Movin’ Out: Billy Joel to auction motorcycle collection this fall

The New York native’s two-wheeled fascination started in his teenage years, but he only seriously took up motorcycling after finding success in the late 1970s. That obsession segued into business when Joel opened his Long Island-based motorcycle shop and gallery, 20th Century Cycles, in 2010. 

Sadly, that all changed last year, when the “Uptown Girl” singer was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). Joel later revealed in an Instagram post that the condition led to “problems with hearing, vision, and balance,” prompting him to cancel his 2025 and 2026 tour dates. He shut down 20th Century Cycles shortly after.

Now, the celebrated singer/songwriter is preparing to auction his collection of more than 70 motorcycles. 

The Billy Joel Motorcycle Collection includes standouts like a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville gifted by Madison Square Garden (for Joel’s 150th sold-out MSG show), a 1982 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood Replica, and a 1975 Ducati 750 Sport. Lest we forget, the 1975 Norton Commando 850 Mk III, 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR-1000 Cafe Racer, and 1982 Suzuki GS1000S Katana that are also on offer. 

Starting today through Monday, October 12, select offerings from the Billy Joel Motorcycle Collection will be on display at New York City’s Rockefeller Center. Gooding Christie’s will then feature the collection in its Retromobile New York Auctions at the Javits Convention Center on November 20-21. All 70 lots will be sold with no reserve. Proceeds from each sale will go toward The Joel Foundation, an organization that supports music education, women’s health, and environmental causes. 

Billy Joel will always be a motorcycle enthusiast, but as he explained in a prepared statement, he’s “loved building this collection. Now it's someone else's turn to hit the road.”