1965 Swanson/Ducati 250 Shorttracker. A couple years ago I was at a flat track race in WI and saw they have an active "250 classic" class. Picked up this bike on e-bay. It is a Duc 250 in a custom made "Swanson" dirt track frame, I understand there were 12 of these frames made in that period and believe there are still a few around.
The lightly modded motor was gone thru by Syd's Cycle. Running 12V total loss with DynaTech pointless ignition and AMAL 30mm. I have a 32mm also, tried it but is was not as "crisp", need to get some additional jetting and spend a day testing. Starts easy and seems pretty quick. Have only had it on a practice track one day, ran strong & handles sweet. It is very light, the frame is almost "dainty" no shocks or brakes to weigh you down. My first race will be next weekend at Aztalan in WI. The main comeetition for this is the Harley Sprint (Aeramachhi) and also BSA B50. Ducs were also raced in the scrambler frame and there was aftermarket hard tail rear subframe available at the time.
While it has a stock rear wheel mounted, the brake is not connected as all flat track racing was "brakeless" untill about 1970 (it is for safety, I would havta splain). I have a proper "quick change spool" wheel being built as I have found gearing is critical on short track racing, typically 1/4 mi. tracks.
I plan to run this to get it sorted out then strip and "re-restore". Also have a 2nd motor I think is more virgin. When I get the cash will have Syd's do a ground up on it. See ya at the races.