Monday, October 28, 2013

Harley Davidson Store - Midtown East

This place LOOKED so interesting that I wanted very badly to check it out with Yelp

Well, this is one time when the negative reviews prevail that I am running the posting...

Seems like if you don't expect much here and know exactly what you want you may do OK

Expensive, and wow do a lot of people dislike the attitude of the sales staff here

It's not everyone hates it though, a good number of people felt the place was OK

Harley Davidson of Ny

2.5 star rating
20 reviews Rating Details
686 Lexington Ave
(between 56th St & 57th St)
New York, NY 10022
Neighborhood: Midtown East
(212) 355-3003
Nearest Transit Station:
59 St. (4, 5, 6, 6X)
Lexington Ave./59 St. (N, Q, R)
Lexington Ave./53 St. (E, M)
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites' | Facebook Friends'

20 reviews in English

  • Review from

    • 13 friends
    • 30 reviews
    Astoria, NY
    6/20/2013
    I knew what I needed - a simple, el cheapo, everyday backpack.  Some stores that sell them for twenty bucks, for example, don't do you any favors, since the quality is the worst, and obviously wouldn't last more than a few months with daily use.

    The one I bought was $89, an old model and $30 cheaper than the new replacement ones.  The salesman assured me that the quality was just as good but that the company simply raised the price because it was a new model, which I thought was very honest.

    They weren't "slyly" suspicious, as per the other reviewers, but more in a good-natured way, possibly having read the criticisms, and I felt no animosity.  I had to signal for help to the guy watching me, and he was quietly friendly and helpful.  As for being spied on, there are a lot worse places than this in that regard - NYC being what it is.  And there's an H-D logo that reminds me of pure American success every time I look at it.

    Also, there's a fantastic selection of leathers, helmets, t-shirts and trinkets, so maybe the critics were simply frustrated that they couldn't pocket some of the stuff.
  • Review from

    • 5 friends
    • 1 review
    Rossville, Staten Island, NY
    10/21/2013
    If it was possible to give ZERO stars, I would ... pushy, obnoxious salesmen that follow you around the store and hover over you like you're a thief ... overpriced TOURIST TRAP ... I don't know how the Harley-Davidson allows these weasels to have a franchise ... Maybe NYC is a cash cow and they're willing to overlook the bad behaviour.
  • Review from

    • 5 friends
    • 86 reviews
    Lutz, FL
    10/20/2013 1 check-in here
    This store is a joke. The prices are outta this world, I don't give a damn if it's New York City or not!! And the staff was lurking over me and anyone who walked thru the door as if we're gonna steal a ton of items. And God forbid if you have any questions, the lurking staff will get annoyed if you even ask. It's a damn shame because I went in there going to purchase several shirts and sweatshirts, I'll wait to go to another Harley shop!!!
  • Review from

    • 40 friends
    • 833 reviews
    Bakersfield, CA
    3/21/2013
    Was in New York to watch the U.S. Open, and some friends asked us to go to Harley Davidson to pick them up some shirts.  Took the subway here from Flushing and had no problems finding the place.

    Right when we walked in, we were greeted and asked if we needed any help.  The store was clean, well stocked, and well organized.  We were able to find what we needed, and our friends loved the shirts.

    Can't complain about my experience here, and I would come back.
  • Review from

    • 1 friend
    • 29 reviews
    New York, NY
    4/11/2013
    The location is small and gear is over-priced. The store is not run by people who love and ride Harleys, it's just a job to them.

    This is the only store in Manhattan, so if your desperate, then ride to live, just don't expect the staff to have the same mentality.
  • Review from

    • 14 friends
    • 14 reviews
    Palm Springs, CA
    8/14/2013
    Worst Harley Dealership experience EVER!!!  Being Harley owners, my husband and I make it a tradition to stop at a Harley Dealership wherever we travel to and always purchase shirts/chips for souvenirs  We had apx $200 of merchandise to purchase when we spotted a stack of shirts on a sales cubby display that were not hanging on the racks nor displayed elsewhere and had clearance tags on them.  My husband found a couple he liked and when he was looking for his size one of the sales reps said rudely "EXCUSE ME" to me.  I was standing behind my husband so I moved to the side and said "sorry" The rude salesman than again only said "EXCUSE ME!" So my husband moved over thinking he was trying to get into a door next him for employees, mind you this entire store is completely crammed and there is hardly any room to walk about and shop in.  The salesman than raised his voice even more and snarled at my husband yelling "EXCUSE ME. THOSE ARE HANGING AND I NEED TO GET IN THERE" Everyone in the store was looking our way now.  I looked at the rack he was implying these shirts were on and they weren't.   Instead we left the shirts we were intending to buy on the that rack and walked out of the stored.  I could not believe the attitudes at this specific dealership. We traveled all over CA/Texas/Nevada/Arizona/New Mexico/Montana/Idaho and have never experienced an unwelcoming visit at a Harley Davidson Store.   I highly recommend avoiding this store, it is not worth the merchandise in it!
  • Review from

