New York City – Over 70 motorcycles from Billy Joel’s personal collection will be placed on the block at Gooding Christie’s inaugural Retromobile New York auction next month. The auction, scheduled for Nov. 20‑21 at the Javits Center, will sell each bike without reserve, meaning the highest bidder wins regardless of price.
Charitable Purpose
Gooding Christie’s founder David Gooding said a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Joel Foundation, a nonprofit that supports music‑education initiatives, public women’s health programs, and other community projects. “It’s a wonderful charity that supports non‑profit music education and public women’s health,” Gooding told Fox News Digital.
Highlights from the Collection
The collection spans a wide range of makes and models, including Ducati, BMW, Moto Guzzi, Harley‑Davidson, Yamaha, Triumph, Honda, Kawasaki and more. Among the most notable items is a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville that was gifted to Joel by Madison Square Garden to commemorate his 150 sold‑out shows at the venue. The bike, painted with a keyboard on the tank and accompanied by a matching helmet listing every show and year, is expected to fetch between $10,000 and $15,000.
Also featured is an iconic 1982 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood replica, estimated at $15,000‑$25,000, and a restored 1975 Ducati 750 Sport valued at $25,000‑$35,000, which Gooding described as “one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever conceived.”
Joel’s Statement
In a statement shared through Gooding Christie’s, Joel said, “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.”
Health Background
Joel, 77, underwent brain surgery in 2025 after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition that can affect vision, hearing and balance. He has spoken publicly about how his rock‑and‑roll lifestyle contributed to nerve damage, leading to the surgery and a temporary pause in his touring schedule.
Local Impact
The auction offers a unique opportunity for both Billy Joel fans and motorcycle enthusiasts in the New York area to acquire rare, historically significant bikes while supporting a charitable cause. Gooding Christie’s expects a dual pool of buyers: collectors drawn to the motorcycles themselves and fans eager to own a piece of the singer’s legacy.
All motorcycles will be displayed at the Javits Center prior to the auction, giving local enthusiasts a chance to view the collection up close.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
