Legendary musician Billy Joel is bidding farewell to one of his cherished passion projects as he navigates a challenging health battle. The 76-year-old singer-songwriter is set to close his Long Island-based motorcycle shop, 20th Century Cycles, by late September, accompanied by an auction of his extensive motorcycle collection later this year, according to confirmation from his representative, Claire Mercuri.
Billy Joel’s Health Diagnosis
The news of the shop’s closure follows Joel’s recent revelation about his diagnosis with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a neurological disorder that affects vision, balance, and hearing. First disclosed in May, Joel shared that his performance schedule had exacerbated his symptoms, prompting him to seek medical advice and undergo physical therapy. Under guidance from his health team, Joel has also opted to cancel all scheduled performances through July 2026.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH is caused by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which increases cranial pressure. Typically affecting older adults, the condition is treatable through the surgical implantation of a shunt to drain excess fluid.
A Legacy of Motorcycles
20th Century Cycles, located in Oyster Bay, was founded in 2010 and quickly became a hotspot for both motorcycle enthusiasts and tourists. The shop served not only as a restoration and customization workshop but also as a gallery for Joel’s personal collection, showcasing over 75 motorcycles. Iconic brands displayed included Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Indian, and BMW.
One of the standout items in the collection is a 1952 Vincent Rapide, a rare and highly sought-after model often commanding tens of thousands of dollars at auction. Joel envisioned 20th Century Cycles as a way to preserve and share the aesthetic of motorcycles from the 1930s to the 1960s, expressing in a 2013 YouTube interview that the era’s design was “starting to be a lost aesthetic.”
Giving Back to His Community
In addition to showcasing his love for motorcycles, Joel’s shop was established to boost the local economy in Oyster Bay. A resident of the upscale waterfront community for many years, Joel’s contributions have been warmly embraced by locals, with a portion of the street where the shop resides renamed “Billy Joel Way” in 2023.
Joel’s passion for motorcycles has spanned decades, despite personal risks. Most notably, in 1982, Joel suffered significant injuries, including a dislocated wrist, after a car struck his motorcycle. Despite the incident, he remained an avid rider and frequently participated in charity events benefiting causes such as breast cancer research and support for 9/11 first responders.
What Lies Ahead
The auction date for the motorcycles has yet to be announced. While Joel has spent more time in South Florida in recent years, he continues to maintain properties in Long Island, including a home in Centre Island currently listed for $29.9 million.
Billy Joel’s storied career, which began in the mid-1960s, includes a catalog of hits that have left an indelible mark on the music world. With over 160 million records sold globally, he ranks as one of the best-selling artists of all time and the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States.
In the wake of his diagnosis, fans around the world await updates on both Joel’s health and the fate of his legendary motorcycle collection, excited to see the celebrated musician enter this new chapter in his life.