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

[@SoDakTwisties]

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

[@SirMountainpass]

There are certainly riders who appreciate an added level of comfort - last summer I got stuck on the German Autobahn for more than 1 1/2 hours with the sun giving her best at 30+ degrees - would have been brilliant to switch to full auto mode ☺✌

[@Fernando90054]

It’s so different and goood! Welcome Y-AMT!

[@duncanalexander2447]

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

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@duncanalexander2447 thank you for your kind words. I’ll do my best to spend some time on the next bike we test! Cheers, Michael

[@MotorbikeCoach]

100% - class act x 2

[@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.

[@shanestewart4905]

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.

[@H15W1T5END]

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

[@xani666]

till the battery is dead and you need to move it

[@Mejfkl]

@@xani666 If you stop in neutral it stays in neutral, so you have your option.

[@jamesallen4050]

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!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@jamesallen4050 You could have called in for a coffee!

[@pistolpete6321]

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

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Please let us know how you get on, and thanks for the video praise 👍

[@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.

[@asturiancetorix2552]

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.

[@colinpirie8403]

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

[@_B_K_]

That thing looks so cool.

[@adamolivier3497]

Two things; 1. How do you do a racing pull from standstill?(rev it up and slowing releasing the clutch in a normal bike) 2. I guess you can only do a power wheelie and not a wheelie where you jump the clutch to increase revs)

[@bennettsbikesocial]

The answer to your first question is to simply open the throttle as fast as you dare and either let the bike decide when to change gear or do it yourself using the paddles. The MT-09 has adjustable 'lift control' (Yamaha don't call it anti-wheelie) which you can set to control the front wheel under hard acceleration. As for doing voluntary wheelies, you'd have to ask someone who is better at these things than me. But I'm guessing it'd be the technique that stunt riders use at very low speeds where you dab the back brake to dip the front end then crack open the throttle as you release the brake and the forks extend. Wheelies above walking pace would (probably) need to be just using the power. In reality, if wheelies are a big part of your riding, this gearbox probably isn't for you. Steve R

[@nickrider5220]

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 ?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I asked the question about electric bikes to the man from Yamaha and he said, 'No, that's not the reason.' The point is (for me, at least) that changing gear isn't difficult when you've been riding a while, but that doesn't mean it can't be improved and made even more involving and enjoyable. Y-AMT simply does that. Whether it's worth £550 extra to enjoy changing gear more is a question for the customer.

[@Bunter1815]

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

[@splodge57]

I would much prefer that as on twist and go scooters but I suppose it would be a problem with the paddle change on the left handlebar.

[@williamcoulter5462]

The problem seems to be if they move the lever people will get confused and try to use it as a clutch leading to accidents locking up the rear. If you want it it has been done on other bikes mainly done by those moving from scooters.

[@jimporter]

@@williamcoulter5462no it would mean a difference between manual and y-amt bikes, plus you never know they might decide to add back a clutch, Honda È-clutch style, for low speed control.

[@Howling-Mad-Murdock]

@@williamcoulter5462That’s what I was thinking. User has a brain fart and pulls “clutch” and locks rear wheel.

[@runejors]

@@Bunter1815 i rebuild my NT1100 to have the rear brake lever to replace the "clutch". Honda X-ADV have this, so I used components from that bike

[@Mejfkl]

Good review

[@louismairs5202]

So if I do my a2 on automatic I could buy this?

[@MotoGuzziMoto]

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

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Good question. We are hoping to have a Y-AMT bike on long term test next year so we'll know more when we've put a few thousand miles on it.

[@krancan25]

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.

[@grahamgraham4263]

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.

[@lukey_luke88]

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.

[@paulhope3401]

Most likely harder... you are relying on a variable algorithm that manages clutch slip rather than your hand and its learned muscle memory, I think your hand will ultimately offer finer control. This reviewer also said as much.

[@grahamgraham4263]

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?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

To do that Yamaha would have to integrate the IMU (which measures the bike's pace in time and space for the electronic aids) and Y-AMT algorithm. I'm guessing that the IMU fitted to the MT-07 is different from the MT-09 variants and so they developed Y-AMT to be suitable for a range of models - but that's only my assumption. In truth, the gearchange is so slick that changing up mid-corner has no real impact unless it's in a low gear at very low revs in D-Mode when you do feel a clunk. That only happened to me going around a slow roundabout and wasn't an issue. Hope that helps Steve R

[@embo750]

Very surprised that neither presenter knew that MotoGP bikes use seamless gearboxes.

[@Howling-Mad-Murdock]

But do they still change gear with their foot?

