Yamaha MT-09 Gets Y-AMT Semi-automatic Transmission From 2024 Onwards

Yamaha has been teasing us with its first semi-automatic transmission for its motorcycles for a few weeks. And given the triple-cylinder exhaust note accompanying the teaser, it was no surprise that the Iwata-based bikemaker chose the MT-09 to debut the new Y-AMT (ironic name) technology. The seamless gear shifting technology is aimed at making everyday riding a breezy affair and it is a rather less complicated and more cost effective way to introduce automatic transmission to motorcycles when compared to Honda’s DCT found on the likes of the Africa Twin, Rebel 1100 and the Gold Wing.

Just like AMT gearboxes in cars, the Y-AMT system on the MT-09’s 890 cc triple engine is designed to shift gears automatically for the rider, eliminating the need of a manually-operating clutch. There are two automatic modes – D and D+ – the latter being the more dynamically tuned shifting mode, allowing the gearbox to hold higher revs before shifting up for a more sporty ride.

And you can take over the complete operations as well by toggling the switch on the right hand side. The gear shifts here, though, are done by pressing the ‘+’ and ‘-’ buttons on the left hand side. Yamaha states that with the elimination of the clutch and foot-shifting mechanism, the rider can focus better on the road ahead. There’s no mention of whether one can fit an accessory foot gear shifter pedal, like we have seen on the Africa Twin, as it is a more conventional gear shifting method for motorcyclists. 

Besides the transmission update, the lovely MT-09 remains unchanged. Its 890 cc CP3 motor continues to dish out a thrilling 117 horses, all of which can now be tamed rather easily. The trellis frame, adjustable suspension and healthy suite of tweakable rider electronic aids remains the same as before.

Yamaha will continue to offer the MT-09 sans the Y-AMT gearbox as well. We expect the new tech to filter through other Yamaha motorcycles that use the CP3 engine as well like the Tracer 900 and the three-wheeled Niken. And since it shouldn’t be that much of a challenge, both technologically and economically, for Yamaha to adapt it to its 700 cc bikes like it is for Honda with the DCT, we might even see the Tenere 700 or the MT-07 receiving this tech in the future.