MONTGOMERY WARD BENELLI M91-A Riverside Nos Handlebars M91/A

( Brand: Montgomery Ward Benelli ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: M91/A ), ( Part Type: Handlebar ), ( Machine Type: Street Motorcycle ), ( Compatible Make: Benelli ), ( Color: Silver ), ( Material: Aluminum, Steel ), ( Vintage Part: Yes ), ( Compatible Year: 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969 ), ( Placement On Vehicle: Front ), ( Country Of Origin: Italy )

Review MONTGOMERY WARD BENELLI M91/a Riverside Italy Nos Handlebars Parts fits M91 125 250 360

The **Montgomery Ward Benelli M91/A Riverside NOS (Never-Owned-Used-Serviceable) handlebars** represent a rare and highly sought-after piece of motorcycle history, blending Italian craftsmanship with American retail heritage. Originally paired with the legendary Benelli M91/A, a twin-cylinder, air-cooled motorcycle produced in the 1970s and 1980s, these handlebars are a testament to the era s bold engineering and stylistic flair. Crafted from high-quality steel, the Riverside NOS handlebars feature a classic, slightly aggressive sweep with a pronounced upward curve, designed to offer both comfort and control for riders navigating everything from urban streets to open roads. The handlebar assembly includes a robust, wide grip area with integrated brake levers and a clutch lever, all meticulously aligned for ergonomic efficiency. What sets these handlebars apart is their pristine, unused condition, preserved in their original packaging or with minimal handling, ensuring they retain their factory finish and structural integrity. Whether you re restoring a vintage Benelli M91/A or seeking authentic NOS components for a custom build, these handlebars deliver a perfect blend of nostalgia and functionality, embodying the spirit of Italian motorcycle design from an era when performance and aesthetics were inseparable. Their inclusion in a project instantly elevates the bike s character, making them a prized addition for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

### **Pros and Cons of Buying a Montgomery Ward Benelli M91/A Riverside NOS (Handlebars for 125cc, 250cc, 360cc Engines)**

1. **Historical and Collectible Value**

The Benelli M91/A Riverside is a classic Italian motorcycle, originally produced in the 1970s and 1980s. As a **No-Service-Required (NOS)** or **Near NOS (NNOS)** example, it holds significant appeal for enthusiasts who appreciate vintage Italian engineering. Its rarity and craftsmanship can make it a valuable collector s item, especially if it remains in original condition.

2. **Iconic Italian Design and Build Quality**

Benelli was known for its high-quality construction, with a focus on performance and aesthetics. The Riverside was a sporty, mid-sized bike with a distinctive fairing, making it visually striking. The engine (whether 125cc, 250cc, or 360cc) was designed for reliability and power for its time, with a single-cylinder or twin-cylinder setup depending on the model.

3. **Potential for Restoration and Customization**

If you re mechanically inclined or willing to invest time and money, restoring a Benelli M91/A can be a rewarding project. The bike s design allows for modifications, such as updating the engine, suspension, or exhaust, to improve performance while retaining its classic look. The Riverside s fairing also makes it a great candidate for custom paint jobs or cosmetic upgrades.

4. **Community and Enthusiast Appeal**

There is a dedicated community of vintage motorcycle lovers who appreciate Benelli s legacy. Owning one can provide access to clubs, meets, and events where you can connect with like-minded individuals. This can enhance the ownership experience beyond just riding the bike.

5. **Potential for Resale Value**

If maintained properly, a well-preserved Benelli M91/A could appreciate in value over time, especially if parts become harder to find. However, this depends heavily on market demand and the bike s condition.

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1. **High Maintenance and Repair Costs**

Vintage motorcycles, especially Italian ones, require specialized knowledge and parts. Finding a qualified mechanic familiar with Benelli engines can be difficult and expensive. Common issues may include:

- **Carburetion problems** (Benelli bikes often used Dell Orto or Mikuni carbs, which may need tuning or replacement).

- **Electrical system failures** (points, distributors, and wiring can degrade over time).

- **Suspension wear** (forks and shock absorbers may need frequent servicing).

- **Rust and corrosion** (especially if the bike was stored improperly, common in older Italian bikes).

- **Engine wear** (ring seals, valves, and bearings may need attention, particularly on higher-mileage examples).

2. **Limited Availability of Parts**

While Benelli parts were more accessible in the past, many are now discontinued or require sourcing from specialty suppliers. Some components, such as original fairing parts or specific engine pieces, may be hard to find, increasing repair costs.

3. **Reliability Concerns**

Even in NOS condition, a Benelli M91/A may not be as reliable as a modern bike. The single-cylinder (125cc) or twin-cylinder (250cc/360cc) engines, while robust for their era, can develop issues over time, especially if not regularly maintained. Starting problems, oil leaks, or power loss are not uncommon in older Italian bikes.

