Yamaha confirm sporty three-cylinder MT-09 as first bike to use new Y-AMT semi-automatic system

Yamaha have now confirmed that the first bike to use their incoming Y-AMT semi-automatic gear shifting system will be the three-cylinder MT-09 naked.

The Japanese brand announced the introduction of their Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission in late June, and have today confirmed it will be equipped to their popular 890cc, CP3 triple motor.

Weighing just 2.8kg, the system is said to be focussed on performance riding, rather than practicality – hence why they’ve chosen a punchy 117bhp street bike to showcase the platform. That motor is also used in the Tracer 9 family, Niken, XSR900, and XSR900 GP – with rumours of an R9 supersport bike also circulating online.

Y-AMT removes the need to use your left foot for changing gear and instead relies on buttons on the switchgear. Yamaha themselves say it’s faster and more efficient than using a quickshifter and allows the rider to focus more of their time on braking and body position when riding at pace.

It works by using two electronic actuators, which take care of the left hand clutch application and left foot gear shifting duties for you – meaning no need for either control. Yamaha also say it makes the bike no wider between your legs, when installed.

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Y-AMT works in conjunction with the ride by wire throttle, allowing for the integration of riding modes and cruise control – with options for both manual and automatic riding installed.

There won’t be any clutch lever to pull on, but the manual mode will see gears controlled by + and – paddles on the left switchgear bank. Yamaha say these have been designed so that the rider doesn’t have to move their thumb from the bars – aiding control of the motorcycle.

Automatic options consist of ‘D’ and ‘D+’ with the latter of the two being the sportiest. D mode is said to offer a softer shift feel, with gear changes dealt with at lower engine revs.

Yamaha’s MT-09 was updated ahead of the 2024 riding season with a more aggressive riding position and geometry to make it more engaging to ride. There was also a mild face lift and updated electronic rider aids, as well as the inclusion of traction control.

The idea of semi-automatic gearboxes has featured heavily in the news recently, with BMW launching an Automated Shift Assistant for their R1300 boxer twin range, and Ducati’s Head of Research and Development at Ducati, Vincenzo De Silvio recently telling MCN that these kinds of systems are simply the latest natural evolution of the motorcycle gearbox.

“I think it’s normal that the evolution of transmission will be in that direction,” he said. “People are also used to cars and in cars it’s normal. I don’t think it’s something which is reducing sportiness because super hypersport cars have all different kinds of AMT, dual clutches and so on, which is normal these days, and so this will apply also for bikes.”