Billy Joel Will Auction Motorcycle Collection This November
New York City collectors can bid on 70 motorcycles at the Javits Center as part of the Retromobile New York Auto Show.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Motocycles
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Musician Billy Joel is set to auction his 70-piece motorcycle collection on November 20-21 at the Javits Center in New York City. The auction features bikes sold without reserve, with all proceeds benefiting the Joel Foundation.
Why it matters
The sale follows the 2025 closure of the 20th Century Cycles showroom in Oyster Bay and marks a transition for the 77-year-old artist as he recovers from surgery for normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Highlighted lots include a 1975 Ducati Sport valued at up to $35,000 and a Triumph Bonneville commemorating his 150 Madison Square Garden shows, estimated between $10,000 and $15,000.
The players
Billy Joel
An iconic musician and motorcycle enthusiast whose 20th Century Cycles showroom in Oyster Bay served as a local hub for collectors before closing in 2025.
Gooding Christie's
A high-end auction house managing the sale of the collection during the upcoming Retromobile New York Auto Show.
Joel Foundation
The charitable organization that will receive the proceeds from the sale of the motorcycle collection.
The details
The collection, which includes a 1982 Ducati Mike Hailwood Replica, is being managed by Gooding Christie's. Selected motorcycles from the 70-bike catalog are currently on public display at Christie's Auction House ahead of the event. The auction will take place during the Retromobile New York Auto Show, providing a venue for prospective buyers to view the inventory before bidding begins.
Timeline
Christie's is displaying selected motorcycles through Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.
The auction is scheduled for Nov. 20-21, 2026, at the Javits Center.
The Home Front
This auction follows the documented 2025 closure of the 20th Century Cycles showroom in Oyster Bay, representing a significant shift in the local motorcycle hobbyist market. The sale concludes a multi-year trend of downsizing, following the sale of the owner's $29 million Centre Island estate.
Prospective bidders should visit the Christie's display through Monday to inspect the condition of individual machines before the auction. Collectors should verify that their garage space and maintenance tools are prepared for new inventory before participating in the Javits Center event.
The takeaway
The sale offers a unique opportunity to acquire pieces from a well-known private collection while supporting the Joel Foundation. Review the full auction catalog online to identify specific models of interest, such as the 1978 custom Triumph Bonneville, before the event kicks off on November 20.
Further reading
Explore more upcoming motorcycles events and news happening around New York City.
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