[@big-smoke-rc]

This is how it should have been for decades. Much safer. Although the rear brake should be added as a lever.

[@morri03]

There seems to be a split now. Those who want things as easy as possible and those who enjoy mastering a skill.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I disagree. I spent 40 years learning how and when to change gear on a bike. This doesn't change that. In manual mode it's still my decision what gear to be in and when to change, but the process of changing gears is now so much easier, faster and slicker. I also spent 3 years learning the skill of warming up a bike on choke when they all had carbs and riding around corners on crossply tyres. I don't miss those skills at all and I still enjoy biking with radial tyres and fuel injection just as much.

[@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!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I didn't try it and to be honest, you don't really need to because in 'auto' mode you ca still tap down a gear or two using the manual paddle shifters, which is much more effective and simple than waiting for kickdown to work on an auto.

[@yorkshirebiker]

@@bennettsbikesocial Many thanks for your reply 👍 As you say it's probably not needed if it's so easy just to change gear with the paddles.

[@stephenclarke6114]

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 ?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

There's a very steep, very twisty hill near me that makes part of my test route. It's all relative, of course and your hills might be taller and steeper, but I did ride the MT up and down there o a couple of occasions in manual and auto modes and it just did it without fuss.

[@patrickagan1071]

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

[@YourFault]

Auto hands down

[@reachforthesky1849]

I would like the option of a foot change switch rather than handlebar mounted

[@paulhope3401]

The standard gen3/4 MT09 already has a up/down Quickshifter which is not so far away from that with the only difference being that you do have to use the clutch when coming to a stop/starting off. Check out Honda's new E-clutch system, it offers the best of both worlds... can be ridden as a full auto or conventional manual which is going to appeal to a lot more people.

[@fabiena1787]

@@paulhope3401 Not at all. Full auto is when you don't have to switch gears yourself.

[@paulhope3401]

@fabiena1787 ...but the OP was interested more in foot operated semi auto?

[@stevetaylor9265]

This seems great on the tracer.

[@NZsarge1]

The only thing that irked me was the bright aluminium front brake lever, the needs to be painted/anodised black so it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb

[@Rabbydabbydoo]

There’s always a down side. Dumping the clutch Shifting with one hand on bars but I’ll reserve judgement till I’ve ridden one

[@bennettsbikesocial]

You'll be pleased to hear that Yamaha has placed the shift buttons so you don't have to take your hand off the bars. A bit like how they did the same for the indicators, horn and lights.

[@Rabbydabbydoo]

Yeah i meant changing gears with only throttle hand on bars. Maybe it’s a sports bike thing but I often ride one handed and lean on tank with left arm (if you know what I mean) and shift with no clutch. I’m probably getting too old for sports bikes now (got two gixxers) and may need to look at something like this. Are they fitting it to the XSR ?

[@teneretraveller8980]

It's very clever and a good option, but I'm not sure it's for me, yet. Anything that keeps me riding as I get older and more arthritic can only be a good thing. Can someone please install a gyro system to keep 2 wheelers upright when stationary for when all my muscles disappear, to go with it? Very interesting though, and a great insight. Ride safe 👍

[@jimporter]

History lesson for the presenter. Honda developed their DCT box for the racetrack however it was banned before they got to use it.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I've never heard that before. I was on the launch of the original DCT system and Honda went into a lot of detail about their history with centrifugal clutches and even the 'Hondamatic' bikes of the 70s. But there was no mention of a racing heritage for DCT at all. Where did you hear that information, I'd love to read more about it.

[@jimporter]

@ I can’t remember where I read it but it is fair to say that at that time just about everything Honda did was for racing but DCT was banned FIA and MotoGP before it could be used however the VFR would have been well into development by then. Honda subsequently went with a different faster shifting gearbox in 2011. The real mystery is why that box never made it to road use (other than complexity).

[@petewatson9866]

When I first started driving cars I always said I would never buy automatic, I started driving automatics 10 yrs ago and now I wouldn’t drive a manual. Now I’m in the market for a new bike do I buy automatic or manual? I was thinking automatic because of the long mileage

[@runejors]

One question DCT or Y-AMT?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Tricky one to answer. Honda hasn't put DCT on a sporty bike yet although you can ride a DCT NT1100 pretty quickly down when you're late home from Thruxton BSB (so they tell me...). DCT is more complex internally and adds more weight. Y-AMT is simpler, less weight and less bulk on the side of the engine. If you also add Honda's E-clutch system into the mix which is a halfway house between the two (assisted manual gearbox but no auto-function) you can have Honda assisted sportiness. it sounds like a cop-out, but I'd say they all have merits depending on what kind of bike and ride you are looking for. DCT on a Gold Wing and X-ADV is brilliant for example. But for the MT-09, Y-AMT is the one I'd go for. Steve R

