Today in motorcycle history, April 17, 1982

                  

  The New York Times reported that singer/songwriter Billy Joel was injured in a motorcycle accident on Long Island Thursday, and he is reported to be in ''quite good'' condition yesterday after major surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York.

   Dr. David L. Andrews, who performed surgery on Mr. Joel's right wrist and left thumb for two hours, said the singer should regain ''full activity in regard to his occupation'' in three to four months.

''He'll be fine,'' said Elizabeth Joel, the 32-year-old performer's wife. ''We're all highly relieved. He's in excellent spirits, he feels great, but his hands hurt.''  His hands will get well enough to divorce her and marry Christie Brinkley in 2 years time.

   According to Sgt. Ted Avinila, of the Suffolk County police, Mr. Joel was riding his 1978 Harley Davidson through the intersection of New York Avenue and West Ninth Street in Huntington, L.I., at about 5:40 P.M. Thursday.

   He said the bike struck a car driven by Cornelia Bynum of Huntington when she made a turn onto New York Avenue.  The Pianoman was taken to a nearby hospital, then by helicopter to Presbyterian Hospital.  He was said to be in a New York State of Mind.

  As usual, the driver of the car was not hurt.