Rowdy Honda Single-Seater Boosted Power by 100 HP After Swapping in an 800cc Snowmobile Engine

      CK Powersports on YouTube

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      Before companies like Polaris, Can-Am, and Kawasaki began producing side-by-sides with sports car-like horsepower, Honda created the Pilot. This isn't the SUV we're discussing; rather, Honda crafted a single-seater all-terrain buggy reminiscent of an upgraded go-kart. Initially equipped with a 397cc two-stroke engine, these vehicles became favored by off-road speed enthusiasts, and the model featured here is powered by an impressive 800cc engine from a Skidoo snowmobile.

      Corey Kruse, the owner of CK Powersports in Lincoln, Nebraska, is the builder of this machine. This is actually his second Skidoo-powered Pilot; the first was a personal project featuring a 670cc engine, which gained the attention of popular car enthusiast comedian Dax Shepard. This particular model was specially built for Shepard, and based on the numerous burnout and wheelie videos shared on Kruse’s YouTube channel, it performs exceptionally well.

      “I just released a compilation video where I was drifting through the shop parking lot because it was a bit wet, and there’s also a clip of it doing a wheelie on the pavement,” Kruse recounted during our phone conversation. “He [Shepard] left a comment on my Instagram saying, ‘Build me one.’ So, I reached out to him, unsure if he was joking or serious.”

      Shepard was indeed serious, prompting Kruse to begin work around October 2025. After about three weeks of it being operational, it took roughly seven months to complete due to part availability. The market for snowmobile-converted Honda Pilots is quite niche. Although a few others have attempted it, there isn't a major operation keeping parts in stock.

      Kruse was fortunate to find this Pilot with the 800cc engine already installed, but it needed extensive work as it had been poorly assembled. “It had a snowmobile pipe that was badly welded, along with a Flowmaster muffler incorrectly attached,” he said. Therefore, he started by addressing much of the pre-existing work and replaced the gas tank, radiator, and exhaust pipe. A kit from Farr Off-Road ensured proper fitment for all components.

      Despite the new engine having double the displacement of the earlier one, Kruse stated that it’s only slightly heavier—approximately 20 pounds more than the original unit. With the addition of a larger fuel tank and radiator, he still estimates the Pilot weighs around 700 pounds. That’s remarkably light considering it boasts 140 horsepower.

      For context, the original Pilot two-stroke engine produced about 40 hp. A 100-hp increase is tremendously exciting, and Kruse ensured the rest of the vehicle was upgraded to accommodate this power boost. Long-travel suspension in the front with Elka shocks aids in smooth landings as these buggies enjoy jumping. It also features sturdier Nissin brakes to bring it to a stop. Interestingly, the continuously variable transmission remains stock.

      “Everyone asks if it can handle the power,” Kruse explained. He noted that the CVT in his 670cc Pilot is original and has never caused any problems. “If you’re hitting jumps, throttling while landing hard with wheels spinning, you might break axles. However, they seem sturdy.”

      Regarding the overall experience, Kruse mentioned that sitting in it feels similar to stock. He fitted a Polaris RZR seat for added comfort, yet it retains the factory electronics and unchanged hand controls. I can imagine it’s thrilling to push the thumb throttle and see the front wheels lift off the ground.

      In summary, this machine offers extraordinary performance at a much lower cost than a RZR Pro R. While they aren’t direct competitors in terms of luxury, if speed is your priority, the Skidoo-converted Pilot is hard to beat in terms of fun value. Kruse shared that his build cost around $30,000, whereas a two-seat RZR Pro R starts at $43,999.

      “I’d say it feels more like driving a sand car than a side-by-side,” Kruse stated. “It’s 60 inches wide and probably eight feet long. It’s not significantly larger than an ATV.”

      “You're seated quite low,” he continued. “It’s like being in a sports car, while in most side-by-sides, you sit much higher.”

      I doubt many are comparing factory RZR Pro R models with modified Honda Pilots, but that doesn’t diminish the excitement this machine brings. It’s clear that driving it is incredible fun, and if you’re up for the challenge, you could certainly build one for yourself.

      Have a tip or question for the author? Reach out directly at caleb@thedrive.com.