1997 BMW R850 Problems: 1 Complaint, 1 Recall

The worst 1997 BMW R850 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Engine
1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Engine
1

Recalls 1

Electrical system: wiringReported December 31, 1997 · 2,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: motorcycles. A sheet metal plate mounted to the front of the frame below the instrument cluster can cause the wiring harness to be stretched too tight as the handlebars are turned fully to one side. In addition, the wiring harness is attached to another harness with a cable tie that is placed too far forward limiting the handlebar movement.
Risk: The harness wires can be damaged or could break or pull out of the ignition switch. If the harness wires were damaged but not broken or disconnected, the electrical system could be affected while the motorcycle is being driven. Hesitation, misfiring, or "cutting out" could occur increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will relocate the wire tie connecting the two wiring harnesses to a point further back from the original location so that the ignition switch wiring harness has sufficient freedom of movement. Also if the wiring harness is found to be damaged, the ignition switch (with harness) will be replaced.

Recall number 97V237000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1997 BMW R850

Defect investigations

Steering lock/ignition switch wiringOpened November 14, 1997, closed December 31, 1997

Bmw will conduct a safety recall to remove the sheet metal plate and relocate two wiring harnesses so that the ignition wiring harness has sufficient freedom of movement throughout the range of motion of the handlebars.wiring harnesses found damaged, will be replaced.no further action is necessary.this investigation is closed.

SQ97022

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 BMW R850 1

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

Nov 1, 2007 Service bulletinBmw motorcycle: engine fuels containing ethanol. bmw motorrad has no objection to the use of si engine...

What 1997 BMW R850 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 11, 2002 · Engine · WA

When making a right turn motorcycle cuts completely off.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1997 BMW R850 before you buy

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Questions about the 1997 BMW R850

Is the 1997 BMW R850 reliable?

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1997 BMW R850, close to a typical R850 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 BMW R850?

Engine and cooling, with 1 complaint.

How many recalls does the 1997 BMW R850 have?

1 recall, covering electrical system.

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1997 BMW R850 problems