable handling, especially under hard braking. The rear uses a Paralever swingarm, which further enhances the bike's cornering stability.

Front dual disc brakes and a single rear disc, often equipped with optional ABS, ensure confident stopping power. These systems work together to make the R850R a safe and capable bike under various riding conditions.

Balanced and Nimble

Despite its relatively modest engine, the R850R handles like a dream. Its well-balanced chassis and low center of gravity make it easy to maneuver in traffic and stable at highway speeds. Whether you’re carving up mountain roads or cruising on a freeway, this bike delivers a rewarding experience.

Touring Capabilities

Long-Distance Friendly Features

The BMW R850R was designed with touring in mind. Optional hard panniers, a center stand, and a comfortable passenger seat make it easy to turn this bike into a full-fledged touring machine. The bike’s fuel tank capacity of 20.4 liters ensures decent range between fuel stops, another plus for long-distance riders.

Versatility and Practicality

One of the strongest suits of the BMW R850R is its versatility. It can serve as a daily commuter, weekend cruiser, or cross-country tourer with equal ease. Its dependable mechanics and sturdy construction mean you can put on tens of thousands of miles with minimal issues.

Maintenance and Ownership Experience

Low Maintenance Engineering

With features like shaft drive, air/oil cooling, and a robust engine design, the BMW R850R requires less frequent maintenance than many of its competitors. Valve adjustments are straightforward due to the exposed cylinder heads, and parts availability remains relatively good through the aftermarket and BMW’s own network.

A Strong Community

Owners of the BMW R850R often praise the supportive community surrounding the bike. Enthusiast forums, local BMW clubs, and dedicated social media groups provide a wealth of knowledge and camaraderie. This support makes owning and maintaining an R850R a more enriching experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Iconic boxer engine with smooth performance

Comfortable and upright riding position

Shaft drive for low maintenance

Excellent build quality and reliability

Strong aftermarket and enthusiast support

Cons

Limited power compared to modern bikes

Older models may lack modern electronics

Slightly heavier than similar displacement bikes

Conclusion

The BMW R850R is more than just a motorcycle—it's a statement of timeless engineering and practical design. For riders seeking a classic roadster with true touring capability, this bike delivers on all fronts. With its iconic boxer engine, reliable performance, and comfortable ergonomics, the R850R remains a favorite among BMW enthusiasts and long-distance riders alike.

Whether you're buying one as a daily rider or as a piece of motorcycle history, the BMW R850R offers a blend of charm, durability, and performance that stands the test of time. In a world of ever-changing motorcycle trends, this bike remains a reliable companion and a symbol of BMW's enduring commitment to quality.

[lnengineering]

Porsche 997.1 vs 997.2: Key Differences, Common Problems, and What You Need to Know

If you’re shopping for a Porsche 997 or currently own one, understanding the differences between the 997.1 (2005–2008) and 997.2 (2009–2012) models is essential—especially when it comes to reliability, performance, and long-term maintenance.

While the interior and exterior changes between generations are subtle, the drivetrain updates introduced with the 997.2 are where Porsche made the most significant improvements. Let’s dive into what changed and what you should watch for in both generations.

🔧 Engine Updates: From M97 to MA1

The biggest change in the 997.2 is the introduction of the MA1 engine—also referred to as the 9A1. This engine replaced the problematic M97 engine found in the 997.1 and brought a number of advancements:

No IMS bearing – The intermediate shaft was eliminated.

Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) – Enabled higher compression, better performance, and improved fuel economy.

⚙️ Transmission: Tiptronic vs PDK

The 997.1 used the aging Tiptronic automatic transmission, which was replaced in the 997.2 by Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch gearbox. The result?

Faster shifts

Better performance

Improved fuel efficiency—even over manual transmission models

While the PDK is generally reliable, parts availability is limited. Porsche often recommends complete gearbox replacement when failures occur, making preventative maintenance crucial.

🚨 Common Issues with the 997.1

If you're considering a 997.1 model, be aware of these known issues:

IMS Bearing Failure

2005–2008 models had an updated, but still failure-prone, IMS bearing.

In 2006, Porsche introduced a larger non-serviceable IMS bearing. These are more robust but still benefit from having the factory grease seal removed to improve longevity.

Cylinder Bore Scoring

Affects both 3.6L and 3.8L engines.

Bore scoping and used oil analysis are the best ways to detect scoring before it becomes catastrophic.

Shared Problems with 996 Models

Coolant leaks, AOS failures, RMS leaks, and cracked expansion tanks are common.

⚠️ Known Issues in the 997.2

While the 997.2 resolved many of the issues found in earlier models, it’s not without its concerns:

Bore Scoring

Still possible, although far less common than in 997.1 models.

Coolant Crossover Pipe Leaks

Corroded metal connectors and aging rubber hoses can cause leaks as the car ages.

High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (HPFP)

A failed HPFP can result in limp mode or the car not starting.

