Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT)
It seems like everyone is getting on the clutchless bandwagon in the motorcycling world lately. KTM shows and races AMT prototype at ErzbergBMW has released detailed information about Automatic shift assistantHonda has added their newest product Electronic clutch system and already offer it on several models, along with their long-standing DCT options, Yamaha has now unveiled their new Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT).
The Y-AMT system offers a fully automatic ‘MT’ or ‘AT’ manual shifting mode. There is no conventional gearshift pedal installed.
Using a manual transmission (MT), quick and precise gear changes are just a touch of a button without the need to manually operate the clutch lever. Gear changes are controlled with the index finger and thumb via two rocking shift levers – the plus lever to shift up and the minus lever to shift down. For greater control during sportier driving, the plus lever can also be pulled for upshifts and pushed for downshifts with just the index finger, providing greater freedom as there is no need to remove the thumb. off the handlebars. The size, position and travel of the lever have been designed to be ideal when wearing gloves, meaning that only a minimal amount of finger movement is required to perform shifts.
Yamaha claims that clutch actuation is highly progressive, giving riders completely natural performance at all speeds.
The MT has been developed to enhance the fun of sporty riding by maximizing the power characteristics of Yamaha’s multi-blade concept engine design and the sportiest riding modes. Yamaha claims that the speed and precision of each shift will be more consistent than when using even the latest quickshifters.
Using a fully automatic transmission (AT), the driver can choose between two programs to suit different driving situations – which can be easily switched at any time by pressing the ‘mode’ button ‘ dedicated thumb operation.
Those looking for a spirited ride on the open road can select ‘D+’, which offers sporty shifting by downshifting later in the rev range to maintain the thrill driving while still delivering the benefits of a fully automatic transmission.
Drivers commuting or traveling long distances on the motorway can select ‘D’ mode, which provides a smoother shifting experience, while maintaining a low rpm, to maximize autonomy. Driver confidence when driving at low speeds, urban driving and maneuverability.
While in the AT, the driver can also change gears manually at any time simply by using the rocker shifter.
Yamaha has long been at the forefront of automatic gear shifting for motorcycles, developing the YCC-S (Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift) system for the FJR1300 sport tourer nearly two decades ago. The YCC-S features an automatic hydraulic clutch actuation system that allows the driver to shift gears manually using the finger-operated shift lever.
In many ways, the YCC-S was ahead of its time and now, thanks to Yamaha’s technological developments, the Y-AMT is set to change the face of motorsport.
Yamaha claims that the Y-AMT system is the sportiest solution in the two-wheeled sector, providing an innovative alternative for the next generation of motorcyclists who crave excitement and the performance of a manual transmission while having the convenience of a fully automatic transmission.
Unlike the hydraulically actuated YCC-S system, the Y-AMT uses two electric actuators to perform functions traditionally performed by the rider’s left hand and leg. The system weighs only 2.8 kg. It is designed to allow for a slim and light installation, ensuring Yamaha’s famous compact chassis design principle with the engine not being wider, retaining the light feel of a conventional motorcycle and keeping the Maintain your machine’s processing capabilities or performance.
Working in conjunction with Yamaha’s ‘ride-by-wire’ throttle control (YCC-T) system, switchable riding modes and cruise control function, a Y-AMT equipped motorcycle can be configured for any driving style.
While previous similar transmissions for motorcycles were often aimed at touring applications, the Y-AMT has been developed to enhance the pure experience of sporty riding, allowing the rider to concentrate better into the more thrilling aspects of the ride. The proof will be in the pudding…
