Yamaha is the third manufacturer to announce an AMT this year along with BMW and KTM.
Yamaha has unveiled an all new automatic gearbox called ‘Y-AMT’. This new gearbox allows riders to choose between three shift modes: Manual mode, Automatic mode (D+) and Automatic mode (D).
Similar to the system on Honda’s DCT variants, riders can manually switch gears using a see-saw switch located on the left hand side switchgear. Using the plus or minus lever, riders can seamlessly switch gears without having to operate a clutch or their left foot for shifts. Yamaha has also allowed riders to use just the plus lever and pull it for upshifts and push for downshits with the aim to allow riders to maintain grip on the handlebar and eliminate the use of the riders thumb.
However, in automatic mode ‘D+’ is the more aggressive mode and will result in harder acceleration and the gearbox will hold each gear for longer, whereas ‘D’ is a more relaxed mode similar to a comfort mode in cars.
These modes can be changed with a dedicated ‘Mode’ button for ease of use. Yamaha claims it’ll be introducing this gearbox for multiple models with the aim to increase rider focus and reduce overall fatigue.
Earlier this year BMW teased their version of an automatic gearbox called ASA “Automated Shift Assistant”. KTM and now even Yamaha have teased an AMT gearbox for their upcoming models. Honda on the other hand offers a fully automatic DCT and has been doing so for a little over a decade on multiple models.
Also see: Yamaha NMAX Turbo revealed