Billy Joel’s Motorcycle Collection Up for Auction in New York

Billy Joel, at the age of 77, is auctioning his renowned motorcycle collection in New York City. This extensive collection, comprising over 70 motorcycles, will be available without reserve during Gooding Christie’s inaugural auction at Retromobile New York.

David Gooding, the founder of Gooding Christie’s, described Joel as a genuine motorcycle enthusiast with a passion for diverse models. The collection includes older motorcycles, bikes with sidecars, and a range of other styles.

“The exciting thing is all the motorcycles are being sold without reserve,” Gooding noted. This means they will sell to the highest bidder, regardless of the final price.

A portion of the auction’s proceeds will support the Joel Foundation, a charity promoting nonprofit music education and public women’s health among other initiatives.

The collection showcases some of Joel’s most treasured motorcycles, including major brands such as Ducati, BMW, Moto Guzzi, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Triumph, Honda, and Kawasaki. Noteworthy items include Joel’s 1975 Ducati 750 Sport and a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville, which was gifted to him by Madison Square Garden in honor of 150 sold-out shows. The latter is expected to fetch $10,000 to $15,000 at auction.

This particular Triumph features a custom-painted keyboard design on the tank and comes with a matching helmet listing every Madison Square Garden show Joel performed.

Another significant machine is the 1982 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood Replica, estimated to sell for $15,000 to $25,000. This model was released to honor Hailwood’s triumphant return at the 1978 Isle of Man race.

A 1975 Ducati 750 Sport, restored to near-original condition, is valued between $25,000 and $35,000. It is regarded as one of the most attractive motorcycles ever conceived by collectors.

The auction, scheduled for Nov. 20-21, coincides with the display of these remarkable bikes at New York’s Javits Center. As a leading consignment for its debut sale, Gooding Christie’s positions the Billy Joel Motorcycle Collection as a highlight.

Gooding remarked that the collection will attract both Joel’s fan base and motorcycle enthusiasts due to the significant value and interest in the bikes themselves.

“I’ve always been drawn to bikes built by people who cared about getting every detail right,” Joel expressed in a statement shared via Gooding Christie’s. “I’ve loved building this collection. Now it’s someone else’s turn to hit the road.”