Replacement pumps are costly and can be difficult to source.

PDK Transmission Issues

Failures in sensors, solenoids, or the valve body are rare but expensive.

Track use or poor service can accelerate wear.

🛢️ Oil System Differences

997.1 Models

Prone to oil starvation and aeration during track use.

Adding a deep sump is strongly recommended to improve oil control.

997.2 Models

Feature a variable output oil pump that solves many oiling issues.

However, fuel dilution from DFI is a new challenge.

Use Driven DI40 and change your oil every 6 months or 5,000 miles to reduce wear and prevent bore scoring.

🧰 Final Advice for Owners and Buyers

Annual inspections by a Porsche specialist are essential for both generations.

If you’re shopping for a 997.1 or 997.2, invest in a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). It can save you thousands in surprise repairs.

Be proactive—issues like bore scoring, coolant leaks, and HPFP failure are easier to deal with when caught early.

Whether you're rebuilding, maintaining, or shopping for a 997, trust the experts. Visit LNEngineering.com or give us a call to learn more.

[burntoutclutch]

Funny advertising for the Subaru Forester featuring Antonio Banderas from 1997.

[rismachine]

This one fought me for way too long, but here is the 1641cc longblock for Lori's 1978 Super Beetle.

Stock 69mm crank, reground flywheel, rebuilt rods, stock reground -2 dished camshaft to get the backlash absolutely perfect, and SLR German lifters all stuffed in the original fuel injection magnesium case.

87mm pistons and cylinders, .065" deck across all 4 cylinders, brand new Autolinea stock port heads, new lower deflectors, and push rod tubes. 7.9:1 compression.

New Schadek 26mm oil pump, Aircooled Dynowerks tuned up DVDA distributor, new oil cooler on German offset, powder coated pulley tin, and CB Performance billet crank pulley.

I have all the original German tin powder coated and ready to install coming up soon...

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Richard I Sedoris III (@rismachine)

[yoshigiga]

𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨

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@guzen_gyoko

@rpg_carbon_fiberglass

@tacobell

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#subaruimpreza #subarunation #subieflow #subiegang #tacobell #subaruloyalty #awd #allwheeldrive #boxerengine #jdm #jdmlifestyle #carporn #carswithoutlimits #carsofinstagram #instacar #carphotography #automotivephotography

[juanmecanico]

"¡IMPRESIONANTE! Primer Conducción del Subaru Forester 2025: ¡Practico pero no Salvaje! ¡Te Lo Vas A Perder!" "¡Ah, perfección japonesa! La Subaru Forester 2025 ha recuperado su firma rugido #BoxerEngine. ¿Y esa tracción integral simétrica que todos amamos? ¡Completamente intacta! Una auténtica joya de automoción si me preguntas. Pero lamento decirles que, al igual que cualquier buena novela, esta también tiene un giro en la trama. Imagínense llegar al capítulo que te tenía en la punta del asiento, donde se está a punto de revelar quién hizo qué a quién y... ¡Nada! ¡Fin de la página, fin del libro! Aquí es donde la Forester 2025 se queda corta. El interior. #NewCar A pesar de su exterior robusto y su tren de potencia, la Forester se cayó de la bici cuando llegó al diseño interior. Para un coche de su prestigio, es una auténtica aberración que tenga un sistema de infoentretenimiento tan básico. ¿Y qué hay de esos botones de plástico barato y de sensación esponjosa? Estamos en 2025, y parece que Subaru se saltó un par de años con su interior. No puedo entender cómo, con todas las innovaciones tecnológicas disponibles, Subaru decidió mantenerse al margen. Espero que sepan que la competencia está en una carrera espacial en términos de innovación, ¿verdad? ¡Vamos, Subaru! Nos has entregado maravillas mecánicas en el pasado, ahora necesitamos que te pongas al día con los interiores. ¡Me duele el corazón tener que decir esto pero, Forester, te has quedado corta! ¿Estoy solo en esto, chicos, o ustedes también comparten este sentimiento? #SubaruForester" Nota: This twisted tweet should spark conversation, and its aggressive tone should attract attention of the audience. The hashtag #SubaruForester and #NewCar are popular, relevant to the car industry, and certainly align well with the post. The use of Spanish makes the post amusing, and the references to Subaru's past successes and failures should create some serious discussions. It's a good demonstration of Doug's passion for vehicles, and his controversy. Doug's in-depth knowledge of cars, language proficiency and strong personality shine throughout the post.

