Billy Joel’s epic motorcycle collection goes up for auction

Music icon Billy Joel is putting his personal motorcycle collection up for auction, with more than 70 prized models set to go under the hammer.

The Piano Man has enlisted Gooding Christie’s for the Rétromobile New York Auctions, with the sale set to take place at the Javits Center in New York City on November 20-21.

More than 70 lots will be available from the singer’s collection, all offered without reserve, with proceeds going to The Joel Foundation.

Among the offerings are a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville ($10,000-$15,000 without reserve), a 1982 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood Replica ($15,000-$25,000 without reserve), and a restored 1975 Ducati 750 Sport ($25,000-$35,000 without reserve).

The Triumph was gifted to Joel by Madison Square Garden to commemorate his 150th sold-out show at the famous New York venue. It was custom-painted for Joel and comes with a matching helmet listing every show and year he played at Madison Square Garden.

Other brands represented in his collection include BMW, Moto Guzzi, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki and more.

The multi-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist has held a long-time passion for two wheels and started his own Long Island-based motorcycle shop, 20th Century Cycles, in 2010.

20th Century Cycles closed its doors last year following Joel's diagnosis with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain disorder that also led to changes to his live performance plans.

Joel is now offering someone else the chance to enjoy his collection as he moves on from the motorcycle business.

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

A selection of motorcycles from Joel’s collection will be on display at Christie’s Rockefeller Center from October 8-12.