Official: 2024 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT Announced

Visually, the MT-09 Y-AMT doesn’t look too different from the regular transmission model. The most obvious difference is the lack of a clutch lever and foot shifter. Y-AMT adds two small electric motors, positioned directly behind the engine cylinders, with some protective covering on either side. The motor on the right controls clutch engagement while the motor on the left conducts gear changes. A transmission control unit (TCU) operates the motors, factoring in ride modes, engine speed, throttle position and lean angle when changing gears. Altogether, Yamaha says Y-AMT adds 2.8 kg (6.2 pounds) of weight compared to a fully manual model.

While shifting can be handled automatically, riders can still make manual gear changes as needed. Because shifting is controlled electronically, Yamaha was able to replace the traditional shift lever in front of the left foot peg with a finger-operated switch on the left switchgear. The switch is a see-saw design, with a lever marked with a plus sign in front and another with a minus sign on the rider’s side. Pulling the Plus lever initiates upshifts while pushing the Minus switch performs a downshift. The see-saw design means riders can choose to use an index finger and thumb to shift, or if preferred, just an index finger.

Yamaha claims shifting by hand is faster and requires less concentration than a foot shifter, which means the rider can focus more on throttle and brake control, lean angle, body position and tire grip. The concept may take time for some motorcycle riders to get used to, but it should be somewhat familiar to those who are used to finger shifting on a bicycle.

If you prefer the electronics to handle the shifting, Y-AMT offers two automatic modes. D mode is optimized for maintaining low engine speeds, useful for stop-and go urban riding and more relaxed journeys. D+ mode prioritizes sportier riding, keeping revs higher for longer to make more use of the engine’s full potential.

Apart from the changes to the clutch and transmission, the MT-09 Y-AMT is similar to the regular fully manual model. It shares the same 890cc Triple, aluminum die cast Deltabox-style frame, 41mm fork, fully-adjustable rear shock, and braking system. The electronics package is also similar, with a ride-by-wire Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system, six-axis IMU, lean-sensitive traction control, slide control, wheelie control, brake control and back slip regulator.

The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT will arrive in European dealerships later this year with a choice of three color options: Tech Black, Midnight Cyan, and Icon Blue. Pricing remains to be confirmed in most markets, but Yamaha Motor Germany has confirmed a price of €11,699 (US$12,700), a €500 (US$543) premium over the fully-manual MT-09.

We expect Yamaha will soon offer Y-AMT on other models. Other CP3-engined models like the XSR900, Tracer 9 GT and Niken GT would be prime candidates to get Y-AMT, and the CP2 models like the MT-07 will likely get it as well.