2024 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT In-depth Review

With neither a clutch lever nor a gear change lever, #yamaha has fitted its new automated manual gearbox, known as Y-AMT, to its new-for-2014 #mt09 #motorcycle

BikeSocial's super enthusiast (and the boss), Steve Rose, finds out more about the system from Yamaha UK's Marketing Manager, Jeff Turner, before spending a couple of weeks exploring how it feels.

CHAPTERS
00:00 - Video Intro
03:14 - How and why Y-AMT works
10:40 - Demo of the TFT/modes
12:25 - Engine start, gearbox demo
17:43 - Engine covers off + live demo
21:55 - Conclusion interview
46:40 - Bennetts ad
47:27 - Outtakes

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LET’S CONNECT!

[SoDakTwisties]

Anything that makes motorcycles more accessible for a larger number of people is good. It's nice to have options.

[duncanalexander]

Steve Rose is a delight to listen to; his geniality and knowledge are exceptional. And Michael Mann is a wonderful anchor although it would be nice to see him show off his own expertise (in his modest fashion) a little more often. All 48 mins of this video had something to offer. Very well done

[somatyk]

Awesome, detailed review. Thanks guys. The system? I had the same system way back on a car. Auto operated manual clutch and gearbox. The clutch actuator went at 29k miles. £800 plus fitting. Gearbox actuator at 32k miles. £900 plus fitting. If it gets people on bikes, great. I'll be sticking with my fingers and tootsies.

[Grahamvfr]

Quite happy to try this system yes, good tech. Love the style of the video, don't like the all black of the bike though, not in the grey cloudy, gloomy skies we often have in UK. Works ok with continental sun bouncing off it no doubt.

[shanestewart]

I've enjoyed Mr Rose's work for more years than i care to admit. Nice to see plenty of life in that yorkshire carcass yet.

[jamesallen]

I started a new policy with Bennetts on Sunday. The following day and four hours into my multiple bus journeys to collect my new bike, I passed the Bennetts HQ on the X4 to Northampton. Just a funny little coincidence for ya!

[pistolpete]

Excellent video, very informative! Having been riding motorcycles for 40+ years I’m really interested in trying this system out next year.

[HWTEND]

Being able to leave the bike in gear, when switched off, is a well thought out feature 😎

[asturiancetorix]

I´ve recently bought a Tracer 9 GT+, as I wasn´t impressed by the asethetics of the 2025 model, and my first thought about the Y-AMT was "no way, I want to drive my bike myself dude". But now after watching many videos about the thing... I definetly want to try it. Maybe for my next bike, when I´ve seen the long term reliability of this system.

[nickrider]

My favourite bike I own is 32 years old, I rebuilt it, modernised it and it's amazing ... I wouldn't fancy working through this new system, nor do I find changing gear a problem, in fact I really enjoy it. Are manufacturers getting us familiar to these systems so battery motorcycles don't seem so different ?

[Bunter]

Wish they'd used the opportunity to relocate the rear brake lever from the right foot to the left handlebar.

[krancan]

I would have the Honda's solution on the MT09... Yes, it is a bit more chunky, but it doesn't take anything away from the normal experience. You can ride it as any other bike or have it in AT or manual AT. It also negates the issue of those low speed maneuvers.

[grahamgraham]

I read elsewhere that it can upshift while leant over in a bend even in D+ mode. It would have been interesting to know if Yamaha are going to integrate lean angle into the shift algo too? What does the roadmap look like for future upgrades and will they be available through software updates?

[colinpirie]

Best description yet of this system, sounds like Yamaha have engineered away round the smallest friction zone on a clutch in the motorcycle world.

[MotoGuzziMoto]

Does this Y-AMT system need constant readjustment to maintain the right feel, especially the clutch action from a stand-still?

[lukey_luke]

As a new rider about to complete my mod2 next week, I do wonder if this would make things easier or harder for new riders on slow speed manoeuvres.

[grahamgraham]

Going in a very good direction, but would really prefer to have the clutch and gear levers still there for when I want to feel more involved with the bike. Silver brake lever really stands out like a sore thumb, would be much better in black imho.

[yorkshirebiker]

Question - does it "kickdown" like an auto car would? i.e. when suddenly going full throttle will it shift down or just stay in gear? Thanks!

[stephenclarke]

I do lots of B road riding lots of up hill off camber very tight turns where I have to slip the clutch to keep momentum is where this system worries me ?

[patrickagan]

Which mt09 is faster on the track if they are mostly the same then i would maybe just consider taking it because i have trouble feeling anything with my boots on