My "solution" to Magician's gearing

[Ascot500]

Now I know that many of you are running 15T & 45T combo (or higher) gearing and are happy with it.
But for me hearing that engine scream at 50 mph was a deal breaker.
I had changed the front sprocket to a 17T, but it still wasn't enough for me.
Since the Magician is a Yamaha XG250 homage, it has a wide six bolt pattern with almost no chance of a smaller than 45T rear sprocket.

So my solution was to buy a used Honda XL125 18" rear wheel assembly and fit it.
I also bought a new 34T rear sprocket.

This is a pretty radical departure from original: 2:1 vs. 3:1 but after a few rides I find it is perfect for me.

I really liked the appearance of the fat 16" rear wheel, but since I can't see the wheel from the saddle....you know

Here is how it turned out:

[Megadan]

You should take a picture of the whole bike to show what it looks like with an 18" wheel. The Hawk mainly does better with a 17/45 is entirely because it has a larger diameter rear wheel/tire, which effectively changes the gearing. I honestly don't get why they didn't offer the magician with a 17 or 18" rear wheel. It would only raise the seat height 1/2 to 1 inch at most.

Now it begs the question. Why not lace an 18" rim on the Magician hub? That would allow you to keep the rear disc brakes. I know it would still limit the rear sprocket choice, but a 17/45 with a 27" ish rear tire diameter would do ok. The smallest sprocket I can find for the Trickster is 43 teeth. A 17/43 combo gives a 2.53 ratio.

[Ascot500]

The OD of the original 16" tire is about 24"

But the OD of the 18" tire is ...... also about 24"

Here is the picture

[Megadan]

The OD of the original 16" tire is about 24"

But the OD of the 18" tire is ...... also about 24"

Here is the picture

What size tite did you go with?

[Ascot500]

Rear tire is a 4.10 - 18

[Shortlegrider]

would a hawk rear rim fit?

[Ascot500]

It may, depending on whether the caliper bracket and swingarm have the same type of fit

There are also a number of vintage Honda models whose rear wheels would work

The wheel that I bought included the brake assembly so that made it the best deal for me