Safety Bar Differances

[mrclubike]

I just bought a set of Safety Bars off of Ebay
While shopping for them I noticed their were 2 different styles
One style used a P clamp at the lower connection point and the other used a U clamp just like the top connection   
I was wondering why BMW had changed them
 
So i bought the earlier type with a U bolt top and bottom
Because they were Brand new Old Stock and the U bolt look stronger
When trying  to install them I found that in order to get the to fit up with out gaps where they meet the frame you have do  some cold setting (bending)
The Right side fit perfectly but the left side required bending
The lower picture show how the motor mount bolt does not line up with the slot in the safety bar
Not difficult but time consuming
If you look at  the P clamp you will notice it has a slot where it attaches to the bar to allow for adjustment at the motor mount and lower frame attachment point

[mrclubike]

Here is a picture showing the slot in the P clamp 

[BPT]

I've noticed the different styles and wondered about that.  Did you determine anything about the differences - would the P-clamp style be easier because of the adjustability slot?

[mrclubike]

would the P-clamp style be easier because of the adjustability slot?

Yes that is what I am thinking 
They made it with a P clamp that has a slotted mounting hole to make it more forgiving or adjustable

[BPT]

The ones you found - were they specifically for your R65?  There's a few different part #s for these things, many of which fit a bunch of models but only the one specifically for mine only fits mine and a couple of others (according to the fiche).

Just wondering what the difference was - mounting, cylinder size, etc.

[Justin B.]

I think maybe the R65 bars might be different due to the shorter cylinders.

[BPT]

You're correct, Justin.  I remember seeing a picture where it was really obvious that they were sticking our too far.  But with so many different ones I was wondering if there were some that might be more of a generic fit.

[Justin B.]

We have the Krauser bars on the wife's '84 and they stick out quite a bit.  I bought them used so they were probably not r65 specific.

[mrclubike]

The ones you found - were they specifically for your R65?   .
Just wondering what the difference was - mounting, cylinder size, etc.

I am fairly  sure they are R65 specific
They are a discontinued part # but searching showed that is what they were for

[mrclubike]

I tried these but did not like the way they fit and they interfered whit  my leg guards

I was also worried about dragging them

[mrclubike]

Here are the guards I just bought

[mrclubike]

The seller has 2 more sets of  these

Not Cheap