Post Sale Update: This MW sold for a best offer under $1,100 (eBay does not confirm the final number).
Despite the “450” name, this bike (a rebadged Benelli Fireball sold out of Montgomery Wards stores) has a 49cc engine. Maybe the name translates to “4” – number of gears in the transmission and “50” – displacement?
Much like Sears did with Allstate, Montgomery Ward partnered with Benelli to offer some white-labeled motorcycles and scooters through their mail order catalog. A customer that placed an order would get their bike delivered in a crate, and then they’d get to (or have to, depending on their mechanical aptitude) uncrate the bike and assemble it. The Riverside 450SS was a rebranded Benelli Fireball 50, which featured a 2-stroke 49cc engine with a 4-speed transmission. Claimed top speed was a bit north of 50 miles per hour.
This example was “recently recommissioned” and was repainted in the process. The seller states that it has won some best-in-class trophies at local shows but doesn’t include any photos of them.
Find this Benelli for sale in Fayetteville, Arkansas with a BIN of $1,100 or best offer here on eBay.