Legendary musician Billy Joel to sell prized motorcycle collection at auction

More than 70 motorcycles are set to be auctioned from the legendary Billy Joel collection next month, including a 1982 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood Replica.

A restored 1975 Ducati 750 Sport is also set for the auction block, as is a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville.

This last motorcycle is a very special one to the legendary singer and songwriter, as it was gifted to him by Madison Square Garden as part of his 150th sold-out show at the famous venue. 

The motorcycle was commissioned especially for the musician, and according to the auction house in charge of selling his iconic collection, Gooding Christie’s, it will be sold with a matching helmet listing every show and year he played at Madison Square Garden.

Gooding Christie’s President David Gooding said:

“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. Billy Joel is one of the most recognized motorcycle enthusiasts in the world and we are thrilled to be presenting his prized collection at Retromobile NY in November.”

Joel’s motorcycle collection will be sold as part of the two-day auction taking place on Friday, November 20, and Saturday, November 21, in New York.

A six-time Grammy award winner with over 23 nominations, Joel is selling his extensive collection following a diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).

NPH, also referred to as malresorptiver hydrocephalus, can lead to increased spinal fluid pressure and cause the person to have memory impairment, urinary issues, and balance problems. Joel was diagnosed earlier this year, which led to him cancelling all upcoming shows. 

You could be forgiven for thinking the bulk of Joel’s collection is centred around Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles, which is far from the truth. 

The lots heading to auction will include a wide variety of models and makes, including bikes from Ducati, BMW, Moto Guzzi, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Triumph, Honda, Kawasaki, and more.

News of Joel's collection heading to auction was initially confirmed around the same time that the artist nicknamed, 'Piano Man', announced he would also be closing his 20th Century Cycles motorcycle shop. 

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