I recently purchased a headlight trim ring from HD. I like to use original HD parts because they usually fit well on my bike. Not so true with the headlight trim ring. After installing it I have a 1/4" gap on the bottom. This is the second time I've bought HD parts that fit less well than I would expect.

I was going to call HD and find out if I had done something wrong, however when I checked their parts catalog I noticed the trim rings on the bike featured in the catalog also had this 1/4" gap. I guess quality of product has taken a back seat to profit.

Next time I'll look more closely at aftermarket parts.

 

Was this a trim ring that installed over the factory trim ring? I just put one on my FLHX and followed the directions in the box...it said to install it over the factory trim ring. To do this you are supposed to loosen the factory trim ring, slip the new ring over and behind the factory one, tighten the factory ring and then tighten the new ring. If that gap wasn't there you wouldn't be able to tighten the factory ring. I was a little surprised by the gap when I first installed mine too, then I started looking at other bikes with different trim rings and they all had the gap.

 

That's the part. I put one one my 2001 and 2006 and they fit tight. They should just do away with the original ring and replace it with the new one. It sure would look better.

 

Mine did the same on my 14 flhxs. Known issue. Search the forum. Many threads on this topic.

 

Agreed!

 

Known issue. Hit the search function up at the top right corner for more research on how to remedy this issue.

 

When I put mine on I clamped it together with a clamp that is used for wood working, No gap.

 

The trim ring screw is stainless steel. without the use of some anti seize, the screw threads bind while tightening and is unable to pull that ring tighter. clamps help too, but give the anti-seize a try, you may be surprised.

 

Thanks for the info will try. Tried anti seize closed a little more but still the gap. I guess I'll just have to live with it.

 

They key for me was to loosen both the original and the new ring.. put the new ring on while both are loosened (The new one should be almost to the point of the screw coming out). Then tighten the new one until you can barely fit a screw driver between the opening and tighten the original one down. Then finish with the new one. For me it came together almost perfectly.