[shotahoshino]

色々あった2022年が終わりまして、今日から2023年 今年もよろしくお願いします🙌 #brz #86 #subarubrz #subaru #toyota #frs #zc6 #car #jdm #japan #hachiroku #boxerengine #subarist #japanesecars #subie #subiegang #subienation #subiedaily #subieflow #jdmgram #スバル #トヨタ #ハチロク #スポーツカー #クルマ好きな人と繋がりたい #スバリスト #brz乗りと繋がりたい #teampixel #pixel7 #madebygoogle https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm3bZV-L-EZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[exceptionalbuilds]

Didn’t even know there was an evo wagon! @evoeggs ✖️ @ExceptionalBuilds is ran by @MilkyMotorsports. We feature the highest quality builds from around the world. ✖️ #BuiltNotBought #BoxerEngine #BoxerMotor #LancerEvo #Mitsubishi #Crosstrek #HawkEye #3000GT #Forester #Impreza #WRXSTI #BlobEye #BugEye #Eclipse #Ralliart #Subaru #Lancer #EVO10 #EVO9 #EVO8 #EVO7 #EVO6 #4G63 #WRX #Rally #BRZ #EVO #FTO #STI #EJ https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgv5lC4OLeP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[zenmindenterprise]

BMW・r nine T の車検整備をさせて頂きました。 オーナーさんとはもう20年位？ 昔の職場からの長いお付き合い。 何台もバイクを買って頂き 修理、カスタムのお仕事もご依頼頂きます。 バイクの業界を離れた時も 変わらず声をかけて頂き 「バイクの事は羽島ちゃんに頼むから。」 と。 開店した時には、1番にお祝いを頂き 応援してもらいました。 従業員さんや、 友人の方をご紹介頂いたりと。 本当にいつも有難うございます。🙇‍♂️ バイク屋をやっていると色々な事が ありますが支えてくれる お客さんのおかげで 何とか潰れずにやって行けてます。 私に中々余裕がありませんが いつか一緒にツーリング 行きましょう。😃 #boxerengine #ボクサーツイン #bmw #bmwbike #bmwmotorcycle #rninet #custombike #caferacer #motorcycle #yokohama #ビーエムダブリューバイク #カフェレーサー #カフェレーサー仕様 #カフェレーサーカスタム #カスタムバイク #カスタムショップ #カスタムバイクショップ #カスタムバイク製作 #カスタムバイク好き #バイクのある風景 #バイク屋 #バイクショップ #横浜市 #保土ヶ谷区 #ゼンマインドエンタープライズ #zenmindenterprise (Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjK5hFCLEnJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[alberttakacs]

Maybe one of the last sunny and warm days to ride this year. #BMWmotorrad #BMWbike #BMWR1250 #R1250 #BMWR1250GS #bmwr1250gshp #R1250GS #r1250gshp #boxerengine #SpiritOfGS #MakeLifeARide #akrapovicexhaust #bmw #r1250gsadventure #r1250gsa #r1250gsadv #bmwr1250gsa #bmwgs #gsfans #bmwadventureriders #bmwadventure #r1200gs #r1200gsa #bmwr1200gs #bmwrider (at Surduc~Fardea) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVh2pabIAI_/?utm_medium=tumblr

[motorcycleaccessories01]

Discover the BMW R nineT 1170, a timeless roadster blending retro design with cutting-edge 1170cc performance. Built for pure riding pleasure, it offers dynamic handling, premium craftsmanship, and iconic boxer engine heritage. Explore specs, features, and more.

[garageprojectmotorcycles]

Popped into Rogue yesterday and these beauties were out the front. . . #bmw #scrambler #boxerengine #airhead #motorcycle #Perth #roguemotorcycles (at Rogue Motorcycles) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFibVPXBVgz/?igshid=13axbnbrzd34d

[privateerclothing]

Check out the new BMW R nineT models. There’s 4 of them with a whole bunch of tasty options and all Euro 5 compliant. 📷 @bmwmotorrad #bmw #bmwmotorrad #bmwmotorcycles #bmwrninet #bmwheritage #motorcycles #heritagemotorcycles #boxerengine https://www.instagram.com/p/CGvi73dlmvO/?igshid=eauomkwm24o5

[divaracer]

Subie came out #DivaRacer #TeamDivaRacers #subaruwrx #subaru #boxerengine #carmeets #carshow #engine #enginebuild #enginebuilding #womeninracing #fashion #highfashion #racecar #racecardriver #drag #dragracing #women #womenempowerment #dragqueen #queengeesmotorsports #mechanic #ladymechanic #womeninracing (at AutoZone) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVHJrrvMofI/?utm_medium=tumblr

[call-me-ten]

[shotahoshino]

今日も残暑が厳しいです… この時期、車移動は涼しいけど、外出れなくなる #brz #86 #subarubrz #subaru #toyota #frs #zc6 #gt86 #carstagram #jdm #hachiroku #boxerengine #subarist #japanesecars #subie #subiegang #eightysixgang #rawdriving #jdmgram #スバル #トヨタ #ハチロク #スポーツカー #クルマ好きな人と繋がりたい #スバリスト #brz乗りと繋がりたい #iPhone12 #78works https://www.instagram.com/p/CTE4p2bFSfo/?utm_medium=tumblr