Yamaha has unveiled its latest innovation, the Y-AMT (Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission). This cutting-edge technology aims to enhance the riding experience by combining the best aspects of manual and automatic transmissions. Following in the footsteps of manufacturers like BMW, KTM, and Honda, Yamaha’s Y-AMT promises to deliver a seamless, engaging ride.
The Y-AMT system offers both manual and automatic transmission modes, easily selectable via a handlebar switch. Riders can choose between:
- Manual Mode (MT): In this mode, gear shifts are controlled using a finger-operated system. Two see-saw levers allow for precise control, with the plus lever for upshifts and the minus lever for downshifts. The system also supports upshifts and downshifts using the index finger alone, enhancing control without compromising grip.
- Automatic Mode (AT): This mode provides two distinct settings to adapt to various riding conditions. The D+ mode delivers a sportier ride by shifting gears later in the rev range, maintaining an exhilarating performance. The D mode ensures a smoother, more controlled gear shift experience, ideal for urban commuting and low-speed maneuvering. Riders can switch between modes effortlessly using the MODE button.
The Y-AMT system is designed to maximize the power characteristics of Yamaha’s crossplane-concept engines and their sportiest ride modes. Yamaha claims that this system provides more consistent and precise shifts compared to the latest quick shifters. This technology eliminates the need for a manual clutch lever, allowing riders to maintain optimal body position and weight distribution, particularly during cornering.
“With Y-AMT, you don’t have to move your left foot from the footpeg, allowing you to instead focus on body position and weight distribution through the pegs to enhance the control of your motorcycle, especially in cornering,” says Yamaha.
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The introduction of the Y-AMT places Yamaha in direct competition with Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) technology, which has seen significant success in the market. In 2023, nearly half of Honda’s Africa Twin sales were DCT-equipped models, and over 240,000 DCT-equipped Honda motorcycles have been sold in Europe since 2009. Yamaha aims to capture a portion of this market with its innovative transmission system.
Weighing just 2.8 kg, the Y-AMT system includes two electronic actuators—one for handling the clutch and another for shifting gears. This lightweight and efficient system can be operated in fully automatic mode or manually via handlebar buttons. The dual-mode functionality in automatic mode—D+ for sporty performance and D for cruising—caters to a wide range of riding preferences.
Yamaha has not yet specified the exact release date for the Y-AMT system but has indicated that it will debut on several motorcycle models soon. The technology is expected to be featured on Yamaha’s cross-plane engines, potentially including the 900 triples and models like the Tenere 700. This strategic move aims to replicate or even surpass the success of Honda’s DCT-equipped motorcycles.