    • 20 friends
    • 14 reviews
    Jamul, CA
    4/5/2013
    These guys follow you around and treat you like a thief. This place is nothing more than a price inflated, over glorified gift shop. Steer clear of here if you actually ride and value traditional Harley values. The cagers that work here couldn't care less about your business.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review
    Bloomington, IL
    7/20/2013
    I Am A Loyal Harley Davidson Owner (Electra Glide Limited) And.i Get A Tshirt Every City I Visit  I Went.To This Shop And Was Appalled At How The Owner Is Screwing Customers.  Even On Sale, TshirtsThat Should Cost $25 Were On The Rack For $39.  Even For New York, That Is Ridiculous Price Gouging And bothThe Owner And Harley Davidson Should Be Ashamed.  Don't Waste Your Time Stopping By This Shop.
  • Review from

    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews
    Four Oaks, NC
    12/13/2012
    Everything was overpriced based on other Harley stores I have been too. To be somewhat expected in NYC, but more than double the price of a t-shirt is ridiculous.  Very large selection, but the staff was rude and acted annoyed that we had even come in their store. Only one of them spoke to us and that was a hateful "Hi" at best.

    Then they watch you like a hawk - which is very uncomfortable. As a Harley Owner   of over 20 years, this is the worst Harley store I've ever been to.
  • Review from

    Manhattan, NY
    11/22/2012 1 check-in here
    I stopped by here not too long ago during the weekday. First impressions were that the staff were not very helpful because I had to wait roughly 15 minutes before getting help from one of the staff and the place wasn't even busy. I was looking for riding gloves, and was directed to the more expensive lineup right away.  I do agree with one of the reviewers that the staff does watch you closely, in anticipation they will make a sale. Well, given that the store is very small, I think that's inevitable.  I got better service at a HD just outside of town, namely at the Bergen County HD.  However, if you don't have a way to get outside the city to that location, you're stuck going to this one.  It could be that there's better service on the weekend.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 33 reviews
    New York, NY
    4/28/2012 3 photos
    From 4/12 - Place is just fine overall and a quite a good selection of all product HD.  Jackets, helmets, gloves, vests, chaps, etc.  I went back to add some pics because I really feel the place is getting a bad rap. Trust me, there's a lot more product than my pics show.

    I've been there a few times picking up stuff or gifts.

    Overall I'd go back in a heartbeat and have been happy with selection and product.

    Some detail - Regarding other posts talking about being watched -

    The guy, after a few mins of me looking around, asked if he could help me with anything, I said no, just looking for now and he said cool, just let him know if I need help.

    Maybe overly sensitive/store was empty on a weekday, when just browsing, checking out gloves for size (which they do have a lot of) I did feel like I was being checked on a bit.  They weren't bothering me in any way or close to me at all, I just felt they were "around" a bit.

    Don't watch me shop, etc. but no worries and enjoy the shop's good selection of stuff and I'm sure if they had a customer needing help I would have been ignored (preferable).
    • Helmets toward back of store
    • They have a few more walls packed with jackets. Good women…
    • Gloves and they are sorted from S to XXL. Well organized.
  • Review from

    • 31 friends
    • 107 reviews
    San Francisco, CA
    3/2/2009
    I went here because my dad is a Harley owner and he collects the shirts and all that Harley junk. I would say they have a good selection of clothing, but they need better service!

    Their clothing alone is not of high quality, so they should have friendlier service to sell their stuff! One person was nice enough to show me where the sleeveless/muscle shirts are. The rest of the people here looked like they wanted me to get the heck out of their store.

    Anyways, store is clean and orderly. Customer service is a huge negative 2 stars!
  • Review from

    Los Angeles, CA
    3/18/2011
    When I asked my Dad what he wanted for Christmas, he asked for the same thing as every other year...Harley gear.  So my Thanksgiving trip to New York City was the perfect time to stock up on some very rare NYC Harley gear for pops.

    Though I got the shirt I wanted, I was totally annoyed by the obnoxious staff.  They were so rude to each other it made me really uncomfortable.

    Unless I was desperate to get Harley stuff with NYC on it, I'd have walked out without giving this store my money.
  • Review from

    • 24 friends
    • 71 reviews
    Franklin, PA
    11/30/2011 1 check-in here
    Very very small store... like all of the reviewers said don't come here looking to buy a Motorcycle you won't find one
    Staff was "ok" seemed to care about what you needed  /  wanted its a little pricey
    I think the next time I'm in The City I'm gonna take the subway to Long Island City

  • Review from

    • 194 friends
    • 314 reviews
    Suffern, NY
    12/26/2008
    I'm a real fan of all things Harley Davidson, the store on Lexington is no exception. They have an excellent selection for men, women and pups.  From shoes, boots and belts to jackets, shirts and outer ware.  I love their Embroidery embellished shirts with metal studs; the detail work is impeccable. Great service and selection.
  • Review from

    • 28 friends
    • 288 reviews
    Phoenix, AZ
    5/20/2012 1 check-in here
    Came here for a t-shirt , as I was just passing thru town, Was asked twice if I needed help finding anything, The Staff was very friendly. I thought the place was fine, certainly didn't leave a bad taste in my mouth.
  • Review from

    • 2 friends
    • 46 reviews
    Berkeley, CA
    4/24/2011
    My visit to this store was a disappointment. The staff are mostly foreign ( nothing personal) and they watch, intensely, waiting for you to buy something. HD is not a shirt or vest. Harley is a culture. You ride or don't and the staff at this location obviously do not ride.

    The location is also small and gear is over-priced. You'll have a better experience at the Queens location.

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