If your bike has a quick-shifter, you likely would not want to go back to using a hand-operated clutch once moving. Will the new generation of automatic transmissions have a similar impact on rider preferences in the future? Honda, BMW and others are introducing new automatic transmissions, with manual options, and now Yamaha has its next generation system, the Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT).
It is interesting that Yamaha emphasizes sport performance with Y-AMT. The benefit is supposed to relate to, among other things, using the hands to shift in manual mode, rather than the left foot, and thereby allowing quicker, more intuitive shifts that permit the rider to position his feet without concern for shifting.
Here is some information from Yamaha on the new system, followed by a video that clearly shows where the controls are located:
Each step in our technological development seeks to provide you with a more immersive riding experience, even more addictive and gratifying. The new Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT) is set to take that feeling further, marking the start of a new era with advanced gear shifting technology that introduces a new dimension to sports riding.
Y-AMT allows you to fully focus on enjoying the sports performance offered by your motorcycle, by delivering consistently linear shifts to create the most engaging riding experience with the choice of a slick, finger operated manual shift (MT) or a two-mode fully automatic transmission (AT)
With MT, fast and precise gear shifts are just at your fingertips, without having to manually operate a clutch lever. Shifts are controlled with the index finger and thumb, via two see-saw shifting levers – a plus lever for upshifts and a minus lever for downshifts. For greater control in sportier riding, the plus lever can also be pulled to shift up and pushed to shift down with the index finger alone, offering greater freedom, as there is no need to remove the thumb from the handlebars.
Using AT, you can choose between two programmes to suit different riding scenarios – easily switchable at any time via the dedicated MODE button. D+ MODE offers a sporty gear change by shifting later in the rev range to maintain the thrill of the ride while still offering the benefits of a fully automatic transmission. D MODE delivers a softer gear shift experience, while maintaining a low rpm, to maximise confidence during low speed, urban riding and manoeuvrability. While in AT, you can also choose to shift manually at any time by simply using the see-saw shift levers.
ENGAGEMENT
With a closer and more refined connection to the brain than the feet, the hands are one of the most tactile and powerful tools the human body has. Shifting by hand alone, as opposed to a foot-and-hand combination, is not only quicker but requires less thinking time, allowing you to hyper-focus on throttle and brake application, lean angle, body position and tyre grip levels to intensify the ride. 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 in order to enhance the control of your motorcycle, especially in cornering.
ENJOYMENT
MT has been developed to amplify the fun of sports riding, maximising the power characteristics of our crossplane-concept engine designs and sportiest ride modes. And with the speed and precision of each shift more consistent than when using even the latest quickshifter, the excitement and adrenaline of the fast gear changes in the sportiest of riding conditions take the thrill to the next level. In all modes, Y-AMT delivers a high level of refifinement that enhances the overall experience, allowing you to focus more on the riding and less on the mechanics, immersing yourself in the enjoyment and precision of the ride.
EXHILARATION
As all our technological developments, Y-AMT was born from Jin-Ki Kanno, which is our goal of providing you with the seductive exhilaration of becoming one with the machine. That’s why Y-AMT makes each ride even more fun and engaging, immersing you into a flow state where every movement feels natural and precise. Fostering a true symbiosis with the bike, Y-AMT allows you to focus on throttle, braking and cornering. The result is an adrenaline-filled ride that transforms every journey into an exciting and unforgettable experience.
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