[@runejors]

@ Thanx Steve. I have a NT1100 DCT 22’ and are not happy with the slow u-turn ability. But I really enjoy the normal riding. On Honda’s DCT you also have the ability to change mode. Rain , sport and so on in addition to the drive mode. But the bike is heavy. 250kg + panniers and stuff I like to uppgrade in 2025. And I trying to figure out what to buy. Due to some disability, I need an automate. So it stands between NT1100 or Tracer 9 GT+

[@cpuuk]

I like the idea, but servos don't really last.

[@mickphotographer8725]

great very informative video, I wonder why Yamaha stuck with over 100 year tech ie Chain, a kevlar belt would be much better

[@Wadders]

Not for me on that style of bike but each to their own, as long as they don’t get rid of the manual.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

They haven't got rid of the manual with Y-AMT, just improved it by swapping to a finger-shift without the need to use a clutch. The auto-function is a bonus for experienced riders who have the clutch control and years of muscle memory. But for less experienced riders, in D+ mode, it might add some confidence.

[@RodeoRides]

Should be available on the XSR 900, Maybe next year 😐

[@lloydedghill5832]

if you are new to riding the last thing you should be on is a MT09 or even a MT07, and in most countries you have to be riding for years before you can get a licence to ride either of these bikes.

[@paulhope3401]

Hmmm.. Depends on the individual IMO, some people couldn't be trusted with a moped while others could easily get to grips with a MT07 without any issues, its quite a tame machine, I learned on one and found it a bit dull tbh.

[@jimporter]

Not really a surprise they are doing this now as it speed limiter technology is now a requirement for cars, trucks, buses and Lorrie’s in the EU, bikes are currently exempt as the technology was not there. The word currently is important as there will be increasing pressure to apply the same to motorbikes so the manufacturers are preparing for this.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Bikes already have speed limiters fitted to regulate top speed. I can't see how this technology would be connected to the limiters in cars and commercial vehicles. It's a manual gearbox that can be operated automatically too if you choose that option. In manual mode you can go as fast as you like in every gear

[@jimporter]

@ you need to take a look at the EU regulations that were introduced in July. Not sure you understand the issue being addressed. The line about the technology not existing for bikes was not mine but the official reason why bikes were not included.

[@ianmurray3820]

Wouldn’t a clutch and gear lever give you some redundancy in the event of trouble and also deal with the low speed manoeuvring issue…!!???

[@JayGee6996]

It would, they probably know that providing a clutch lever is going to be better but it’s an added cost, plus people can back to back test both systems on the same bike - that’s not great if they’re trying to push the technology onto consumers

[@omgitsabloodyandroid5161]

MT-09-SP Quick shifter Why bother change?

[@JayGee6996]

This variety can change gear for you, and it can also remove hassle when you’re stuck in slow traffic. For normal riding on open roads, I’d agree it’s pretty pointless

[@splodge57]

I've been riding automatic on my twist and go scooter for years and love it but have no interest in going auto on my bike, get far too much enjoyment changing gear and using the clutch. This system also looks over complicated with more to go wrong.

[@SuperRhysevans]

I love Hondas DCT but reluctant to buy one in case it goes wrong, would not be a simple fix

[@H15W1T5END]

This has the advantage of being a standard engine with clutch and gear change servos fitted externally.

[@the.communist]

These mts look more like transformers than motorcycles

[@fabiena1787]

Thank you for this refreshing comment? No one had ever thought of making it. You're singluar, and should be celebrated as such.

[@poc329]

Not for me. Love a manual clutch

[@Karlos_Fandango]

Looks like a good system but I think Yamaha missed a trick by not leaving a gear shifter on the right footrest. It would appeal a lot more to me if it still had a conventional gear shifter with the YAMT system to complement each other

[@stephenp4563]

You're right - I've ridden it and there is a LOT for your left hand to do: I'd much prefer it to be a foot shift. That said, it's great for people with limited leg mobility.

[@Karlos_Fandango]

@@stephenp4563 agree mate these autos are going to help a lot of people with mobility issues or injuries

[@PhilbyFavourites]

If they did stick a gear lever back in it would only be there for a year as a sop to the old people (me included). I think it’s a wise and brave move to delete it. It makes a brake… with the past. Just one day I’d love to ride a Harley WLA45 with a foot clutch and hand change. Dad had an Indian in the 50’s with that similar set up. He’s not around any more for me to ask him about it sadly.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

@Karlos_Fandango would it work with those impossibly wide wheels though…..

