The Deeley family name has not only been influential in Canadian motorcycle history, but also holds great significance in the history of Vancouver.
A racer, a collector, and a philanthropist, Trev Deeley’s history and his distinguished personal collection of motorcycles can be appreciated at the Deeley Motorcycle Exhibition.
1950 was the year of the grand opening of the East Broadway location of Fred Deeley Ltd. Previously located on West Broadway, Fred Deeley Limited actually got its start all the way back in 1914 with the opening of “Fred Deeley, The Cycle Man,” on 1075 Granville Street. Continuing the same business he had in England, Fred Deeley initially sold bicycles before starting the sale of motorcycles in 1916 with imported BSAs. Before long, with the motorcycle business booming, the sale of motorcycles and bicycles were separated, and a distinct motorcycle shop was opened on West Broadway run by Fred Deeley Jr. It wasn’t long until the young Trev Deeley joined the team in 1935 as a mechanic, eventually becoming an integral member of the team. It was Trev’s decision to move the shop’s location in 1950 to its iconic spot at 606 East Broadway.
It has now been over 100 years since the Deeley family placed their faith in an almost unknown motorcycle company from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Harley Davidson, thus becoming the first distributor of the brand in Canada.
