Words: Bill Hunter.
Yamaha’s MT-09 has always been one of my favourite naked bikes, a fact confirmed by the eager buyers in Europe. The first MT-09 was unveiled to the public in 2013 and since then over 100,000 units have been sold in Europe alone, a colossal retail success of note, right? Last year MCN UK also made the standard MT-09 their 2024 Naked Bike of the Year, an enviable accolade on all counts for sure enforcing the MT-09's application.
So what could Yamaha possibly do to improve such a recipe? Well how about the adoption of a semi-automatic transmission! Ok, let’s get the elephant in the gearbox out of the way before we begin. Some purists, like myself, will say the MT-09 is a wild, naked wheelie machine that doesn’t need to be ‘automated’ and I’d have to agree. But, after a week in the saddle, I can see through the clouds of contempt and began to admire this clutchless attraction.
Y-AMT stands for Yamaha – Automated Manual Transmission in case you’re wondering. This semi-automatic implementation seems to be all the rage at the moment with BMW and KTM now offering similar transmissions. We all know Honda has had its DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) for many years that has a specific engine to accommodate its twin clutch operation. However the Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT isn’t like that because its engine is a standard MT-09 with twin robotic like arms connected to two separate electric motors to engage the gears. These units look similar to windscreen wiper motors found on a car. So regarding the engine it’s identical to the manual MT-09, with the usual clutch and gear lever system.
The three-cylinder, 890cc, 12-valve, CP-3 engine with its distinctive firing order is one of the finest engines ever placed inside a motorcycle. A claimed 117hp@10,100rpm and a healthy 93Nm@7,000rpm is delivered from the Cross-Plane crankshaft layout, which is also the same unit used in Yamaha's Tracer and XSR range. The 2024 MT-09 did received quite for a few updates last year, so let’s run through those.
Yamaha’s YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) works in conjunction with the YRC (Yamaha Ride Control), offering three rider modes; Sport, Street, Rain, and two Custom settings for personal choices, the six-axis IMU assist with lean-angle sensitive Traction control, as well as wheelie control and ABS cornering action. You’ll also find cruise control and a motor-slip regulator to help with abrupt down shifts (Slipper clutch), to name just a few of Yamaha’s vast suite of rider options. These are displayed on the comprehensive 5-inch TFT display using the new ‘see-saw’ toggle switch. You can even set your choices using your phone if you prefer, which is a cool feature. This means you can also set up GPS connectivity and record your ride, and where you’ve been, using Yamaha’s MyRide app.
The first time you set off on the Y-AMT it’s a bit odd, seeing as there’s no clutch or gear lever. Start the engine and choose whether you want to be in D or D+, where D+ offers sportier power delivery and ‘hangs on’ longer to the selected gear. On the display there’s a handy gear position indicator to keep you informed what gear you are in. There is quite a ‘clunk’, shall we say, when you initially select drive (D) that raises an eyebrow, then you just twist the throttle and you’re off, simple as that. Interestingly it’s impossible to stall the Y-AMT making it ideal for a new, or older, rider who has maybe decided to get back onto two wheels. When the bike decides to change into second gear, either in D or D+ mode, there’s again a strident change but, once you’re riding hard and into the higher gears, it becomes a much smoother transition. Seems a bit strange that the six-axis IMU isn’t connected to the gearbox operation though, because it sometimes changes gear when you’re cornering that can unsettle the bike, but it’s not too drastic. You can change all the gearbox settings on the fly, which makes it fun to scroll around when you don’t have to stop to do so (the rider modes offer the same feature).
What is fun is the way the MT-09 Y-AMT attacks corners helped by the latest KYB suspension that’s been fiddled with and enjoys improved damping characteristics, especially noticeable on the fully adjustable 41mm front forks. With a commendable weight of 196kg (wet), only 3kg heavier than a standard MT-09, it is extremely agile and will certainly revel in a track day or two if you fancy getting your knee down. If you do go there you’ll be impressed with the brutal stopping power from the front 298mm discs assisted by a quality Brembo master cylinder, again adding to the sporty nature of Yamaha’s Hyper-Naked, as they like to call it. You can also tailor the riding position to suit yourself with adjustable handlebar and footrest position options, depending on your dimensions. And yes, if you give the ‘bars a good yank in the first couple of gears, you CAN make it wheelie, so there!
So, we have a playful, punchy motor that will easily propel you to well over 200km/h, superb agility, and a soundtrack that pops and crackles between gear changes (like those cars with a DSG gearbox do) courtesy of the excellent quickshifter. There’re two acoustic vents sat on the top of the 14-litre tank which aid the audible pleasure, a very cool idea that, but wait I haven’t got the best part of the Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT yet…
Everything you’ve just read about pales into insignificance once you’ve put the bike in Manual mode or (M), as it’s portrayed on the display. Now the ‘auto’ side disappears and you can only change the gears using the two paddle buttons situated under the left side switchgear. Like WOW man, this is now serious fun in a Playstation computer game like fashion! Perfect and seamless gear changes are now at your fingertips, so to speak. I never went back into the slightly irritating D and D+ modes once I discovered this option. Now the Y-AMT is one exhilarating ride and you must at least experience it at least once folks! Up and down the gears brings a naughty grin every time and it’s without doubt the best feature of Yamaha’s new autobot – tremendous I’d say!
So it’s not everyone’s cup of oil but after the manual mode experience I can see the attraction. It’s not too cheap either at R259,950, which puts it very close to the gorgeous XSR 900 GP. But, it is a good looking, unique, effortless and trouble-free experience, not to mention ideal if your left leg is missing, so I won’t.
Images: Gym Fidler.
Visit: www.yamaha.co.za for more technical information and to request a test ride.
2025/07/10
