Yamaha Joins The Automatic Transmission Bandwagon Behind KTM And BMW
- Yamaha introduces Y-AMT technology for sport riding, focusing on linear and quick gearshifts without a foot lever.
- Y-AMT offers two modes: automatic (D and D+) for low or high RPM shifts and manual for full control of the gearbox.
- Planned to be featured on a range of Yamaha motorcycles, starting with MT-07 and YZF-R7 for a semi-automatic experience.
A few weeks ago, we told you Yamaha had plans to introduce a semi-automatic transmission soon. And voilà! That’s precisely what has happened. The bikemaker has announced its new Y-AMT (Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission) technology to join the semi-auto gearbox club. The news comes just days after KTM teased its similar technology on the 1390 Super Adventure and BMW unveiled ASA for its R 1300 GS. Let’s dive in.
A front studio shot of the 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7
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The Y-AMT Technology Focuses On Sport Riding
Automatic transmissions are nothing new in the world of motorcycles. Honda has had them for over a decade and even Yamaha had a go at it on the FJR1300. But in most cases, we only see them on easy-going touring or adventure bikes. That’s where Team Blue wants to differ with its Y-AMT tech by claiming it’s catered toward sports riding.
To do that, the technology focuses on providing linear and slick gearshifts said to be faster than the conventional way. There’s no physical foot lever accordingly and you only shift via your hands if you’re in manual mode. This doesn’t seem too life-changing to us, but hey, only a proper test will tell the full tale.
Yamaha explains:
Shifting by hand alone, as opposed to a foot-and-hand combination, is not only quicker but requires less thinking time, allowing the rider to hyper-focus on throttle and brake application, lean angle, body position and tire grip levels to intensify the ride. It is for this reason that on Y-AMT models the shifting pedal will not be installed. This means the rider does not have to move their left foot from the footpeg, allowing them to instead focus on their body position and weight distribution through the pegs in order to enhance the control of their motorcycle, especially in cornering.
Two Y-AMT Modes Are Present As Standard
Yamaha
The Y-AMT has two modes: AT (automatic) and MT (manual). Here, the former comprises two sub-modes, namely D and D+. D is said deliver to a soft gearshift experience, maintaining a low RPM. Whereas, D+ is for the one for spirited riders, as it allows the revs to climb near the redline so you can enjoy the power. A dedicated ‘mode’ button lets you toggle between these on the fly.
Meanwhile, the manual mode lets you take charge. You can shift according to your liking by flicking the plus button to go up or minus button to go down the gearbox. The company says each button requires minimal finger effort and works in tandem with a highly progressive clutch actuation process to ensure fast and slick shifts (even faster than a quickshifter).
A Range Of Models Will Feature The Y-AMT Technology
Yamaha
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Finally, Team Blue claims it will use the technology on a range of motorcycles in the future. Sport riding, touring, and commuting offerings are all part of the plan. While that covers nearly the entire Yamaha range, you should know this technology has already been patented for the MT-07 and YZF-R7 in particular. So these could kick off Yamaha’s semi-automatic chapter, followed by others.
Source: Yamaha