Cycle News Staff | October 15, 2024
KTM has unveiled its long-awaited Automated Manual Transmission system set to go into select high-capacity models for 2025.
The new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) gearbox option, which allows the rider to choose between using a manual shifting operation in M Mode—without a clutch—or a completely automated transmission in A Mode.
KTM says that AMT technology will add minimal weight and won’t increase the overall chassis dimensions. The all-new AMT will initially be available on selected upcoming KTM models, with more options being added to the range in the coming years.
Johnny Aubert tested the prototype version up the Iron Road Prologue at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo.
VIDEO | AMT vs. The Iron Giant – Johnny Aubert takes on Erzbergrodeo
Like the system Honda has long used with select touring and adventure models, the KTM system allows riders to switch between manual and fully automated modes. In M (Manual) mode, riders can manually shift gears without a clutch, while A (Automatic) mode provides a fully automated transmission, with engine stalling now a thing of the past.
The AMT features Park and Neutral, with six drive gears. Both Park and Neutral can be selected via the handlebar paddle, with first gear requiring the rider to hold the brake lever in.
Shifts are managed via the ECU and Transmission Control Unit, with an electromechanical actuator delivering shifts in 50 milliseconds, matching the speed of KTM’s traditional Quickshifter+ systems.
Exploded view of the KTM Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
For those riders who want to go semi-old school, the KTM AMT’s manual mode lets them shift gears using either the traditional gear lever or handlebar paddles. KTM says the gearbox maintains traditional proportions, so there’s no compromises on agility or weight.
The rider can also customize how the gearbox works and when it shifts with shift modes working together with the chosen ECU ride modes. The more sportier ride modes will hold gears for longer, allowing the rider to get higher in the rev range before shifting, while more sedate touring modes will prioritize getting into sixth gear early, thus saving fuel.
KTM has yet to announce what bikes the AMT will be on, so stay tuned to news from the upcoming EICMA Show in Milan, planned for November 5-7, for more details. CN
Here is the complete press release from KTM…
KTM Shifts Up a Gear With Its Automated Manual Transmission
KTM has blurred the line between sport and comfort, taking all the benefits of an automatic transmission, but keeping its Ready to Race focus entirely on the rider.
KTM has raced into the automated transmission lineup with its most innovative powertrain developments. Dubbed the AMT – or Automated Manual Transmission – KTM brings a gearbox option that retains its sporty credentials, while achieving refined usability across riding scenarios, as seen with Johnny Aubert steering a prototype version up the formidable Iron Road Prologue at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo.
At its core, the AMT allows the rider to choose between using a manual shifting operation in M Mode – without a clutch – or a completely automated transmission in A Mode. Once 1st gear is engaged, forward drive is initiated by raising the engine speed, at which point the centrifugal clutch engages and sets the motorcycle in motion.
This makes starting on a slope, pulling away, stopping, and slow-speed maneuvering much easier, particularly on a bigger motorcycle. In addition, it is impossible to stall the engine, which on its own is a massive benefit.
Unlike traditional motorcycle gearbox setups, the AMT features a P – N – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 gear sequence, with P denoting PARK to prevent any unwanted rolling thanks to a locking pawl within the gearbox.
Both PARK and NEUTRAL positions can only be selected using the shifting paddle on the handlebar switch cube, whether the engine is running or not, with the front or rear brake needing to be applied to engage 1st gear.
In terms of shifting speed, the gearbox is electronically controlled via the ECU and Transmission Control Unit. Shifts are initiated by an electromechanical shift actuator, which turns the shift drum. This means shifting between gears takes 50 milliseconds which is comparable to a traditional transmission using a quickshifter.
However, while the merits of an automated transmission are well documented, the AMT’s party trick lies with its Manual Mode.
In the M shift mode, the rider can purposefully shift gears by using the traditional gear lever on the left side of the engine or with the paddle shift on the left switch cube. This allows riders to maintain a Ready to Race, sporty riding feel without any compromises in speed or agility. This has been done by carefully engineering the AMT gearbox to maintain traditional gearbox proportions, along with keeping the weight well within the same ballpark.
The AMT system also allows riders a wide range of setup configurations, with SHIFTING modes working in unison with RIDE modes, to allow for individual preferences, regardless of application.
MANUAL MODE
When you want full manual control, Manual Mode allows you to shift gears with a traditional foot gear lever or paddle shifter. When using the traditional foot gear lever on the left side of the engine, the lever activates a sensor that gives a signal to the electronics to shift gear – just like a Quickshifter+ – slotting in the next selected gear up or down the ratios. Riders can also shift up or down using shifting paddles on the left switch cube. The foot shift lever layout can be changed from normal to inverse, depending on the bike model. There is also an option to activate High Rev limiter shifting, which allows the motorcycle to shift gears when the rider is operating at high RPMs. This feature can be turned on or off in manual mode.
AUTO MODE
This mode provides fully automated shifting, making for an extremely easy riding experience. The automated shift execution is based on different vehicle parameters such as actual gear position, engine speed, engine torque, lean angle, acceleration, vehicle speed, pitch angle, and of course, rider inputs. In Automated Mode, the rider can toggle their shift preference via three different shift modes on the dashboard, namely COMFORT, STREET and SPORT.
These shift modes work together with the motorcycle’s individual Ride Modes to ensure the best automated transmission settings are used. During the usage of the automated shift mode, manual shifting input or override is possible, with the easiest way to change a gear being via the up and down shift paddles on the left switch cube. In this case, the fully automated mode is suppressed for 4 seconds and switches back to active automated mode afterward. In an instance where the rider needs more acceleration, and opens the throttle very suddenly, the system activates a kick-down function and shifts to a lower gear. This is important for overtaking, or when the road calls for a little more “go!”
A rider can also initiate a downshift by quickly closing the throttle. This makes overtaking easier by preemptively selecting the correct gear. When ACC is active on an AMT fitted motorcycle, the system decelerates to stand-still when the car in front stops. If the stop is shorter than 3 seconds, the system accelerates automatically. When the stop duration is longer than 3 seconds the riders must accelerate or click the resume button.
AMT BENEFITS
Highly innovative AMT technology adding minimal weight and no increasing of overall chassis dimensions.
Reduced stress, more comfort for the rider, no engine stalling, no need to operate a clutch.
Maximum riding is enjoyable thanks to the quick and dynamic gear changes.
Many options to individually configure the system to the rider’s preferences thanks to different shift modes and the choice of manual or automatic gear shifting.
The all-new AMT will initially be available on selected upcoming KTM models, with more options being added to the range in the coming years.
