Billy Joel's vintage motorcycle collection heads to auction
Billy Joel will auction more than 70 vintage motorcycles—including Ducatis and Triumphs—without reserve at Gooding Christie's Retromobile New York sale in November, with proceeds going to the Joel Foundation. The billy joel8217s bonkers vintage collection marks a major collectibles event for fans of the six-time Grammy winner.
Key Takeaways
- More than 70 of Billy Joel's vintage motorcycles will be offered without reserve in November.
- Gooding Christie's presents the lots at Retromobile New York at Manhattan's Javits Center from Nov. 19 to 22.
- Highlights include a MSG-gifted 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville and standout Ducatis with five-figure estimates.
- Proceeds support the Joel Foundation, which funds music programs for students and communities.
What is going to auction from Billy Joel's motorcycle collection?
The six-time Grammy winner is consigning over 70 vintage bikes spanning Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Triumph, Yamaha, and more. Robb Report notes Joel put some of his success into one of the most lust-worthy motorcycle collections you will find—now headed to bidders rather than staying parked in private storage.
A sparkling blue 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville is expected to draw strong interest. Madison Square Garden gifted the bike for Joel's 150th sold-out show at the arena. It carries piano-key paint on the fuel tank, special "Billy Joel 150" badging on the air box, and a matching helmet, with a presale estimate of $10,000 to $15,000.
Ducati enthusiasts will watch a restored yellow-and-black 1975 750 Sport, widely considered one of the most beautiful motorcycles of all time, estimated at $25,000 to $35,000. A 1982 900 Mike Hailwood replica—styled after the red-and-green superbike Hailwood rode to Isle of Man victory in 1978—carries a $15,000 to $25,000 estimate.
When and where will the Billy Joel bikes be sold?
Gooding Christie's will offer the two-wheelers at its inaugural Retromobile New York sale during the classic car show at the Javits Center in Manhattan, running Nov. 19 to 22. The motorcycles are being sold without reserve, so hammer prices will reflect whatever the room is willing to pay on auction day.
That no-reserve approach can intensify bidding for celebrity-owned machines and may widen access for collectors chasing Ducatis, Triumphs, and other makes from the Piano Man's celebrated stash. Coverage of high-end lifestyle and collectible culture also lives in our Luxury Real Estate & Dream Homes category hub.
Why is Billy Joel selling his vintage motorcycles now?
"I've always been drawn to bikes built by people who cared about getting every detail right," Joel said in a statement. "I've loved building this collection. Now it's someone else's turn to hit the road."
Sale proceeds will go to the Joel Foundation, a nonprofit that provides grants and support to organizations bringing the power of music to students and communities. For collectors and fans alike, the November sale turns a private passion project into a public moment on the block.