When we picked up our Titan Sidewinder rubber-mount chopper, the word paradox rang loudest of all for an instant one-word impression. Most, if not all, of the chopper community mandates choppers as bikes that need to be built on a low-slung rigid chassis - some slack is cut for high mileage riders who go softail-style - not a cushy, comfortable rubber-mount platform. Obviously, Titan does not agree with the commonly accepted description, and we were given this sweet semi-custom production bike to ride.
Right from the start, we should probably clarify that while this is a production bike, it's more custom than production. Our test bike featured all the upgrades you could order, along with a few extra cheater tricks to add to the custom look of the bike. But, if you were to order a standard Sidewinder rubber mount for its MSRP of $36,750, you would have this basic bike in your garage, which wouldn't be a bad thing if you like choppers and riding lots of miles.
The Sidewinder starts out on a Daytec-built rubber-mount chassis with 6 inches of downtube stretch and 35 degrees of neck rake. Massive 63mm inverted fork legs in Titan triple-trees with 3 additional degrees of rake are mounted up front. Out back, the Daytec swingarm connects with Titan gas-charged shocks. The wheels are Titan billet units, a 21-inch front and a big 18x8.5 for the rear. Tires are from Avon, the rear is a 250 and both ends of the bike stop with four-piston PM calipers, but the rear has a hidden drive-side conversion.
Normally, the Sidewinder would come with a very potent 112ci S&S motor providing the thrills. Our test bike was upgraded to an arm-stretching 124 for a measly $1,830 surcharge. Additionally, another $1,961 was spent on a show-polish finish for the monster motor. To assure all of what the 124 kicks out gets where it is going, an enclosed primary with a wet chain and Titan clutch feed a smooth-shifting six-speed transmission. Our bike was also upgraded with Titan Street Sweeper pipes for just $793 more.
Dressing up the Sidewinder is an interesting assortment of parts. Up front, a very meaty front fender hugs the tire closely and provides significant coverage, almost opposite what the current trend dictates. Next, you find a curvy, stretched one-piece gas tank that holds 4.6 gallons of fuel, including reserve. Behind that, a Daytec oil bag rides under the seat, and finally, a wide rear fender with internal struts sits out back. Our test bike was upgraded with a pretty wild graphic paintjob that adds $3,150 to the bottom line, but it sure turns heads.
When Titan put the ergonomic package on this bike together, they did some thinking. Extra room in the forward controls allows a more relaxed leg position on a bike that can chew up mileage. By placing the pullback bars slightly high on the typical chopper, slouch is eliminated, which is much better for your back as the miles roll by. If the solo seat were a bit thicker and had just a touch of support, it would be perfect.
Cruising the boulevard on the Sidewinder is definitely a plus.The monster 124ci S&S motor allows you to know you own the stop light races and with vibration-free rubber mounting, you can easily enjoy the view of the VDO tachometer swing to the high side. However, throw a turn into the mix, and things change rapidly. On the left side, the kickstand and the pavement become really good friends instantly. On the right side, the pipe and pavement are old acquaintances, again quickly. It is really frustrating for us to have such a good, solid chassis that wants to lean over and have such early limitations on our fun.