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Billy Joel’s Vintage Motorcycle Collection Is Headed to Auction

Over 70 of the Piano Man’s prized bikes will be on offer this November at Gooding Christie’s, the official auction house of Rétromobile New York

By Alexandria Sillo
Man standing with four vintage motorcycles on a cobblestone path by a lake with a scenic background of trees and houses.
Billy Joel with his select motorcycles from his vast collection. Photo: Courtesy of Christie's Images Ltd.

This fall, legendary pop-rock icon Billy Joel will hand over the keys to more than 70 of his prized motorcycles at Gooding Christie’s inaugural sale. Joel’s legendary collection includes bikes by Ducati, BMW, Moto Guzzi, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, and more, which will go on offer at Rétromobile New York Auctions, set for November 20 and 21 at the Javits Center.

“I’ve always been drawn to bikes built by people who cared about getting every detail right,” said Joel, who bought his first motorcycle, a Yamaha 500 Special, in 1977. “I’ve loved building this collection. Now it’s someone else’s turn to hit the road.”

Four vintage motorcycles parked in a row on an open space with trees and sky in the background.
Selections from Billy Joel’s motorcycle collection. Photo: Courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd.

Highlights of the sale include a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville, which has a presale estimate of $10,000-15,000, and was gifted to the six-time Grammy Award winner to commemorate his 150th sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. A matching helmet lists every show and year he played at the venue during his record-setting residency. A 1975 Ducati 750 Sport, which has a presale estimate of $25,000–35,000, will also be sold.

Joel’s collection, which includes over 150 vintage and custom bikes, is nearly as legendary as some of his greatest hits. In 2010, he opened 20th Century Cycles to showcase the collection. The Oyster Bay location served as a showroom, clubhouse, and art gallery. He outfitted the interiors with vintage posters, gas station signs, and more, and opened it to the public on weekends, but closed the location in 2025.

Red and green vintage Ducati motorcycle displayed indoors against a white wall backdrop.
A 1982 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood Replica. Photo: Courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd.
Classic blue and chrome motorcycle with a vintage design, parked indoors on a polished concrete floor.
A 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville. Photo: Courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd.
Yellow vintage Ducati motorcycle on display in a showroom with a white brick wall background.
A 1975 Ducati 750 Sport. Photo: Courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd.

“We are truly honored to present the Billy Joel Motorcycle Collection, and with what better location than New York City itself, a place so strongly associated with Mr. Joel and his celebrated legacy as one of the most beloved musicians of all time,” says David Gooding, president of Gooding Christie’s. “Billy Joel is one of the most recognized motorcycle enthusiasts in the world, and we are thrilled to be presenting his prized collection at Rétromobile New York in November.”

Ahead of the sale, a selection of Joel’s iconic motorcycles will be on view at Christie’s Rockefeller Center from October 8–12.

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