Billy Joel

[John A]

https://youtu.be/YpB9TVDd70c
From about nine years ago, Bill’s Century Motorcycle. Are they still in business?

[th_01]

They are indeed.

http://www.20thcenturycycles.com/

[skippy]

https://youtu.be/YpB9TVDd70c
From about nine years ago, Bill’s Century Motorcycle. Are they still in business?

"...business" is a slippery term here. This isn't a shop that works on anyone other than Billy Joel's stuff. They don't sell anything other than t-shirts. They are open to the public more or less like a museum.
There are exceptions of course. I think I remember Billy Joel selling a an Ambassador with an injected 1100 motor to Bruce Springsteen. There is a youtube video out there of Springsteen breaking down some where.

Either way. Cool collection and cool place. From what I understand there is only one topic forbidden to be spoken of while at the shop and that is Music. When Joel is there he wants to talk gear head stuff.

Skippy   

[Kev m]

"...business" is a slippery term here. This isn't a shop that works on anyone other than Billy Joel's stuff. They don't sell anything other than t-shirts. They are open to the public more or less like a museum.
There are exceptions of course. I think I remember Billy Joel selling a an Ambassador with an injected 1100 motor to Bruce Springsteen. There is a youtube video out there of Springsteen breaking down some where.

Either way. Cool collection and cool place. From what I understand there is only one topic forbidden to be spoken of while at the shop and that is Music. When Joel is there he wants to talk gear head stuff.

Skippy

Yeah I was gonna say it's not a business. Well I'm sure it IS from a tax shelter point of view. But it's basically like you said just his personal motorcycle collection and his hired mechanic who maintains and restores them, and can have any of them curbside, fueled, and ready to go when Billy and his friends want to go for a ride.

Still very cool that he shares it with the public no matter the reasons. Cool little place. Definitely worth the trip.

[tazio]

I was almost afraid to open this..

[Moparnut72]

I was almost afraid to open this..

Me too.
kk

[Tom]

Randy sent an invite for the 100th Anniversary MGNOC National Rally in Keene, NH.

[joe-dean]

that's my old green frame 1000s at billy joels

[twowheeladdict]

 My first concert ever was Billy Joel.

Couldn't hear a thing for all the screaming girls.  LOL!

Europeans seem to actually listen to the music whenever I see video of a concert there. 

[JJ]

They are indeed.

http://www.20thcenturycycles.com/

Just look at the photos!  Fabulous collection!!  At the end of the day...it's good to be...Billy Joel...and/or Jay Leno!!

[hauto]

Stopped there on a Friday,not opened.The man in charged let us in,very cool of him. Nice collection of bikes,but he does need to buy the property next door for the room to expand.

[wymple]

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/billy-joel-rides-a-custom-yamaha-virago-photo-gallery-55179.html#agal_2

B illy's personal favorite. At least at one time.

[skippy]

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/billy-joel-rides-a-custom-yamaha-virago-photo-gallery-55179.html#agal_2

B illy's personal favorite. At least at one time.

I must admit, that is the best looking motorcycle built around a Virago motor I have ever seen. The factory Yamaha's look like they were beaten by an ugly stick. But I suppose if you squint your eyes and maybe have a few beers you might be inspired to build an homage to Vincent around the old motor. This one is well done in my book.

Skippy

[sdcr]

Probably Alex. He gave a us a full tour of the place, with some interesting anecdotal stories.  I got the impression that Mr. Joel is good employer, as well as a Moto Guzzi Ambassador.

Stopped there on a Friday,not opened.The man in charged let us in,very cool of him. Nice collection of bikes,but he does need to buy the property next door for the room to expand.

[stratoguzzi]

I was there that day....Kinda was fun.

[JJ]

I must admit, that is the best looking motorcycle built around a Virago motor I have ever seen. The factory Yamaha's look like they were beaten by an ugly stick. But I suppose if you squint your eyes and maybe have a few beers you might be inspired to build an homage to Vincent around the old motor. This one is well done in my book.

Skippy

Agreed...That's one "way cool" custom build!   Who ever thought a Virago would look this good?!!?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

"...business" is a slippery term here. This isn't a shop that works on anyone other than Billy Joel's stuff. They don't sell anything other than t-shirts. They are open to the public more or less like a museum.
There are exceptions of course. I think I remember Billy Joel selling a an Ambassador with an injected 1100 motor to Bruce Springsteen. There is a youtube video out there of Springsteen breaking down some where.

Either way. Cool collection and cool place. From what I understand there is only one topic forbidden to be spoken of while at the shop and that is Music. When Joel is there he wants to talk gear head stuff.

Skippy

IIRC, it was a Cal Vintage with custom bodywork made to look like a Loopframe.

https://motorbikewriter.com/billy-joel-built-bruce-springsteens-moto-guzzi/

[motospotter]

some pics from the shop, including your 1000S and another of the Tonti/Loopframe custom. Bodywork by Evan Wilcox including the seat pan.

[motospotter]

an Evan Wilcox tank on the shelf pre paint and a nice loop.

[Scout63]

I’ve got to go there.  I’m not much of a music person, but he’s a bike guy which is all that matters. 

[wymple]

Agreed...That's one "way cool" custom build!   Who ever thought a Virago would look this good?!!?

I did. I liked them from day one, and have owned a couple. The only downside was the 1st 2 years starter crap. They have the best and most progressive clutch in the business, a great transmission with no fishing for neutral, the charging system and overall wiring are the best to come out of Japan that I've seen. I have never seen a bad rear end on one. Not one. Guzzi could take some lessons on driveline joints. They flick around nicely and get smoother as you wind them up, with a marvelous torque curve. The seats are good all day. Looks are subjective, but they sold them by the buttloads, so I'm not alone in my opinion.

[stratoguzzi]

    A few more pictures from that day

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I did. I liked them from day one, and have owned a couple. The only downside was the 1st 2 years starter crap. They have the best and most progressive clutch in the business, a great transmission with no fishing for neutral, the charging system and overall wiring are the best to come out of Japan that I've seen. I have never seen a bad rear end on one. Not one. Guzzi could take some lessons on driveline joints. They flick around nicely and get smoother as you wind them up, with a marvelous torque curve. The seats are good all day. Looks are subjective, but they sold them by the buttloads, so I'm not alone in my opinion.

I rode both the 750 Virago and XV920RH when they came out and liked both of them, but not enough to buy one. One of my friends bought an 1100 Virago and I rode that as well - great engine, but I hated the chassis it was in. Billy Joel's should be a blast to ride.

[JJ]

OK...that is one beautiful '75 850-T!!!  

Again...it's good to be...Billy Joel!

[steven c]

 Love to know more about the Vinago. I had a friend with the first gen Virago, nice motor.

[steven c]

Found this.I don't think I can afford one. Lots of work.  https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/more-classic-motorcycles/yamaha-virago-zmwz13mjzbea