Billy Joel is parting with a major piece of his life outside music, putting more than 70 vintage motorcycles from his personal collection up for auction this November. Gooding Christie's, in partnership with Rétromobile New York Auctions, will host the sale, its inaugural event, on November 20 and 21 at the Javits Center in Manhattan, with a selection of the bikes on public display beforehand at Christie's Rockefeller Center from October 8 through 12.
The collection spans decades and includes machines from top manufacturers such as Ducati, BMW, Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Honda, Kawasaki and Moto Guzzi, all offered without reserve. Gooding Christie's president David Gooding called the sale a fitting tribute to Joel's legacy, saying, "We are truly honoured 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. Billy Joel is one of the most recognised motorcycle enthusiasts in the world." Joel, who was diagnosed last year with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition affecting balance, vision and hearing, had previously announced plans to close his Long Island motorcycle shop, 20th Century Cycles, after roughly 15 years in business, following his decision to cancel his touring schedule for treatment. Reflecting on the decision to let go of the collection, Joel said in a statement, "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." Proceeds from the sale will benefit The Joel Foundation, the charitable organisation led by Joel and his daughter, Alexis Joel.