Press Release | July 29, 2024
Yamaha has developed the new Y-AMT (Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission), which automates a motorcycle’s clutch and gearshift operations when starting out and while riding. This will be featured in the new MT-09 Y-AMT set to be released in Japan by the end of this year.
This is a press release from Yamaha…
Iwata, Japan (July 26, 2024) – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) announces today that it has developed the new Y-AMT (Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission), which automates a motorcycle’s clutch and gearshift operations when starting out and while riding with sophisticated electronic control. This will be featured in the new MT-09 Y-AMT set to be released in Japan by the end of this year.
Y-AMT is a newly developed automated manual transmission that does away with the clutch lever and shift pedal. By consolidating shift operations into a lever on the handlebars, it allows for more intuitive gear changes. This frees the rider from clutch and shift pedal operations, enhancing the enjoyment of controlling motorcycle at will and contributing to an improved experience of being one with the machine.
In addition to the manual MT mode where the rider hand-operates the lever to shift gears, the system also has an automatic AT mode that automates gear changes, allowing the rider to select the mode according to different road environments, such as city streets, highways, or winding roads, or the rider’s own condition, changes in weather, and so on. Both MT and AT modes feature quick response, providing consistent expert-level gear changes without any compromise to sporty performance.
Since developing and commercializing the world’s first automated manual transmission system for motorcycles in 2006 with the Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift (YCC-S), Yamaha Motor has continued to develop the base system, such as equipping our all-terrain ROVs with a similar mechanism. The newly developed Y-AMT is a new system that combines top-tier sportiness with convenience through the development of the requisite technologies.
Y-AMT not only enhances the experience of being one with the machine but also provides more freedom to take in the surrounding scenery, assess road conditions, and improves peace of mind when operating the motorcycle, thereby expanding on the possibilities for enjoying motorcycling and opening up the sport to a greater range of potential users.
” MT-09 Y-AMT” equipped with Y-AMT enhances the experience of being one with the machine
Y-AMT Main Features
Summary
Y-AMT is an automated manual transmission that does away with the clutch lever and shift pedal. Simple lever operation allows for smooth and quick expert-level gear changes. The mechanism provides a comfortable, smooth, and sporty ride in a wide range of situations, from daily use and touring to spirited, sporty riding. In addition, there is no need to operate the clutch when starting off. This makes it easier to achieve smooth expert-level starts.
Y-AMT offers a new riding experience that is full of fun. Freed from the need to operate the clutch and shift pedal, the rider can concentrate on braking, cornering, and accelerating, the core draws of sporty riding.
■ Swift and responsive gearshifting mechanism with little shift shock
Gear changes in manual transmission motorcycles are performed by operating the clutch with the left hand and shifting with the left foot. Y-AMT automates gear changes by having actuators perform these actions. As the mechanism replaces rider operation without making any major changes to the base manual transmission, the direct and satisfying shifting feel that manual transmissions are loved for is retained.
When changing gears, the engine control unit (ECU) and the motor control unit (MCU) governing the actuators communicate and coordinate with each other. The ECU controls engine ignition/fuel injection when upshifting and the electronic throttle when downshifting. The MCU also instructs the actuators to perform optimal shifting and clutch operations.
Optimal control at high rpm is achieved by not fully disengaging the clutch according to the situation, shift times are made shorter by building a spring into the shift rod, and together with the aforementioned engine and clutch control, Y-AMT delivers both quick gear changes and reduced shift shock, providing a natural shifting feel more in line with rider expectations.
Cross-section of shift rod with built-in spring*
■ Excellent comfort and sportiness
Y-AMT is equipped with an MT mode that allows manual shifting, as well as an AT mode that automates shifting gears. Mode switching is done using the AT/MT button on the handlebar switch box.
AT/MT switch button (right handlebar)
MT mode allows for gear changes just as quick and smooth as a manual transmission, freeing the rider from the need to operate a clutch or shift pedal. By simply operating the shift lever with the throttle open, the rider can enjoy exhilarating acceleration that makes the most of the engine’s performance. It also contributes to improved stability when cornering by suppressing gear shift shock, enables a better feel of support for the lower body by eliminating the need to operate the shift pedal, and greater freedom of riding position.
In AT mode, the optimum gear is automatically selected according to vehicle speed and throttle opening, so the rider only has to operate the throttle and brakes. This mode significantly reduces the operational burden on the rider when riding in urban areas or on long tours, where frequent gear changes are necessary.
■ Lightweight, slim, and compact unit not detracting from the base vehicle
The basic configuration of the Y-AMT is that the manual transmission of the base vehicle is equipped with actuators for performing the shifting and clutch operations. The unit’s total weight is approximately 2.8 kg and has achieves a lightweight, slim, and compact design that minimizes the impact on the original vehicle’s styling and handling characteristics.
Y-AMT layout*
Left: Shift actuator
Right: Clutch actuator
*Computer-generated image. Some specifications may differ.
