1967 Montgomery Wards Riverside 250

During the 60s, Benelli manufactured an array of lightweight motorcycle under various labels. A course initial distinction can be made based on the orientation of the cylinder.

The horizontal cylindered Benelli motorcycles were originally built under the name of Motobi. Later, when Motobi came under the Benelli umbrella, they were badged as either Motobi or Benelli often based on the market or model. The Benelli 250 SuperSport is badged as a Benelli, but carries Motobi markings on many of the engine components.

The vertical cylindered Benelli is a more traditional Benelli design. The upright single was often marketed in the United States through Montgomery Wards under the guise of Riverside. Montgomery Wards stocked more than one model of upright single under the Riverside name, as can be seen in a reproduction of a 1967 Wards catalog advertisement.

The Riverside 250 pictured above is presented in original condition. This example will not receive a full restoration as it is quite complete and in respectable shape. Instead, it will be cleaned and renovated, leaving as much as possible original.

The bike has begun it’s renovation, with disassembly of the front forks. The fluid in the forks had become quite viscous, causing the forks to stick under compression. Plus, it was apparent that the fork seals were also worn out due to the amount of fork oil on the outside of the fork legs. When forks show these signs of age, the best remedy is a full disassembly and cleaning, followed by reassembly with new seals and fluid.

This set of forks has proven to be a very large challenge to fully disassemble. They are much more difficult than the average Italian lightweight fork. The order of disassembly is not immediately clear and requires special tools. Disassembly, part replacement and reassembly were only completed after much advice and suggestions from members of the Wards Riverside Registry and other helpful enthusiasts.

Another challenge on this machine will be the wiring loom, which was modified by the previous owner to accommodate aftermarket switches and accessories. The loom will be removed from the bike for closer inspection and rebuild.

Some required replacement parts; new seat, fork seals, oil filter, gaskets, headlight key and kick start lever have already been provided thanks to the help of a few of our gracious friends and users of the Italian Parts Exchange.