Brief History of the Marque: Montgomery Wards Riverside
American firm Montomery Wards sold Motobecane mopeds including AV41,
AV78 and AV88 during the 1950s. In the 1960s they rebadged some 125, 175,
250, & 360cc Benelli models as Wards Riverside, along with scooters
by Lambretta & Mitsubishi. The Wards Riverside "Pigeon" is a rebadged
Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon, and the 1961 Bianchi Orsetto scooter was also
marketed in the United States as a Riverside.
Benelli-based models include:
FFA-14017, 14020 and 14023
Sat Mar 14 2009
mikecl09<at>yahoo.com
Ward's Benelli
Benelli Wards
I need help identifying this motorcycle. I have provided the model
and SN # for his. What would be an approximate value on this?
Alpena, MI
Thu Mar 12 2009
mikecl09<at>yahoo.com
1968 Ward's Riverside Motorcycle
Benelli Riverside
I own a 1968 Benelli Motorcycle. I believe this is what I have. Can
you verify from the SN and Model # what this is and what the value would
be on this?
Alpena, MI
Wards_FFA-61-14019_1 will be posted-0903
Mon Feb 09 2009
LexiJ0405
gmail.com
Wards Riverside question...
1967 Benelli 450ss
I BELIEVE the motorcycle in my dads shop is a '67 450ss... he said
as far as he can recall it's a 1967 Wards Riverside 50cc.. and I don't
believe it's a Fireball Scrambler... is there anywhere i can go to see
a 450ss, or can you help me figure out what it is? It's in need of some
repair, but we used to goof around on it as kids, and I'm interested in
fixing it up again!
MN
Wed Jan 14 2009
kdrob8198cox.net
restoration
wards riverside
i'm interested in restoring a 1968 riverside 250i'd like to join the
message board to exchange info
Mon Jan 12 2009
kdrob8198cox.net
wards wheeled goods
riverside ffa-61-14023 b
please looking for information on engine size for this model
Mon Nov 03 2008
lbono50yahoo.com
need parts
river side ward 1967 125cc ffa-61-14016D
I have this bike i wound like to get it to run. But i need points.
I look up benelli bikes, but cound not fined any ? For a 125cc 1967 bike
Can i put any points in it.If so what? Thanks
Schenectady, new york
Fri Sep 26 2008
Tracie.Fergusonharley-Davidson.com
Wards Motorcycle
I unearthed a Wards motorcycle that I am in the process of restoring.
I'm looking for more info on it. All's I have right now is the VIN
#. Anyone know where I could do some more research, enter a
VIN & get model #, pictures, etc.?
Milwaukee, WI
Wed Sep 24 2008
fishingcplyahoo.com
Wards Riverside 450 SS FFA-14003 B
Wards Riverside/Benelli 450 SS FFA-14003 B
I can not find any info on this bike anywhere...Can anyone help me?
Montana
Fri Sep 19 2008
fenstersprintmail.com
Montgomery Ward's Vintage Motorcycle
Riverside FFA-61-14001A
I am doing an estate sale in N. California and I beleive this cycl
to be a Bellini and am looking for any info on this bike. I have serial
# 56. The man beleies it to be from 1946. How would I go about finding
more info and value? Thank you
California
Wed Sep 17 2008
wegofastgmail.com
What year please
Montgomery Wards Riverside Moped
I have just bought the Moped of my youth a Montgomery Wards Riverside.
Not sure of the year. Its frame number is 188624. The Engine number is
255113 and the tag on the frame says its model # FFA-61-14001 A and Serial
56. Says 250 D on the sides of the rear fenders. I would like to find a
exploded view of the engine and any other info like articles, advertisments.
Leads on parts would be nice too.
