HEARTBREAKING End to Joel’s Motorcycle Dynasty

Legendary musician Billy Joel will close his beloved Long Island motorcycle shop this September after a brain disorder diagnosis forces him to step back from public life, marking the end of a 15-year community institution.

Story Highlights

• 20th Century Cycles in Oyster Bay closes after Joel’s normal pressure hydrocephalus diagnosis
• The Piano Man will auction over 75 motorcycles from his personal collection later this year
• Local economy faces impact as popular free tourist attraction disappears
• Shop served as cultural beacon since 2010, revitalizing downtown Oyster Bay

Health Crisis Forces Difficult Decision

Billy Joel announced his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus in May 2025, a serious brain disorder that affects movement and cognitive function. Medical professionals advised the 76-year-old icon to reduce stress and physical demands, prompting him to cancel his tour and make the difficult decision to shutter 20th Century Cycles. The shop’s lease expires in late September, providing a natural endpoint for this chapter of Joel’s life.

Billy Joel to close iconic Long Island motorcycle shop after brain disorder diagnosis https://t.co/FwhvcPCwuV pic.twitter.com/91sGNJGtEx

— New York Post (@nypost) August 13, 2025

Community Landmark Faces Final Days

Since opening in 2010 near Joel’s childhood home in Hicksville, 20th Century Cycles became more than just a motorcycle repair shop. The venue served as a free public attraction, drawing fans and motorcycle enthusiasts to downtown Oyster Bay. Joel’s vision extended beyond personal passion, deliberately choosing the location to revitalize the historic Long Island community and provide economic benefits to local businesses.

Auction to Showcase Impressive Collection

The closure will culminate in an auction of Joel’s extensive motorcycle collection, featuring over 75 vintage and classic bikes accumulated over decades. Industry observers expect celebrity-owned collections to command premium prices, particularly when tied to personal stories and health transitions. The auction date remains unset, but preparations are underway for what could become a significant event in the collectibles market.

Garage sales held in July already began liquidating parts and inventory, with the shop maintaining weekend hours through August for final sales. Joel’s relocation to Florida further signals his transition away from active business management as he focuses on his health needs.

Economic Impact on Local Community

The shop’s closure represents a meaningful loss for Oyster Bay’s tourism sector and cultural identity. Local businesses benefited from the foot traffic generated by motorcycle enthusiasts and Joel fans visiting the free attraction. While no direct political ramifications exist, community leaders may need to address the economic gap left by this popular destination’s departure from the downtown area.

Billy Joel to close iconic Long Island motorcycle shop after brain disorder diagnosis https://t.co/O4EjjD9VcJ

— ConservativeLibrarian (@ConserLibrarian) August 13, 2025

Staff members face job displacement as the operation winds down, though Joel’s decision stems from legitimate health concerns rather than business difficulties. The closure exemplifies how personal health challenges can ripple through communities, affecting not just celebrities but the local economies they support through their enterprises and civic engagement.

Sources:

Fox 5 NY – Billy Joel’s Long Island motorcycle shop set to close

Long Island Press – Billy Joel motorcycle shop closing

Patch – Billy Joel’s Oyster Bay motorcycle shop to close this month

CBS News – Billy Joel closing motorcycle shop 20th Century Cycles

News12 Long Island – Billy Joel’s Oyster Bay motorcycle shop closing