Billy Joel is synonymous with classic rock anthems and piano-led ballads, but the “Piano Man” has long pursued another passion: vintage motorcycles.
After decades spent collecting, restoring and riding classic bikes, Joel is preparing to auction more than 70 motorcycles from his personal collection.
The motorcycles will be offered at Gooding Christie’s inaugural Rétromobile New York Auctions on November 20 and 21. Every lot will be sold without reserve.
In practical terms, bidders will face no minimum price, giving collectors the opportunity to buy one of Joel’s motorcycles at whatever level the auction reaches.
The sale is scheduled for Manhattan’s Javits Center during Rétromobile New York, the first North American edition of the renowned French classic-vehicle event.
Although Joel’s celebrity is likely to bring added attention, several motorcycles in the collection carry relatively approachable estimates.
One standout is a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville, which is expected to sell for between $10,000 and $15,000.
Madison Square Garden presented the custom-painted motorcycle to Joel after he performed his 150th sold-out show at the iconic New York venue.
After decades of collecting, restoring and riding vintage motorcycles, Billy Joel is offering more than 70 of his prized machines at auction.
The lot also includes a matching helmet decorated with a list of every show and year Joel performed at the Garden.
Joel remains the record-holder for the most sold-out lifetime performances at Madison Square Garden, with 150 shows at the celebrated venue.
Another notable lot is a 1982 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood Replica, carrying an estimate of $15,000 to $25,000.
Ducati created the model to honor British racing icon Mike Hailwood’s remarkable return to victory at the Isle of Man TT in 1978.
At the higher end of the featured estimates is a restored 1975 Ducati 750 Sport, valued at $25,000 to $35,000.
Joel’s garage spans far more than a single marque. The auction includes motorcycles from Ducati, BMW, Moto Guzzi, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Triumph, Honda and Kawasaki.
The sale represents the latest chapter in a motorcycle obsession Joel has cultivated over many years.
In 2010, he opened 20th Century Cycles in Oyster Bay, Long Island. The motorcycle shop evolved into a combination of restoration workshop, gallery and destination for enthusiasts of classic bikes.
Billy Joel at 20th Century Cycles, his motorcycle shop in Oyster Bay, New York (Photo by Bruce Gilbert/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
A 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville is among the collection’s highlights, with an estimate of $10,000 to $15,000.
A restored 1975 Ducati 750 Sport is expected to bring between $25,000 and $35,000.
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Joel has previously explained that he loved the look of older motorcycles but appreciated that modern machines generally worked better
At its height, the collection contained more than 75 motorcycles, many of which were displayed to the public.
Joel has previously explained that he loved the look of older motorcycles but appreciated that modern machines generally worked better.
As a result, the bikes in his collection were often modified to be practical, rideable machines while retaining their vintage character.
The Oyster Bay shop closed in 2025 after Joel was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, which had affected his hearing, vision and balance.
But the 77-year-old has since revealed that surgery to implant a shunt has improved his memory, balance and day-to-day functioning.
Now, the auction marks the end of an era for what had become a much-loved local attraction.
But Joel isn’t simply waving goodbye to the bikes and pocketing the proceeds.
Money raised from the sale is intended to support The Joel Foundation, which backs nonprofit organizations working in areas including music education, health, humanitarian causes and the environment.
And Joel appears to be taking the split in typically good spirits.
The auction will take place at the Javits Center in Manhattan as part of Rétromobile New York, the first North American edition of the famous French classic-vehicle even
The collection is anything but a one-make affair, with machines from Ducati, BMW, Moto Guzzi, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Triumph, Honda and Kawasaki among the bikes being offered. It is the culmination of a passion Joel has nurtured for decades
‘I’ve always been drawn to bikes built by people who cared about getting every detail right,’ he said.
‘I’ve loved building this collection. Now it’s someone else’s turn to hit the road.’
For fans who want to get a closer look before bidding, selected motorcycles from the collection will be displayed at Christie’s Rockefeller Center from October 8 to 12.
The full auction will then move to the Javits Center, where the public preview runs alongside the Rétromobile New York event.
The full online catalogue is expected to be released in October.
So while most people know Joel as the man behind Piano Man, Uptown Girl and We Didn’t Start the Fire, a lucky bidder could soon be telling friends they own a little piece of his other great love.
Just don’t expect to get it for the price of a piano lesson.
