More than 70 motorcycles collected over the years by Billy Joel are going up for sale in Manhattan this fall, with proceeds benefiting his music education charity.
The collection, which includes Harley-Davidsons, Yamahas and BMWs, will be auctioned Nov. 20 and 21 at the Javits Center by Gooding Christie’s, the auction house announced.
“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,” Joel, 77, said in a statement.
Among the highlights is a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville that Madison Square Garden gave Joel to mark his 150th sold-out show there. It’s expected to sell for around $15,000.
Also up for bid is a 1982 Ducati Mike Hailwood 900 and a restored 1975 Ducati 750 Sport, the latter of which a Christie’s spokesperson described as “one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever conceived.” That bike is expected to fetch about $35,000.
New Yorkers can view the motorcycles ahead of the sale at the auction house’s Rockefeller Center showroom from Oct. 8 to 12, according to a Christie’s representative.
“We are truly honored 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,” said Gooding Christie’s President David Gooding.
Gooding added: “Billy Joel is one of the most recognized motorcycle enthusiasts in the world and we are thrilled to be presenting his prized collection at Rétromobile NY in November.”
The sale is being organized in partnership with Rétromobile, a classic car show that originated in Paris and is now working with Gooding Christie’s on the auction.
Proceeds from the sales will go to The Joel Foundation, which supports music education and the arts.
Last year, Joel closed his motorcycle shop on Long Island after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a fluid buildup in the brain that can affect thinking, concentration and memory. He has since undergone surgery for the condition.
