Check out this sweet custom “extra-skinny” Arctic Cat Firecat, built by Irondogger Brad Helwig (and shared with us by Team Arctic’s Micah Huss).
Helwig works at Anchorage Arctic Cat/Suzuki (Alaska), and finished third in last year’s Irondog cross-country.
In all his spare time, Helwig built this rippin’ skinny Firecat, which features a single-cylinder 400cc engine.
Helwig took 2.5 inches out of the middle of the already-skinny Firecat chassis.
He took 1.25 inches off of each side of the 128-in. hoop, making it a nice-and-narrow 11-in.
The engine, which began life as an 800 laydown twin, was cut in half and re-welded. The single pipe was constructed from a set of twin-pipes. With the waterpump jettisoned, a servo-motor cycles the engine coolant.
It has a single Mikuni carb, bored to 42mm. Mechanical (non-servo) exhaust valve.
Helwig also swapped in a regular chaincase to ease gearing changes. After all, he knew this rig would require some tuning before it was ready.
Custom Fox Float shock-equipped skidframe, torsion springs tossed.
The fuel tank is sized just right at 5-gal. unit
Yep, that’s skinny. I bet this feels A LOT like a motocross bike!
Fircat’s were fast for many reasons, including aerodyamics. This baby would slice through air even better! Like butter.
I haven’t talked with Helwig yet, but according to Micah Huss, Brad’s already been riding this baby and getting it dialed in. Cool!
Time. Money. Tools. Three things I don’t ever seem to have to do a project like this. Congrats to him…looks like a fun little toy !!!
ultra coo!
sweet!
Man what an awesome machine. Brad you must have a lot more patients and time on your hands than I thought…. Great job. By the way is that a skidoo POWER valve on it??? Just saying…
And Yes I would like a demo ride……
is this to race the irondog?
I wana know how much it weighs! Put on a ton of titanium parts and you will have one light beast!
Dear Arctic Cat, please build us a small, featherweight play sled.
Amen Hambone! Bring it Cat!
Was wondering about that Ski Doo powervalve but nonetheless, this thing is freakin cool. Somebody at Arctic Cat built a skinnied up firecat or bigger 120 once. I agree with Hambone. Cat needs a playsled.
Hey JayC I believe you are referring to Johnnie Greens modded 120. That thing was pretty cool. Think it had a KTM dirtbike motor in it or something?
This thing is pretty wild to see in person, def makes you look twice. Was told its running a speedwerx 730 or 760 top end, and he built it for his son, who is 14.
cool!!! johnny green built something similar a few years back>>>>
It would be really sweet to see this thing in action! lets see a video!