“Next generation shift technology” has arrived Yamaha say with the announcement they have developed their own Automatic Manual Transmission (Y-AMT), clutchless system for motorcycles.

It’s as if different motorcycle manufactures are either working in cahoots or completely ignoring each other – possibly both. But, after KTM recently revealed their own automatic manual transmission system on an adventure bike at Erzbergrodeo, also called AMT funnily enough, so too now have Yamaha.

“Delivering consistently linear shifts to create the most engaging riding experience with the choice of a slick, finger operated manual shift (MT) or a two-mode fully automatic transmission (AT)”, Y-AMT is the latest thing from the Japanese manufacture with a rich history of innovation.

Using a quick to engage automatic or manual button on the right handlebar, the Y-AMT uses quick shift buttons on the left side to allow slick (better than a quickshifter they say) automatic, manual changes up or down through the transmission.

Yamaha say the system has been developed to “amplify the fun of sports riding, maximising the power characteristics of our crossplane-concept engine designs and sportiest ride modes.”

Which automatically (no pun intended) points to the fact this system will be fitted to the models with a crossplane crank – like an R1 for example. No signs of it becoming a dirt bike thing but highly likely on a adventyre bike we guess.

They continue to explain the speed and precision of each shift is more consistent than when using even a quickshifter, making fast gear changes “next level”.

Here’s how Yamaha describe the new system. MT: manual transmission

With MT, fast and precise gear shifts are 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 little like shifters on an MTB) – 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 they say, as there is no need to remove the thumb from the handlebars.

AT: automatic transmission

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.

Shifting by hand alone, as opposed to a foot-and-hand combination, is not only quicker but requires less thinking time, Yamaha say, allowing you to focus on throttle and brake application, lean angle, body position and tyre grip levels to intensify the ride.

“With Y-AMT, you don’t have to move your left foot from the footpeg, allowing you to instead focus on body position and weight distribution through the pegs in order to enhance the control of your motorcycle, especially in cornering.”

Jin-Ki Kanno

As all Yamaha technological developments, Y-AMT was born from Jin-Ki Kanno, which their mantra you could say for riders becoming one with the machine. As they say, making each ride more fun and engaging, immersing the rider into a “flow state where every movement feels natural and precise” and allowoing you to focus on throttle, braking and cornering.

Coming soon on multiple models they say.