Yamaha has revealed a new auto-shifting gearbox that it says is coming soon to multiple motorcycle models. It’s called the Y-AMT, or Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission, and it offers “manual” shifting via buttons as well as twist-and-go riding.
Judging from patent paperwork that previously hit the Internet, the Y-AMT gearbox appears to operate by a modified version of the same technology that quickshifters are based off. An actuator in the transmission shifts between gears, while another operates the clutch. With ride-by-wire tech, the ECU can cut engine power in the precise instant needed to slip between gears.
So what is the rider experience like? Here’s how Yamaha describes the MT (Manual Transmission) operation:
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.
And as for AT operation, it’s your standard twist-and-go operation, but with two ride modes to choose from and also the capability to shift by the handlebar switches if you choose to:
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.
While many riders may not be keen on these 21st-century motorcycle controls, Yamaha says the new arrangement allows for better concentration on the controls while riding, and that they’ve programmed the new system to still have a very sporty feel when the rider is operating the gearbox manually.
And, Yamaha also says the new tech is coming soon. We expect to see the CP2 and CP3 engines (Yamaha’s 700 twins and 900 triples) with this auto gearbox perhaps as early as this fall.
