Set to revolutionise the sport riding experience, Y-AMT allows riders to fully focus on the MT-09’s thrilling performance by redefining the process of changing gear to either a finger-operated shift or fully automatic, to deliver consistently linear shifts, creating the most engaged and immersive riding experience.
The Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT has been developed around the high-performance MT-09 platform, showcasing both the outstanding dynamics of the base machine and Yamaha’s new transmission technology.
Featuring the same critically acclaimed 890cc CP3 three-cylinder engine as the newly launched MT-09, the MT-09 Y-AMT is the first motorcycle to incorporate the Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission.
Retaining all the qualities which make the MT-09 a class leader, the MT-09 Y-AMT combines the standard machine’s agile handling and feisty performance with a transformational transmission system which allows the rider to choose between a finger-operated manual transmission, offering an even more engaged riding experience, and the pure convenience of a fully automatic gear change.
The clutch and gear shift operation are each actuated by an electric motor, eliminating the need for both the traditional clutch lever and a foot operated gear shifter, allowing the rider to better focus on their riding flow.
The MT-09 Y-AMT’s manual transmission (MT) offers a completely new way in which to experience the thrill of Yamaha’s CP3 motor. 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 the rider to hyper-focus on throttle and brake application, lean angle, body position and tyre grip levels to intensify the ride, especially in cornering.
MT has been developed with sporty riding in mind, allowing for quicker and more consistent changes as the rider looks to extract every degree of performance.
Gear changes are activated through a tactile seesaw switch placed conveniently at the rider’s left hand fingertips. Riders can either use their thumb and index finger to upshift with the plus lever, and downshift with the minus lever, or opt for a single-finger operation for sportier riding, using only the index finger to shift by pulling the plus lever to shift up, and pushing it to shift down for the ultimate sporty ride.
With no clutch to operate, the rider can more easily time their gear shifts while focusing on their lines and other controls. With no traditionally mounted shift pedal, the rider is also better able to position their lower body through turns – providing an excellent sense of stability while cornering and creating an even more reassuring connection with the motorcycle.
At standstill and low speeds, the Y-AMT system controls the clutch and gearbox operation making the machine easier to control when moving off, performing manoeuvres and in heavy
traffic. The system completely takes over gear shifting functions when in one of the two AT modes, but can be overridden using the see-saw lever.
The D+ mode unleashes the CP3 motor’s famous character, maintaining higher revs for longer as it changes up and down through the six-speed transmission. Alternatively, D mode delivers a softer and more confidence-inspiring fully automated gear shift to aid low speed and urban riding, ideal for commuting and on journeys where the rider wants to enjoy a more relaxing ride.
Where previous generations of automatic gearboxes may have been aimed only at comfort and convenience, Y-AMT prides itself in enhancing the torquey and agile nature of the MT-09 – delivering a more engaging experience for riders.
Toggling between MT and AT modes is easy and can be done on the move by activating the button on the right hand switchgear, allowing the rider to transform the nature of the MT-09 Y-AMT in a heartbeat.