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Brad Helwig’s Ultra-Skinny Firecat

Brad Helwig's custom "extra-skinny" Arctic Cat Firecat

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.

Brad Helwig's custom "extra-skinny" Arctic Cat Firecat

Helwig took 2.5 inches out of the middle of the already-skinny Firecat chassis.

Brad Helwig's custom "extra-skinny" Arctic Cat Firecat

He took 1.25 inches off of each side of the 128-in. hoop, making it a nice-and-narrow 11-in.

Brad Helwig's custom "extra-skinny" Arctic Cat Firecat

Brad Helwig's custom "extra-skinny" Arctic Cat Firecat

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.

Brad Helwig's custom "extra-skinny" Arctic Cat Firecat

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.

 Brad Helwig's custom "extra-skinny" Arctic Cat Firecat

Custom Fox Float shock-equipped skidframe, torsion springs tossed.

The fuel tank is sized just right at 5-gal. unit

Brad Helwig's custom "extra-skinny" Arctic Cat Firecat

Yep, that’s skinny. I bet this feels A LOT like a motocross bike!

Brad Helwig's custom "extra-skinny" Arctic Cat Firecat

Fircat’s were fast for many reasons, including aerodyamics. This baby would slice through air even better! Like butter.

Brad Helwig's custom "extra-skinny" Arctic Cat Firecat

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!

Brad Helwig's custom "extra-skinny" Arctic Cat Firecat

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14 COMMENTS

  1. 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 !!!

  2. 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…

  3. 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.

  4. 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?

  5. 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.

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