THE most difficult motorcycle to manufacture is a machine that is a pleasure to ride in any practical situation - a motorcycle created for the real world of motorcycling. Of course, it is easier to design niche machines - machines that are what you see. BMW Motorrad's philosophy has always been to produce dedicated roadsters that hardly ever reveal all their qualities in the first five minutes of riding. Once you have "lived" with a BMW you begin to understand the philosophy.

The BMW R850 R is the embodiment of this thinking. Powered by the smallest capacity boxer engine in BMW's range, the 848cc flat-twin is extremely easy to ride and control. It is the perfect machine for "born-again" motorcyclists, or experienced riders requiring a fuss-free, all-purpose, commuting and leisure machine in one easy to ride package. Apart from a smaller capacity engine, the unfaired R850 R is identical in every respect to its bigger brother, the R1150 R. However, the smaller-engine machine has noticeable advantages in urban riding situations and on country roads.

The 848cc air and oil-cooled flat-twin, 4-stroke engine with single camshaft and four valves per cylinder. Output rated at 52kW (70bhp) at 7000 rpm with maximum torque of 77Nm at 5600 rpm. Fuel-injection controlled by Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 engine management with overrun fuel cut off and closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, the power transmitted by single-disc dry clutch, six-speed gearbox and BMW drive shaft.

Triple section frame with load-bearing engine and die-cast aluminium swing arm Telelever front suspension with adjustable rebound damping BMW Paralever at rear with central strut - continuous variable spring preload adjustment by means of hand wheel; and adjustable rebound damping Front EVO braking system with 320mm dual discs and 4-piston fixed caliper, rear braking by 276mm single disc with 2-piston floating caliper, the 1487mm wheelbase; 800mm unladen seat height; 218kg dry weight.

When riding an R850 R, the rider will notice a number of unique advantages compared with conventional "naked" machines. For example, a generous lock, low centre of gravity (thanks to the flat-twin engine), soft-tune motor and instantly responsive throttle (afforded by the Motronic 2.4, industry-leading engine management) makes the R850 R an extremely easy machine to ride in urban situations. Excellent manoeuvrability and agility belie the machine's capacity rating.

On the open road the R850 R is a fatigue-free and comfortable bike to ride. Compared with the majority of unfaired motorcycles the R850 R can maintain autobahn cruising speeds for much greater periods. This is because of BMW's industry-advanced aerodynamic design and wind tunnel testing. The integrated oil cooler "pods" combine with the fuel tank shape and handlebar air deflector to control airflow and reduce wind pressure on the rider.

This means that the R850 R is safer in severe crosswinds than other naked machines, at cruising speeds, rider input is minimal. As you would expect from BMW, a full range of special equipment, dedicated luggage and accessories, as well as ABS and heated grips is available. The R850 R comes in a choice of three colours: Piemont Red Metallic, Titan Silver Metallic and Bronzit Metallic.