In Leicester, The Sikh Motorcycle Club are giving modern bikers a new look. Alexander Marks McLeod shares a glimpse of the group's journey so far
It’s 6pm on Sunday evening as Kulwant Singh cruises over to me on his Harley-Davidson Sportster. The streets are wet. The shops are closed. Iron shutters. He looks towards the last of the sun and wraps his fingers around the throttle and twists it, vibrating the floor beneath my feet.
His fluorescent orange turban is meticulously tied in the traditional Sikh style, with each fold and pleat precisely in place.
“Sorry I’m late,” he says, his bike still rumbling and growling. “Come on then. You want to know what we’re all about? Let’s go for a ride. Take it or leave it.”
I take it. And I have never felt so cool.
Kulwant is the founder of The Sikh Motorcycle Club UK, an eye-catching group in Leicester who have combined their passion for motorcycles with their Sikh faith.
He started the group in 2020 during the peak of the pandemic with the concept of providing a platform for turban-wearing motorcyclists.
“We began with three or four guys but gathered a lot more interest very quickly,” he says. “We now have 32 members, and the club is constantly growing – we get a lot of attention.”
“Since November 1976, turbaned Sikhs have been exempt from having to wear crash helmets when riding. Our ancestors fought for that right. Now, we honour them.”
“The turban is a crown. It’s my pride. It gives me a sense of responsibility and power like I am the king of the world.”
Kulvir Singh, 49, explained what being part of the club means to him.
“It is amazing. It brings the Sikh community together and is a great way to promote and showcase our culture through a unique medium. There is something about riding with your brothers, the wind is hitting your face, everyone is stopping to take photos, the exhaust fumes fill the air. Nothing beats it.”
The club is also dedicated to helping charities in and around England. They are open to all members of the motorcycle community, regardless of religion, race, colour or creed.
One passer by, 27-year-old Jed White, said: “They’re hard to miss. It is for reasons like this that I love living in Leicester. They seem like friendly and approachable people, not typical of a biker group. It is great to see.”
Before leaving the club’s hub in Belgrave, Kulwant offered me some masala tea and aloo tikki for the road. I was completely overwhelmed by their generosity and kindness.
“You’re not only joining a motorcycle club with us, but you're also joining a family,” says Kulwant, handing me a badge printed with The Sikh Motorcycle Club UK logo. “Anybody can be a part of our family. Basically, we ride a lot and have a good time.”
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