Kansas
Fri Sep 12 2008
thomas.colemanumit.maine.edu
benelli riverside numbers
riverside 125 ffa 14016b
I have a riverside that I am working on, and i was wondering
if you have any information about what the benelli model number might be
for the same cycle, if there is such a thing. Thanks a lot
Maine
Fri Sep 05 2008
roylstonauctionstcworks.net
auction
montgomery ward (benelli) 125
This bike is going to be sold at auction in arkansas in october. The
bike really is in nice shape. You may see it at roylstonauctions.com we
would be glad to answer any questions you may have
Arkansas
Tue Aug 26 2008
bmbmallardcomcast.net
year and value
wards riverside FFA-14016 B
I Was wanting to know the year and possibly value of this motorcycle
it is in good shape starts and runs
Michigan USA
Fri Aug 22 2008
rocketchevoldsgeoearthlink.net
wards riverside 369 mojave
wards riverside mojave 360 srambler
i believe i own a wards riverside 360 mojave do you know where i can
get info,pictures serial # identification etc. ?
ohio
Wed Aug 06 2008
goinbad2003yahoo.com
finding parts
wards riverside 125
can parts be found for this bike and if so where?
ohio
Fri Jan 04 2008
michaelsnoblehotmail.com
information
wards wheel goods&FFA-61-14020 A #76
I would like to know what the year &cc it is if possible. Iwas
given the bike by my grandfather years ago. I can send pic if needed. THANK
YOU
n.y. USA
Sat Dec 01 2007
rayredimport.net
Bike for sale
Wards Riverside
Can I load up details on a Wards Riverside I have for sale ?
Ireland
........
All the details are here on my own web site - http://www.redimport.net/forsale/Benelli.htm
Thanks .. ray
subject: benelli
Email: kempton33msn.com
message: I have a 125 cc benelli serial no.76 model .ffa 61014016-d
wards riverside
can you tell me any thing about it year ????
Sat Sep 01 2007
fazeshifterhotmail.com
68'-125-Benelli Wards chain size
Benelli Wards
I am treying to find replacement chain for 68' Benelli Wards 125. Also
does anyone know the chain size for these?
Appreciate the help!
CA
Fri Aug 31 2007
joshkj2003yahoo.com
Montgomery Wards Riverside 250
Wards Riverside 250 !968
I have a 1968 Montgomery wards Riverside 250 I was just wandering about
waht it was worth I had it running a few years back and it is in pretty
good shape for its age still has original paint a little scratched up punt
in pretty good shape to be 40 years old. I would greatly appreciate any
help thanks
KY
Tue Aug 21 2007
buteau1msn.com
Looking to purchase
360 Benelli Mojave (Wards Riverside)
My brother and I are looking to purchase two Benelli 360 Mojave motorcycles.
We are looking for complete bikes that are restorable. Our father owned
one in the late 60's, early 70's. We have always loved the look of this
bike. We would appreciate any and all help in locating a bike(s). Thank
you for any help you can give us.
Albuquerque, N.M.
Sun Jul 29 2007
Kel_redmondhotmail.com
montgomery ward riverside mo-ped
fmontgomery ward riverside mo-ped - Model # zp14011
I have two montgomery ward riverside mopeds one with an engine and
one without. The engine number is 3736166i9. I was wondering if you could
please give me the year and a price of what it may be worth. I am not sure
of the year for it does not say anything on the moped about it. I found
what I have on your website but it gave no information so I was hoping
that you could please give me more. Thank you.
Montana
Fri Jul 20 2007
sbartell4wi.rr.com
Scooter Identification
mo-ped Riverside Montgomery Ward model fzp14011
I would like to know year maker and where to get info on the
bike . Motor id 4906713 Serial 88008734 Thanks Steve B
Milwaukee<wisconsin USA
Sat Jun 09 2007
white69tygeraol.com
Need to know
Could anyone tell me the make and model of this bike
NV
The bike is a Montgomery Wards Riverside made
by Benelli, probably around 1965. If you can supply the engine and frame
number and the VIN plate details we may be able to pin down the model.
Ed.