4. **Performance Limitations**

Compared to modern motorcycles, the Benelli M91/A is underpowered by today s standards. The 125cc engine is very light but lacks the torque and power of modern 125cc bikes. The 250cc and 360cc engines are more capable but still far behind modern twins or four-strokes in terms of acceleration and top speed. This may limit its practical use for daily riding or highway travel.

5. **Cost of Ownership**

- **Fuel and oil** (older engines may require specific grades).

- **Insurance** (vintage bikes often have higher premiums due to repair costs).

- **Storage** (if kept indoors to protect from the elements).

- **Travel and event fees** (if participating in vintage bike rallies).

6. **Legal and Safety Considerations**

- **Registration and insurance** may be more difficult or expensive, depending on your location.

- **Modifications** (e.g., exhaust, suspension) may require compliance with modern emissions or safety standards, adding complexity.

- **Riding in groups** is often safer due to the bike s limited capabilities compared to modern machines.

7. **Time-Consuming Upkeep**

- **Carburetor cleaning/jetting**.

- **Chain/sprocket inspection and lubrication**.

- **Tire and brake system checks**.

- **Electrical system testing** (battery, starter, ignition).

- **Fluid changes** (oil, coolant, brake fluid).

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### **Conclusion and Recommendation**

#### **Who Should Buy a Montgomery Ward Benelli M91/A Riverside NOS?**

- You are a **vintage motorcycle enthusiast** who values the history, craftsmanship, and aesthetic appeal of classic Italian bikes.

- You have **mechanical experience** or are willing to invest time and money into restoring and maintaining it.

- You enjoy **customization projects** and don t mind the challenges of working on an older machine.

- You plan to **ride it occasionally** (e.g., for leisure, track days, or vintage meets) rather than as a daily commuter.

- You are prepared for **higher-than-average repair costs** and the potential for parts shortages.

#### **Who Should Avoid It?**

- You prioritize **reliability and low maintenance** over nostalgia.

- You need a **practical, modern motorcycle** for daily use or highway riding.

- You lack **mechanical skills or patience** for restoring vintage bikes.

- You cannot afford the **ongoing costs** of parts, insurance, and upkeep.

- You are looking for **high performance or cutting-edge technology** (this bike is very much a product of its era).

If you are passionate about vintage motorcycles and willing to put in the effort to bring a Benelli M91/A Riverside back to life, it can be an incredibly rewarding purchase. However, treat it as a **project bike** rather than a daily rider. If you re not prepared for the challenges of ownership, consider a more modern or lower-maintenance classic bike instead.

For the right owner, this Benelli is a piece of automotive history that can provide endless satisfaction. For others, the costs and hassles may outweigh the enjoyment. **Do your research, inspect the bike thoroughly (or have a mechanic do so), and ensure it s in a condition that aligns with your skills and budget.**

Details:

Probably the only set of NOS bars still left. Look at picture for measurements they are like 30 1/2 inches wide and the in 5-6 you can see knurled area pictures. The are dusty and have Ben on the shelf for probably 70 years. I m not sure what year or model they fit.

Made in Italy. Look at part number and make sure for your application. They will need cleaning and polishing. But I think from 1959-1969 years they were in production.

Look at the pictures of part number and tag its M91/A. Still in the original packaging. These came from a old Gemini Benelli dealer. This is a set of Montgomery Ward new old stock bars, levers, perches and grips.

part #: m91 price

• $155.50

specifications cyclevintagee:

• for models: M91, 125, 250, 360
• brand: Montgomery Ward Benelli
• mpn: M91/a
• part type: Handlebar
• machine type: Street Motorcycle
• compatible make: Benelli
• color: Silver
• material: Aluminum, Steel
• vintage part: Yes
• compatible year: 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969
• placement on vehicle: Front
• country of origin: Italy

payments cyclevintagee:

• other
• credit card: Visa
• wallet: Apple-pay

offer cyclevintagee:

• options: Ship-to-home
• sold: 0
• started: March 17, 2026
• best offers: True
• quantity: 1
• availability: In Stock

seller cyclevintagee:

• # reviews: 8461
• rating: 100.0%
• city: Iron City, Tennessee

general cyclevintagee:

• Parts Accessories > Motorcycle Scooter Parts Accessories > Other Motorcycle Scooter Parts Accessories
• condition: For parts or not working

shipping cyclevintagee:

• cost: $16.50
• type: Fixed
• transit: 4-9 Days
• service: USPS Ground Advantage
• class: Standard
• carrier: USPS

returns cyclevintagee:

• policy: No Returns

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