Are manual bikes going to be a thing of the past as we look to 2025? Well, the thing is, no one really knows.
Automatic motorcycles as a whole aren’t an entirely new concept, appearing over the years in various forms from different manufacturers - but it appears that 2024 models and upcoming 2025 releases are more frequently adopting a ‘clutchless’ approach.
In this blog, we will review all of the new automatic releases from our favourite manufacturers and approach our take on why so many new automatic bikes are being released…
So, without further ado, let’s get into it!
What is Automated Manual Transmission Technology?
I imagine there will be a few people out there who may not know exactly what Automated manual transmission (AMT) technology is and how it works. Below I will try and explain in the most simple way possible…
Automated manual transmission systems will vary between manufacturers, but tend to be a conventional manual transmission equipped with automatic operation to both the clutch and shifting through gears. This means that you can either manually shift through the gears using the manual mode, or if you’d prefer you can ride completely in automatic mode.
Each manufacturer will naturally have their take on how an automatic transmission should operate, and exactly how the mechanisms function - Yamaha opt for the same engine configuration but with actuators added for the gear lever and clutch, for example.
In terms of gearing structure, AMT is re-ordered to an N-1-2-3-4-5-6 configuration as opposed to neutral in between 1st and 2nd (1 – N – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6). This will allow for smoother shifting through the gears. Some systems will also allow you to park the bike with a gear engaged to stop the bike rolling away on a hill or slope – others will add a manual handbrake.
Why are so many bike manufacturers opting to use AMT technology?
At the time of writing, there has been no official confirmation or explanation as to why so many manufacturers such as KTM, Yamaha and BMW Motorrad (to name a few) have decided to introduce this transmission type - which leads us to hypothesise, that will more manufacturers follow suit?
Honda was one of the first to start using this type of system, with their introduction of DCT back in 2010 - though automatic transmissions on two-wheels were considered before that, for instance, the Yamaha FJR1300AS in 2006 with its YCC-S semi-auto gearing.
Could it be that manufacturers saw just how popular the DCT transmission technology was becoming with members of the public and wanted to try their slice of the pie for future models, or could it be something else?
When discussing with the BikeMatters Team, Alex suggested that perhaps it may be due to the ease of riding encouraging new riders to ‘jump’ on with ease and without the stress of having to learn how to control a clutch or shift gears. This is something Yamaha has also backed up when Alex recently appeared on their Yamaha Y-AMT bike launch.
Another suggestion thrown out there could also be linked to a potential wave of electric bikes that we may see unveiled at EICMA - the powertrains there will no doubt be fully automatic, like on the Zero Motorcycles models…
One potential downside to automatic transmissions is the removal of the clutch lever, which can be extremely useful for low-speed manoeuvres, so experienced riders may need a bit of time to get used to this different approach.
As mentioned, each manufacturer has their own approach for an automatic gearbox, for example how the bike will react to a sudden twist of the throttle for acceleration – does the bike shift down for instant torque, or simply rev through the current gear?
All of the Automatic Manual technology we know about so far:
KTM’s AMT
According to KTM when they describe their ATM technology as ‘automatic, but not as you know it’ and ‘not like your grandad’s auto transmission’ - taking all the benefits of an automated transmission, and adding the exhilaration and control of a traditional manual.
When in manual mode, you will have the freedom to shift gears as normal (though without a clutch) using the traditional foot gear lever and paddle shifter. These levers then activate a sensor that will then signal to the electronics to shift gear (just like a Quickshifter+). Alternatively, if you would like to utilise the paddles, these can be shifted up and down on the left switch cube. It also has a dedicated ‘Park’ function that can be activated when holding the brake and selecting it on the left switchgear.
On the other hand, when in fully automatic mode, as it says on the tin, will allow riders to have an extremely easy riding experience with a fully automated shifting system. In automated mode, riders can also switch riding modes on the dashboard - choosing from comfort, street, and sport.
KTM also includes a ‘kick down’ function to select a lower gear when the rider twists the throttle in search of instant acceleration.
