Official: 2024 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT Announced
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Automatic clutch and transmission variant coming to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand
Yamaha officially announced a new MT-09 variant equipped with the brand’s new electronically shifting Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT). The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT will be just the first of many models to make use of similar technology, joining a list of competitors including BMW R 1300 GS Adventure with Automated Shift Assistant.
At the moment, the MT-09 Y-AMT has been announced for few markets, including Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, but we have yet to hear any news for the U.S., which earlier this week we learned is finally getting Honda’s CBR650R and CB650R with E-Clutch.
Motorcycle.com first broke news about the MT-09 Y-AMT several weeks ago, but here’s what we know, now that it’s been officially announced.
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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.
2024 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT Gallery
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![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=91x91)
Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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Like automobiles, manual transmissions are being faded out.
in theus automatic trans mission started to out number manuals very soon after adaption due to market preference. today a quote from porscge was that the only reason for sticks being offered any more in thier cars was a small fraction of he US ,]market. ferrari had mnual option for the first gen california of this century....3 were bought. it may come to the same w MC not because of any conspiracy but the market .
Queue all the "ok boomer" and "get off my lawn" and "fuel injection is equivalent to auto-clutches" and "manuals are dying" comments. Just as short-sighted and foolish as "EV's are the future" comments.
Why are manufacturers increasing complexity and points of repair/parts/failure to 100+ year old systems (hydraulic or cable actuated clutch) to do the job via YET ANOTHER COMPUTER is being programmed to do?
Is the act of learning to ride a motorcycle simply too difficult for Millennials and Gen Z? Is the manually operated clutch (already made easy by quick-shifters) really such a barrier to entry with motorcycle riders? With the advent of assist-ramp clutches, the clutch handle has been feather-light as it is.
I see the move toward various automated transmissions a move away from operator freedom and control. You wouldn't be able to do a burnout, a clutch-up wheelie, have finite crawling control in a parking lot or traffic jam, or any other number of clutch benefits.
I see no upside to making complex computer operated systems to do the job of the reliable, simple mechanical clutch.
Heading off the aforementioned critics: These automated transmission systems coming out are not solving any problems. They are not the same as IMU, ABS, fuel injection, traction control, throttle by wire, power modes, USD forks, radial brakes. The manual transmission with the clutch is not the cause of crashes, spin-outs, inability to stop, high-side or low-side accidents, inability to harness engine power, or anything else.
I wouldn't buy an automatic (auto clutch, dual clutch, or automatic of other kinds) because it takes away ultimate control I have of the motorcycle and gives a lot of that control to computers, nannies, and a million miles of code that doesn't have the complexity of my own brain and muscular system.
If the goal is to increase motorcycle sales by eliminating a barrier to entry, I am even more disappointed in the last couple generations. Instead of rising to meet a challenge and become rewarded, they'd rather spend money to eliminate any perceived challenge.