Walk into the Hockanum Mill in Rockville, Connecticut, and the first thing that hits you isn't the history. It’s the smell. It is that intoxicating, oily, metallic scent of old engines and high-octane dreams. Honestly, most museums feel like sterile hospitals for dead objects. This place? It feels like a living, breathing garage where the mechanics just stepped out for a quick coffee.
The New England Motorcycle Museum is the brainchild of Ken Kaplan. You might know him from "Kaplan Cycles" on YouTube or just as that high-energy guy who seems to possess a borderline-obsessive passion for two wheels. He didn't just open a museum; he rescued a massive, crumbling 19th-century textile mill and filled it with millions of dollars' worth of chrome and steel.
It’s huge.
Seriously, the scale of the Hockanum Mill project is hard to wrap your head around until you're standing in front of those massive brick walls. We are talking about 150,000 square feet of space. While not every square inch is covered in bikes yet, the sheer density of what is on display is staggering.
The Resurrection of the Hockanum Mill
Most people don't realize that the building itself is just as much of an exhibit as the bikes. Back in the day, this was a powerhouse of the American Industrial Revolution. It produced high-quality woolens. Then, like so many New England mills, it fell into a state of "urban decay." That's a polite way of saying it was a rotting eyesore filled with broken glass and pigeons.
Kaplan spent years—and a massive amount of his own money, supplemented by state grants—to remediate the site. It was a mess. Lead paint, asbestos, the whole nine yards. But if you look at the floors today, you’ll see the original thick wooden planks, scarred and stained by a century of industrial use. They provide the perfect backdrop for a 1970s Honda CB750 or a vintage Indian Chief.
It’s gritty. It’s real. It’s exactly what a motorcycle museum should be.
What You’ll Actually See Inside
Don't expect a chronological, boring walk-through. This isn't a textbook. The New England Motorcycle Museum collection is eclectic. One minute you’re looking at a pristine, museum-grade Ducati, and the next, you’re staring at a row of rugged dirt bikes that look like they just finished a desert race in 1984.
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The collection rotates because Kaplan is constantly buying and selling. It’s a working museum.
- The Japanese Invasion: There's a heavy emphasis on the bikes that changed the world in the 60s and 70s. You’ll see plenty of Kawasaki Triples—the "widowmakers"—and early Gold Wings that look impossibly small compared to the modern battleships Honda builds today.
- European Classics: Triumphs, Nortons, and BSAs are scattered throughout. There is something about the lines of a vintage Bonneville that just makes modern bikes look... plastic.
- American Iron: It wouldn't be New England without Indians and Harleys. But they also have some oddities, like the Cushman scooters and random moped brands you've probably never heard of.
Why Rockville?
Rockville (part of Vernon) is an interesting choice. It’s not exactly a tourist mecca like Mystic or Newport. But that’s part of the charm. It’s a blue-collar town with deep roots, and the museum fits the aesthetic perfectly. You’re about 20 minutes outside of Hartford.
The ride there is actually pretty decent if you take the back roads. Avoid I-84 if you can. If you're coming from the north, snake through the Tolland County hills. The museum has plenty of parking for bikes, and on a Saturday, the lot usually looks like a mini-show itself.
You've got people on $40,000 adventure bikes chatting with guys on ratty 80s cruisers. It’s a total lack of pretension.
The Kaplan Influence
You can't talk about the New England Motorcycle Museum without talking about the "Kaplan America" persona. Ken is a polarizing figure for some, but you can’t deny his impact. His YouTube channel has brought global eyes to this small Connecticut town.
When you visit, you might see the film crew. You might see the mechanics working in the back shop. This isn't a "don't touch the glass" kind of place. Well, actually, please don't touch the bikes—the oil from your skin is bad for the metal—but you get the point. It’s an active business.
The museum houses one of the largest collections in the Northeast, but it’s the restoration shop that keeps the lights on. They take bikes that look like they were pulled from the bottom of a lake and turn them into rolling art.
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Addressing the Skeptics
Some people complain about the admission price. It’s usually around $20.
Is it worth it?
Think about it this way: You’re paying for the preservation of history and the massive overhead of keeping a giant brick mill heated in a Connecticut winter. If you’re a "bike person," you’ll spend three hours here. You’ll find yourself staring at the cooling fins on a vintage air-cooled engine like it’s a Renaissance sculpture. If you’re not a bike person, you might be out in 45 minutes.
But even for the non-riders, the photography opportunities are insane. The light coming through those tall mill windows hitting a chrome gas tank? It’s a dream for anyone with a camera.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think this is just a stagnant collection. It’s not.
Because Kaplan is a dealer, the inventory is fluid. You might go in June and see a rare 1920s Henderson, and by September, it’s been sold to a collector in California and replaced by a fleet of mint-condition Penton dirt bikes. This keeps the experience fresh for locals.
Another misconception: It’s only for "old" guys.
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The museum has a surprising amount of 80s and 90s "youngtimer" bikes. Radwood-era sportbikes and early Ninjas are starting to take center stage. They recognize that for a 35-year-old rider, a 1992 Suzuki GSX-R is just as "classic" as a 1950s Panhead is to a 70-year-old.
Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Hours: They aren't open every single day. Usually, it's a Friday-Sunday deal, but check their social media or website before you haul your bike out there.
- Eat Locally: Don't just hit a drive-thru. There are some solid local spots in Vernon and nearby Manchester.
- Talk to the Staff: The people working there actually know their stuff. They aren't just security guards; they’re enthusiasts. Ask about the story behind a specific bike. There’s usually a good one.
- Bring a Jacket: Even in summer, those old mills can be a bit drafty, and in the shoulder seasons, it gets chilly inside.
The Future of the Collection
The dream for the New England Motorcycle Museum is even bigger than what you see now. There are plans for a restaurant, a microbrewery, and more event spaces. It’s becoming a destination.
In a world where everything is becoming digital and "virtual," there is something deeply satisfying about a place dedicated to mechanical grit. It’s a reminder of a time when you could fix things with a wrench and a screwdriver.
The museum isn't just about motorcycles; it’s about the spirit of American manufacturing. It’s about taking something that was left for dead—be it a bike or a building—and bringing it back to life.
If you find yourself in the Northeast, do yourself a favor. Get off the highway. Find the old mill with the big "KAPLAN" sign. Take a walk through the history of two-wheeled transport. Even if you don't ride, you'll leave with a newfound respect for the engineers and daredevils who built these machines.
Actionable Steps for Enthusiasts
If you're planning a trip, start by following the Kaplan Cycles YouTube channel to see what new arrivals might be on the floor when you arrive. Check the weather for the Vernon, CT area, as the ride through the surrounding Stafford and Ellington backroads is half the fun.
Plan for at least two to three hours to properly see all three floors currently open to the public. If you are a photographer, try to arrive during "golden hour" or early afternoon to catch the light streaming through the original industrial windows—it's the best natural lighting you'll find in any museum in the country. Finally, keep an eye on their event calendar; the museum often hosts bike shows and "swap meet" style events that bring out the best of the local riding community.