Legendary musician Billy Joel is preparing to auction his extensive motorcycle collection in New York. Over 70 motorcycles from his personal collection will be available during Gooding Christie’s inaugural auction at Retromobile New York next month. The sale, happening on November 20-21 at the Javits Center, will not have any reserve prices, allowing the highest bids to win.
Gooding Christie’s founder, David Gooding, spoke about Joel’s passion for motorcycles, highlighting the variety in the collection. “Billy Joel is a genuine enthusiast who loves all sorts of motorcycles,” Gooding said. The collection encompasses older models, sidecar bikes, and many others, including brands like Ducati, BMW, Moto Guzzi, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Triumph, Honda, and Kawasaki.
“The appealing thing is all motorcycles are being sold without reserve,” explained Gooding. This means each motorcycle will go to the highest bidder, irrespective of the bid amount.
Notably, a portion of the auction proceeds will benefit the Joel Foundation. This charity supports music education and women’s public health projects, among other initiatives.
One of the standout items is a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville, gifted to Joel by Madison Square Garden after he performed 150 sold-out shows. This unique bike, featuring a keyboard paint design on the tank, is estimated to fetch between $10,000 and $15,000. Accompanied by a matching helmet listing all his shows and years at the venue, it’s a piece of both music and motorcycling history. Joel still holds the record for the most sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden.
The collection also includes a 1982 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood Replica, expected to sell for $15,000 to $25,000, as well as a beautifully restored 1975 Ducati 750 Sport, estimated at $25,000 to $35,000.
Joel has expressed his enthusiasm for motorcycles, stating, “I’ve always been drawn to bikes built by people who cared about getting every detail right.” Now, he invites new owners to experience the joy his collection has brought him.
Beyond his motorcycle interests, Billy Joel has faced personal health challenges. In May 2025, he disclosed his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition affecting vision, hearing, and balance. He underwent surgery to address this issue, as the condition intensified due to his concert activities. NPH is characterized by a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and is often seen in individuals over 65. Treatment usually involves surgery to drain excess fluid.
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