Thu Jun 07 2007
wfurbeckhotmail.com
I have a wards riverside
76
I wood like too sale parts one massege you had on your borad they were
looking for front forks for one
iola kansas
Fri May 25 2007
bob_littleton2000yahoo.com
for sale
montgomery ward 125 riverside
this bike is for sale on ebay auction [bobl1965] any questions feel
free to e mail me at.
ohio
Wed May 23 2007
c-haugenhotmail.com
restoration
69 mw riverside
I recently purchased a 69 wards riverside and im would like to find
a manual for it.If anyone has any info please contact me.
vegas
Thu May 03 2007
lettermanaceyahoo.com
"Wards" Benelli 50c
50cc / unknown
I started my addiction to riding in the early 60's with a 50cc Wards
Riverside. It had a long rectangularish tank, silver tank with wide black
center stripe. It was good for about 40 mph at top end on a level paved
road no wind...but spent a couple summers, from sun up to sun down riding
trails/fields and the like.
I recognized the 125cc and 250 sizes on photos on this site but saw
no mention of the one I had. I still think I might have an original manual
in storage.
It would be fun for nostalgia to know if anyone has any info they would
care to share.
Midwestern State
Sat Apr 21 2007
rdnxunleashedaim.com
parts substitution
wards riverside
i was wondering if there was any other type of front forks that would
fit a wards riverside because i can not find a replacement and i was wondering
if i could possibly make a substitution with some other brand of motorcycle
(ex. yamaha honda etc.)
New York
[The bike is a smaller Benelli type. Ed.]
Fri Jan 05 2007
pat00343
aol
125cc
I have montgomery Wards parts/ build manual. 125cc. Also have running
bike... anybody in California got one? Would love to swap info!
Los Angeles
.......
It may not look like much... but it runs like a champ!
Sun Nov 26 2006
Jefforyschiebel nolongerearthlink.net
Timing
1969 Mojave 360
Can anybody help me with the methodology to time this bike? Do I need
a TDC Finder and a Degree Wheel? I just acquired a beautiful 69 360 Mojave
which runs but I want to check things out before I drive it much. Thanks
so much for your time
Minnesota
Feb 2008
I have had my email address changed from jefforyschiebel@earthlink.net
to Jefforyschiebelpubliccomcast.net
I have tried to get in and change my email address on the posting but I
cannot. Is it possible for you to change it or could I repost this with
my new address. I have corresponded with people all over the world about
this bike and it has been so much fun. Sheldon's EMU is a great site and
thanks for taking the time to keep it up.
Jeffory Schiebel
Sun Dec 24 2006
shannon.williamslevel3
Riverside scooter
Where would I begin to start to fix one of these up that my dad currently
has?
Can you help please?
Oklahoma
..............
This is a riverside scooter made by Montgomery Ward and is a 125cc.
I have some pix that arent that good as far as the quality goes but they
are better than nothing is the way I look at it. Hope this helps.
...........
Ok great! Should I just get online and start looking or should is there
a certain store you'd recommend. I want to start off by looking at the
parts and getting an idea of how much it will cost to get this thing running
myself and then I'm thinking about sending it off (what I have)
and having it restored and just paying the $$$$!!!!
Let me know what you think......
Shannon
Don't want to prick your balloon, Shannon, but
I suspect you could buy two quite nice Lambrettas for the money it would
cost you to have that one restored.
Tue Dec 12 2006
darlene2819comcast.net
montgomery wards
t777 terrainn bike
any information
warren, mich
Sat Nov 11 2006
nancyrockholdyahoo
Wards Riverside 125cc lightweight
Wards Riverside 125 Lightweight 1969 model # FFA-14016B
Bike runs and is in good condition all original parts. How much
would it be worth
California, USA
Sun Nov 05 2006
motoguzzorogers
wards benelli 360 mojave
looking for a shop manual any help would be appreciated. i can downloadif
one is available thank you
ottawa
Sun Oct 29 2006
gameskeeper05sbcglobal.net
Wards Riverside Motorcycle Manual
1966 Wards Riverside Series 1125L Model #FFA-51-14016-B
Looking for Manual for my 1966 Wards Riverside Motorcycle.