[@Piewalkermatt]

Just wait till we go all electric. No gears. No clutches. No sound. Maximum Torque (MT). Maximum power. True evolution. And we will finally become e-v-o-c-a-t-i.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

You're absolutely right, it's going to be brilliant. Mostly because we'll still have all the advantages and thrills of being on a bike. Slipping through traffic like a winner, reading a b-road, making the decision when to turn, how hard to turn and when to apply the throttle. The same sensation of lean and then upright, the same sense of getting close to the edge and the same feeling of awesome fatigue when you get home. All this tech will do - especially your example of when the perfect electric bike appears - is give us more brain space to do the bits of biking we love. Those people who think that that the most exciting thing about riding a bike is pulling a clutch lever and wiggling their toes are missing the point completely. It's great to know that forward-thinking people like you and Yamaha are getting this. Maybe those others less forward thinking than you should look up that thing called golf where you hit a tiny ball around a field with some men in funny trousers. That could be right up their street.

[@WhippyWhip2]

they should have put the gear change on the left foot, not on the left hand, you have to compromise your grip to chnge gear which would be not only awkward but potentially unsafe if doing some spirited riding

[@bennettsbikesocial]

You'll be pleased to hear that's not how it works in reality. The finger-operated gear change feels very natural.

[@jimporter]

Seriously no different to turning your indicator on or your right hand letting off a throttle and braking at the same time or do you lose control each time you do either of those things?

[@nathan3368]

I thought mt09 was supposed to be a bit of a hooligan bike, will anyone think of the wheelies

[@davidmallia628]

Taking the involvement out of motorbiking. I wouldn't mind such a system if the gear leaver, and clutch were left in place, to have choice. If not, I want a traditional gear shift system, with blipper and quick shifter. When I got an electric off roader, instead od a drz400, I felt that I had less control over the bike, and less engaging ride, equals less fun, less sense of achievement.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

If it were just an 'auto' system I would agree with you. But this is a manual gearshift you operate with your fingers and it still has all the involvement and excitement of any other manual gearshift. It's like the difference between controlling the accelerator in your car with your foot and then discovering how much more sensitive and invlving a motorcycle is when you control the throttle with your hand. Oh, and it has a couple of auto modes too for when you just need to be at the other end of a long motorway or (in D+ mode) you want to focus on the twists and turns of the road ahead instead of worrying about being in the right gear. More choice is a good thing, surely?

[@davidmallia628]

@bennettsbikesocial Still your nerve connections, from your brain to your body extensions, are now obsolete, hence your bodily existence. Fun, and feeling alive, lost!

[@mencibenci]

why not just go with something similar to honda’s e-clutch? automatic when you want it, classic manual otherwise. how is having to shift with your hands vs your foot any better? I really don’t understand their decision to go with this vs some e-cluth style solution.

[@davidoram3423]

The Honda E-clutch is NOT an automatic.

[@YourFault]

Corrected for you: BMW ASA

[@johnnyhun1]

pushing buttons to change gears and call it a thrilling thing? You must be joking mate... Honda's E-clutch is million times better, the downside of that there is no full auto mode... if somehow Y-amt and E-clutch could be merged would be the best possible way imo

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Have you ridden it yet? What's so great about feet anyway? What else do you prefer to do with your toes that others would find easier and more enjoyable with their fingers? On second thoughts... don't answer that. Thanks for watching though. Steve.

[@CZ65]

I find this a terrible trend in motorcycles. Not even offering an option to have a clutch and gear change lever is just dumb. I'll never buy or ride a bike like this.

[@ausforce1]

Remember, when yamaha made good lookong bikes 🤢

[@MichaelSachs-k6v]

This is 🤬. I dont like it, if they made a way to have a mode for automatic and left the original clutch system I would ve fine with it. Going to buy a differant 2025 bike or a Honda, Kawasaki ect with out this technology 😢. They took a great MT09 bike a screwed it up. 😢😢😢😢

[@zakhariahk.8720]

ok but the look is ugly … no thanks

[@mikerider58]

Not for the purist but some may like it.

[@stefanhansen5882]

If you want this you might as well buy a sedan and hire a chauffeur.

[@Grahamvfr]

To be fair, that could have been said about losing the Kickstarter, or the advance and retard lever, or the manual oil pump, or the fuel mix, or the carb ticklers or the choke lever etc etc etc.😊