đ 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 racesâ1st and 2nd at Ironwood debut
The King Kat was Arctic Catâs boldest move yet. A four-cylinder factory race weapon that redefined what a snowmobile could be. It wasnât 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 didnât 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 Katâs 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.
đž 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. Iâve 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 canât 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 aâtriple triple King. â 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? Iâm never losing those.