Garden Grove, California
Sun Oct 15 2006
cc72hotmail
58 benelli
montgomery ward
I would like to know how much this bike is worth I would like to buy
one that is for sale thank you
florida
Sat Oct 07 2006
harry1030verizon.net
Riverside 175
Benelli 175 model 76 on vin
I have recently aquired a Riverside 175.The bike is complete and 100
percent original. I wanted to get a little info about it.Actually, I'd
like to know the year. I think it is a 1961 but I'm not sure.Here is the
vin FFA-61-14021 A. Any info is appreciated.Thanks.
California
Thu Oct 05 2006
yupitsahemiyahoo
the dusty basket case I was given
Wards Wheeled Goods Model #66
Is there a way to trce the #s on this old motorless cycle? It's got
some cool parts I could intergrate onto something else, But if I could
make a few bucks and avoid chopping it up, Why not?
Sun Sep 17 2006
bnishkianyahoo
wards service manuals
350 360 singles
Hi , i saw your need for service manuals for wards riverside bikes.
i used to have a lot of 350 & 360 singles. i playe d with them for
a few years in the early 70s. i gave sold them all because i couldnt own
bsa and wards so i opted to keep the bsa's. i still have the owners
and service manuals for them. if i can be of help let me know. maybe i
could post them all for everyone to use. let me know. berry
north fork california
Many thanks for the offer, Berry. If you have
scans of the manuals I'd be happy to post them on the site. Ed.
Sun Sep 17 2006
rifleman38sbcglobal.net
What is it???
In fenced in area and get to it to read serial number etc.
TX
The bike is a Wards Riverside Mojave of about
1968 vintage. Ed.
Sun Sep 10 2006
motoguzzorogers
1968 benelli (wards) mojave
lookimg for a right hand side cover
ottawa
Wed Aug 23 2006
motoguzzorogers
wards 360 mojave
benelli mojave
anyone have a shop manual for this? bike
ottawa
Sat Aug 19 2006
pat.cartercomcast.net
value
1962 wards riverside sport bike ffa-14003 b
would like to know the value of this motorcycle
it,s a 450-ss has only 350 miles on it
murfreesboro,tn.
Mon Jul 03 2006
ziggermllmsn
EZ Rider Moped Motori Minarelli Motor
1979 EZ Rider
This moped was sold by Montgomery Wards usa and I would like to find
any information about it. Do you know who actually made this moped
because I am having trouble finding it on the internet? Thank you.
KS
Thu May 25 2006
gscheelwcnet.net
Riverside Mojave 175cc about 1970
I have not started it for 30 years, I've cleaned it up but it won't
start. Any help? Is there a service manual available?
tx
Start with the basics. Have you put fresh fuel
in it. Have you checked the carbie bowl for crud. Is the spark plug firing?
Ed.
Mon May 01 2006
allenb_49013yahoo
montgomery ward motorcycles
Wards wheeled goods 125cc. S.N. #76
I am looking for any info. about this bike, I think it was made by
Benelli. Thank-you
Bangor, Michigan USA
..........
Attached is a picture of the old bike.
Model # FFA-61-14016 D
Serial # 76
Tue Mar 28 2006
iba1bright.net
bike year
riverside mophead
if i sent you a pic of this scooter would you try an tell me the year
if you would let me know an i will send it
I found it on your site. It is an AV88 just like that on in the pic,
It says they were imported to the US in the fifties. It is orange
or bronze like the one in the pic. Motobecaune for montgomeryward. It is
in good shape an will turn over, what would it be worth? thanks for all
your help, Dale
ohio
Tue Mar 21 2006
jjholt24yahoo.net
how to wire genarator
1962-68 benelli montgomery ward 250
i'm tring to rewire genarator on my benelli. do you have a diagram
or a picture or any information on how to rewire it ?
alabama
Sun Feb 26 2006
VOCSQRDaol
'63 360 Mojave
Can anyone provide gear shift lever or recommend a suitable japanese/Metric
substitute?
