Billy Joel to auction more than 70 vintage motorcycles in New York
Billy Joel will sell more than 70 vintage motorcycles from his personal collection in New York City on Nov. 20 and 21.
The sale will take place at the Javits Center. It is organised by Gooding Christie's and Rétromobile New York Auctions, according to Rolling Stone.
The bikes will be sold as part of the inaugural Rétromobile New York Auctions. That wider event runs Nov. 19 to 22 at the Javits Center, according to Newsday.
Fans can see some of the machines before bidding starts. A selection will be on display at Christie's Rockefeller Center from Oct. 8 through 12.
The collection comes from Joel's years as a shop owner. He ran 20th Century Cycles on Long Island for 15 years. The shop and museum housed his bikes. It closed in 2025.
Proceeds from the November sale will support the Joel Foundation. The organisation backs music education and other charitable causes.
The catalogue spans several well-known makers. It includes bikes manufactured by Ducati, BMW, Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Honda, Kawasaki and Moto Guzzi.
Two lots trace Joel's own story. One is a 1982 Ducati 900 replica of the bike Mike Hailwood rode to victory at the 1978 Isle of Man TT, the long-running road race on the Isle of Man. It carries an estimate of $25,000 to $35,000.
The other is a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville. Madison Square Garden gave it to Joel after his 150th sold-out show at the venue. It carries an estimate of $10,000 to $15,000.
For fans, this means a rare look at a parallel career. Joel is known for piano-led songs and long residencies. For 15 years he also kept, repaired and showed old bikes.