Yamaha Y-AMT
As we mentioned a little earlier on, BikeMatters Alex was recently invited to the launch of the all-new Yamaha Y-AMT new technology, showing off the semi-auto gear shift tech first - technology that Yamaha hopes will bring synergy and improve the symbiotic relationship between rider and machine on the road.
All in all the Y-AMT technology removes the clutch lever and moves the gear selector from the left peg to the left switchgear, operated with a see-saw switch. When riding, you will have a fully automatic mode with two automated shift maps: D (which will prefer to hold higher gears with lower revs) and D+ (opts for holding lower gears at higher revs), whilst manual mode (MT) gives you all of the control and allows you to select the normal riding modes from the MT-09 (Sport, Street, Rain, Custom modes).
It would appear that the MT-09 review unit did not have a ‘kick down’ function, and would instead opt to rev through the current gear when twisting the throttle fully in automatic mode – in this case, it would be up to the rider to manually select a lower gear. Or, simply flick into manual mode whilst rolling off the throttle, enjoy the twisties, and flick back into automatic mode when back on the straights.
For now, the Y-AMT technology has been brought in on a new model of the MT-09, however, Yamaha has confirmed that it will be used on plenty of Yamaha’s future and upcoming models.
BMW ASA (Automated Shift Assistant)
First debuted on the 2025 R1300GS and GS Adventure, BMW Motorrad is another manufacturer that has jumped onto the automatic transmission bandwagon with their very own Automated Shift Assistance (ASA) technology!
Similarities to what we have seen from other manufacturers, the automated shift assistant operates by using two electromechanical actuators to automate clutch control and shifting of the conventional six-speed transmission, meaning there is no need for a manual clutch control lever making starting/stopping and/or manouvering a walk in the park (once you get used to it).
BMW themselves say that the automated shift assistant is the logical and technical evolution of the already existing BMW Motorrad shift assistant Pro - a solution to simplify motorcycling, at the same time making it more comfortable!
Kawasaki AMT
Onto Kawasaki and unlike some of the other manufacturers we are mentioning today, Kawasaki silently started bringing in their take on the AMT technology system with the introduction of the 2024 Ninja 7 and Z7 Hybrid bikes.
When looking on Kawasaki's website, they say their AMT technology utilises an electronically controlled 6-speed transmission and removes the conventional clutch level and foot gear shifter, using proprietary logic to smoothly shift gears and operate the clutch. With the actuation of the gears and the hydraulic clutch carried out by the bike, the rider can focus on throttle control.
Also depending on the drive mode, can allow riders to experience full automatic (EV Mode), manual button-shift (SPORT-HYBRID), or rider preference (ECO-HYBRID).
Honda DCT
Next up, we have the OG, the ATM technology that started it all - Honda’s revolutionary Dual Clutch Transmission system!
If you don’t already know, the DCT allows you to explore all the riding modes whether it be manual or automatic modes (Drive and Sport) that will anticipate your every move thanks to the hydraulic 2-clutch package that will select the next gear whether it is up or down seamlessly.
The DCT technology was also the first to introduce the trigger shift, replacing the traditional hand clutch and foot levers on the left handlebar. Again, this makes for just as exciting a riding experience without needing to coordinate hand and foot to change gear!
Honda also has the newer E-Clutch system, introduced on the CB650 and CBR650R models initially, particularly notable as the clutch lever is still there should you wish to use it!
MV Agusta Smart Clutch System (SCS)
Last but not least, we thought we would mention the mechanical Smart Clutch System (SCS) - MV Augustas take on AMT, seen on their Turismo and Brutale 800 models.
The Smart Clutch System (believe it or not), is essentially a clutch system that doesn’t require you to use the clutch at all, even at a stop, making for a far more comfortable, enjoyable, and yet simpler ride. Something which is seen rather frequently on dirt bikes - but very rarely on these types of sports or naked bikes.
Thinking of buying a new bike with AMT technology?
So there you have it, I hope you enjoyed my rundown of everything you need to know about automated manual transmission (AMT) technology and just how manufacturers are taking this and putting their custom spin on it.
If you are thinking about getting a bike with AMT, you will need to insure it. If you are in need of motorcycle insurance, make sure to get a quote direct with Lexham!