Chicagoland
I'm currently setting it up in a cafe style - nowhere close to original.
I'll send a photo in a week or two when I'm a little further ahead. This
is the third one of owned. I learned to ride 35+ years ago on a (Wards)
Benelli 250 before switching to a 66 BSA lightning in '73 (Which I still
own) and I've always considered them to be good performers.
Best regards,
Steve
I too had a Lightning, from about 1972 to 1975.
Rode the wheels off it, great bike. The Benelli is a rhs shift, so it's
just possible that it uses the same spline as Ducati singles - quite large,
about 1/8th in dia larger than most current Japanese models.
Fri Feb 24 2006
richard.platozieglercat
1966 wards 50cc moped-red
I'm trying to locate a picture of this Moped with front leg guards
in place.
minneapolis mn
Thu Feb 23 2006
aogix.netcom
1968 wards riverside 250cc touring
I have a 250cc benelli I need to find out what it is worth, it has
2 miles on it, it's never been started.
idaho
Mon Feb 13 2006
GETODD2AOL
68 WARDS RIVERSIDE 350
Trying to find out what the bike is worth have pictures now but haveing
diffcultes sending them 478 miles on the bike, its in good condition. e
MAIL ME FOR PICTURES
Spring Hill Tn
Sun Dec 18 2005
GETODD2AOL
'68 360 RIVERSIDE MOTORCYCLE
THIS BIKE HAS 650 ORIGINAL MILES. GREAT CONDITION. DOES ANYBODY HAVE
A ESTIMATE OF WHAT THE BIKE IS WORTH
Tue Dec 06 2005
blackledgemmichigan.gov
Wards Riverside 125cc. Lightweight
I just pick up this bike and I'm looking for places I can get parts.
I need a battery and kick starter pedal assembly, spring, and lever.
I've been looking around on the web and have had a hard time finding sites
or places to find such items. This site is the closest to getting
help in restoring this bike. Its in great condition, except for minor
parts. I'm also looking for a new tube for the front tire.
ANy help would be appreciated.
Fri Dec 02 2005
dreedeeandg
1955 MW Scooter
I am looking for a engine and clutch for a 1955 MW scooter. Probably
had a Clinton engine.
Montgomery ward 1955 scooter. It is a ank of a machine.
Should have a clinton or continental motor (not sure which)
Sun Sep 18 2005
berrydjtelus.net
Bennelli 250 fork rebuild.
Good evening, I'm disassemling the forks on a 1961 Riverside 250. How
do the 'inner' fork tubes come off? I have the bottom bolt out, but
I cannot get to the lower seal or the bushings. Is the fork tube just pressed
on?
Thanks, Doug.
Thu Aug 18 2005
bermacchiweb.de
riverside benelli
Are there datas, test experiences and figures of produced riverside
benellis 250 and 360? Is the engine simply based on a bigbored Benelli
175 Sport of 1962?
Thu Aug 11 2005
gjharristnjuno
1950 or 1955 montgomery ward cycle
My brother has a 1950 or 1955 45cc montgomery ward cycle. I think he
has had it running recently and would like to know the value of it. If
you know.
Wed Aug 03 2005
shagwinco.net
wards mojave
does anyone have any info on montgomery wards 360cc mojave motorcycles,
I think they were 1967 or 68.
Date: Fri, 01 Apr 2005
subject: Vespa/Riverside
Email: Brat4u09 at yahoo
message: Trying to locate motor parts for 1956 Montgomery Ward Riverside
Scooter. (Parts or infomation)
This would possibly be a Vespa Bianchi Orsetto or a Lambretta
Li 125. Ed.
