1967 Wards Riverside 125 Montgomery Ward Benelli Cobra Sears Catalogue Classic Vintage motorbike

This video was taken at the Seattle VME (Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts) show in December 2019.
About this motorbike: During the 1950s through the early 1970s Montgomery Wards and Sears Catalog department stores were heavily into rebranding primarily European bikes as their own brands. Montgomery Ward's bikes were mostly Italian-made Benellis and French-made Motobecane mopeds that were rebranded as Wards Riverside. Sears imported Austrian-made Puchs, Italian-made Gileras, and Vespas all rebranded as Sears Allstates. This model was based on the Benelli Cobra.
When you purchased one of these department store bikes either through the catalogs or in the store, it came in a crate with the purchaser required to do some assembly. Typically that included installing the front fender and wheel. Installing the handlebars and controls. Installing the battery and seat, and making all the final adjustments such as the chain tension, brakes and controls, tire pressure, and lubrication. None of that white-glove setup that motorcycle dealers provide today.
Exhibitor: Jeff Earle
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[@mikebrookshire3464]

Dad bought one and showed me how to ride it ,it was the first time I'v ever ridden a motorcycle. Had to lean over to start off as my legs weren't long enough to stand flat footed. Thanks so mutch for posting this.

[@MotoTouringWorldWide]

Hello and thank you for watching 🤙. Excellent memories for sure. I remember back in the 70's when I was little looking thru my parents Sears catalogues and seeing these motorcycle home kits. Such a simple cool bike back then. Thank you for sharing your experience ❤️🤙🏍️