🏁 Quick Facts:
- Factory-built four-cylinder race sled (800cc Kawasaki)
- Approx. 85 horsepower
- Limited run: ~124 units produced
- Featured slide-rail suspension, aluminum tunnel, and chrome trim
- Leopard-print seat and loud-as-hell exhaust made it unforgettable
- Dominated early races—1st and 2nd at Ironwood debut
The King Kat was Arctic Cat’s boldest move yet. A four-cylinder factory race weapon that redefined what a snowmobile could be. It wasn’t built for trail riders; it was designed to scare the competition off the track.
With a factory-tuned 800cc Kawasaki engine pumping out around 85 horsepower, the King Kat didn’t just win, it overwhelmed. It placed 1st and 2nd in its debut race, leaving such a mark that calls to eliminate the 800cc class followed.
Despite belt and clutch issues, and a reputation for being a handful in tight corners, the King Kat’s flash and sheer power earned it a permanent spot in Arctic Cat lore. It was the kind of sled you heard before you saw and once you saw it, you never forgot.
📸 Barn finds or restoration projects: If you have a King Cat story or image, tag @ArcticInsider or submit it. These rarities deserve the spotlight!
The Beast!
Dad sold the more common 793 Hirth triple version. I’ve left comments about its set up session/predelivery on other older Kk articles on this site. Mr. Thompson, no relation to the factory team, bought it. He was a character. He raced and trail rode it all over PA. Finally after a near miss one snowy night it was sold. He switched to a 74 Cheetah and quit racing. Decades later Hank Brisco bought and restored a 650 KK. He made a point to contact Mr. Thompson and have him come down to the EVMSS event that fall. I can’t recall seeing Bill smile like that in decades. Both him and his wife lit up when Hank started it. A little higher pitched than the 793, but still a”triple triple King. ” Still a loved memory from a better time.
They have all passed on now and the show itself breathed its last about 2013. But the memories I carry? I’m never losing those.
I remember the 1971 king kat 800 4-cyl beating the ski doo blizzard 797,s on topspeed,the blizzard could hit 105-110 mph,while the king kat 4-cyl hit 108-115mph,I had a 1972 ext 650 and got 107mph.