Wards Riverside Registry
149 Stanford Ave
Sacramento, CA 95815
wardsguyaol
Sat, 26 Feb 2005
subject: Riverside 125cc bike
Email:
pat00343 at aol
message: To ED, I agree about the Bennelli. i Have the parts manual
and the building instructions. It is a running bike, just wondering if
there are any other people out there that have one?
Date: Sat, 02 Apr 2005
subject: Montgomery Wards Riverside 350
Email: fxwg85bhb at aol
message: i have one and was thinking of restoring or selling was looking
for a cost of resto est. and a value est.
The bike is missing a gas tank fuel valve and the steering adjuster
knob. Other than that it is complete. How much is it worth? And how much
would it cost for those items missing?
I Would consider doing brakes and cables , carb rebuild and tune up
as well if I could locate parts.
Any ideas?
Scott
April 15, 2003
I happen to come across a1962 montgomery wards riverside I am looking
to sell I was told it's a benelli imported by M.W. It still runs has a
heel toe shifter on the right side and is 125cc hope you can help --
larryvonarb
at mindspring
February 20, 2003
I have a 350 Riverside Benelli that that has been restored ...I'm kind
of a neophyte to motorcycles and have a couple of questions....the clutch
is very stiff...is this typical for this type of motorcycle? Also...the
shifting is difficult...I can't seem to find the correct gear easily....like
there are false neutrals ( someone said there would be in these older type
bikes ). I can be on this bike for 20 min. here in Chicago and feel like
I've been on it all day.......can the clutch be adjusted to be easier and
can the trans be worked on or changed to become smoother...this bike sounds
and looks so cool...it has the racing body with the short bars, a beautiful
green tank and body panels, and new Benelli decals. Any input would
be helpful, thanks very much -- Charles Shotwell - charlesshotwell
at earthlink.net
August 7, 2002
HELP!!!! I recently received my grandfather's late 1960s, 125 cc, Riverside
(Benelli). It has not run in more than 15 years. I love the bike, but know
little about them or any other. Any thoughts about its ability to be salvaged?
-- Craig -- cmaher at wi.rr
August 30, 2002
Hi Craig,
I ran across your ad on a Benelli board. There's a small but neat group
about these bikes at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Wards_Riverside_Cycles/
People there should be able to help you.
And there's another Benelli group, but they are more about the Sei's
and Tornados although they do cover other Benellis.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Benellis/
Dave Smith -- gorn at nokilli
October 27, 2002
I have 1967 benelli riverside scrambler 125 for sale in good cond if
interested call Kevin 845 227 6687 ny --
kctagco at worldnet.att.net
July 26, 2002
I own a 1968 Wards Riverside Mojave 260cc made by Benelli. Styling
of Metisse soul of Benelli. These were sold by Montgomery Ward in 1968
and 1969 and possibly in 1967. Both Scrambler and Touring styles were offered
in 260cc and 360cc. The Scramblers had vented high pipes, while the touring
were low pipes without venting. The Scramblers had enduro tires standard
and also a protective under engine plate and the Touring had street tires.
Otherwise these 2 style cycles were the same. Also an interesting fact
is the 1969 Benelli 650 which has all the same styling and components as
the 1968 Wards Mojave (see Cycle magazine cover Feb 1969) these two bikes
are identical except the engine size and dual pipes (there maybe others
but they are minute compared to the similarities).
There is now a Wards Riverside Yahoo group that can help bring together
Wards Scooter, Moped, Mini-bike, and Cycle fans. Go there for more information
or email me for more info on Mojaves or other Benelli --
stingray-x
at mchsi
July 8, 2002
I am trying to find an outlet for parts for a 1969 Wards Riverside
125cc (Benelli Cobra). Also any idea as to its value.
I'm not having a lot of luck. Thanks for any help. dpinello at
city-woodlandpark.org --- Debbie Pinello --- upcc123
at earthlink.net
If you have a query about Wards Riverside Motorcycles and Scooters,
or wish to share your knowledge of these classic American machines, please
contact
us!
