Billy Joel is preparing to close a chapter of his life that blends personal passion with public connection. The legendary singer-songwriter, 76, recently revealed that he has been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain, potentially affecting balance, hearing, vision, and cognitive functions. Joel has been candid about the diagnosis, saying it has not left him “deathly ill” but has created balance issues that feel, in his words, “like being on a boat.” While the condition is treatable, it has prompted him to scale back performances and focus on his health, leading to the cancellation of his remaining tour dates.
Amid this shift, Joel has decided to close his Long Island motorcycle shop, 20th Century Cycles, and auction off the collection that made it a destination for enthusiasts from across the country. The shop, located in Oyster Bay, has been a fixture since it opened in 2010, part workshop and part museum, filled with more than 75 motorcycles—most of them vintage, many customized to Joel’s specifications. Visitors could wander among the gleaming machines free of charge, soaking in a slice of motorcycling history alongside memorabilia that spoke to Joel’s eye for design and engineering.
The decision to close the shop came with the expiration of its lease, and Joel has chosen not to renew. By late September, the storefront will be empty, the gallery walls bare. The motorcycles have already been removed, with parts sales continuing on weekends through August as the last remnants of the collection are prepared for departure. Later this year, the bikes will be auctioned, with details of the sale still to come. For collectors and fans, it will be a rare opportunity to own a piece of Joel’s life outside of music—whether it’s a perfectly restored classic or one of the custom builds he personally commissioned.
The closure marks the end of a deeply personal project. 20th Century Cycles wasn’t just a display space; it was a reflection of Joel’s lifelong fascination with two-wheeled machines. The shop was born out of his desire to share that passion, not simply keep it hidden in a private garage. Over the years, the collection drew motorcycle aficionados, curious tourists, and locals alike. It became such a recognizable part of Oyster Bay that in 2023, the street outside was renamed “Billy Joel Way.”
Joel’s connection to motorcycles has always mirrored his approach to music: an appreciation for craftsmanship, a respect for history, and a willingness to put his own creative stamp on something he loves. The shop’s closure, combined with his health challenges, represents a moment of transition, but not retreat. He has been clear that while the diagnosis has changed his day-to-day life, it has not dampened his spirit or outlook.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus can often be managed with medical intervention, and Joel has expressed optimism about his prognosis. While the condition has altered his mobility—making walking and standing for long periods more difficult—it has not diminished his energy for the projects and people that matter most to him. In stepping back from touring and from maintaining the motorcycle shop, Joel is choosing to focus his time on what he can continue to enjoy fully, whether in the recording studio, with family and friends, or in quieter creative pursuits.
For his fans, the upcoming motorcycle auction will carry a bittersweet resonance. It is both a farewell to the physical space that held decades of stories and a celebration of the artistry—mechanical and musical—that Joel has championed throughout his career. As the bikes move on to new owners and the shop shutters its doors, the memories will remain: a rock icon standing among his beloved machines, sharing a smile with a visitor, or leaning over a tank to admire the perfect curve of a frame. In the end, 20th Century Cycles was never just about motorcycles—it was about connection, craftsmanship, and the joy of sharing what you love. And that, much like his music, endures.
