Billy Joel's Motorcycle Collection Heads to NYC Auction
Over 70 of the legendary rocker's prized motorcycles, including rare Harleys, Yamahas, and BMWs, will be offered at auction in November.
Legendary musician Billy Joel is putting his extensive collection of over 70 motorcycles up for auction in New York City. The sale, handled by Gooding Christie’s, will feature a variety of classic bikes, including Harley-Davidsons, Yamahas, and BMWs, with expectations that they will fetch significant prices.
"I’ve always been drawn to bikes built by people who cared about getting every detail right. I’ve loved building this collection. Now it’s someone else’s turn to hit the road," Joel said in a statement. The auction is scheduled for November 20 and 21 at the Javits Center.
Among the notable motorcycles to be sold is a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville, which was gifted to Joel by Madison Square Garden after his 150th sold-out show. This bike is estimated to sell for around $15,000. Also featured are a 1982 Ducati Mike Hailwood 900 and a restored 1975 Ducati 750 Sport, described by Christie's as "one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever conceived" and expected to bring approximately $35,000.
Before the auction, the public will have an opportunity to view the collection at Christie's Rockefeller Center showroom from October 8 to 12. This event is part of Rétromobile's expansion into New York, in partnership with Gooding Christie's.
"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," said 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 NY in November."
Proceeds from the sale will benefit The Joel Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on music education and the arts. This auction follows Joel's decision to close his Long Island motorcycle shop last year, after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition affecting fluid buildup in the brain that can impact cognitive functions.