Much speculation has surrounded the rumored sale of rock superstar Billy Joel’s vast motorcycle collection, ever since he was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder in 2025. The collection of streetbikes was on display for years at 20th Century Cycles, the pianist’s Oyster Bay, Long Island workshop and museum. Many British and Italian classics were among the rare and valuable bikes in Joel’s collection and several custom American V-twins shared floor space with antique cars and other motor memorabilia he’d gathered from decades of touring.
In was recently announced that 70 of the more than 120 motorcycles have been handed over to the team at Christie’s Retromobile Auctions who announced a three-day sale over the weekend of November 21-23 at New York’s Jacob Javits Center. Always a wise man when it comes to marketing, Joel has agreed to a pre-sale display of the bikes at Christie’s Rockefeller Center location where fans and would-be buyers can get an up-close look at what’s on offer.
CRM was on hand when Joel first announced the launch of 20th Century Cycles back in 2009 and the Oyster Bay native envisioned a welcoming gathering spot for area riders to enjoy on weekends. Chief technician Alex Puls customized several cafe racers and antique rides during the shop’s 15-year run, which hosted industry events and regular rider meets.
The shop was closed last fall after Joel’s diagnosis and his recent surgery to alleviate fluid on his brain was successful, the 77 year-old singer said. It is unknown whether he will perform live again or continue riding motorcycles.
Several of the high-end custom cafe bikes at 20th Century have been test ridden and featured in CRM, including the race-ready Yamaha SR 500 special built by Mike Woolaway at Deus Erx Machina’s Los Angeles location and a choice Norton Commando custom featuring a 750cc engine, alloy bodywork and a full electric starting system from Alton of France.
Some of the auction motorcycles have been owned by Joel for decades including the 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer that he was riding when hit by a distracted driver back in 1982. For around $10,000, one lucky buyer can ride off with a 1978 Triumph 750 Bonneville that Joel was awarded by the owners of Madison Square garden for his 150th sold-out performance at the venue while several sought-after vintage Ducati superbikes are also slated for the auction block. Among them is a 1982 MH900 Mike Hailwood replica in vivid red livery and a restored 1975 750SS with Dellorto racing carburetors and original Ceriani forks.
CRM will be on hand at the auction, bringing live updates via our Instagram feed @mikeseate
