Yamaha MT 09 Y-AMT Review - Does The World Need Another Auto Bike?

[@GCTO239]

It is funny how many people have an opinion on that system without even testing it. I rode it today. It is a really impressive system. Works so much better than I anticipated. Already the D Mode works smoothly and you can override it with the manual buttons. I absolutely disagree with the reviewer with regard to the D/D+ mode. It is fun and the torque of the CP3 makes reving to the limiter seem a bit silly. Fun is not created in a straight line. This system will sell like hot cakes. I always laugh about comments whining about the allegedly missing fun because you don't have a clutch lever. 😂 I also disagree with the alleged target group. Car owners who have always used automatic gear boxes and never ridden a bike???😂😂😂 I am die hard biker with tons of experience and I loved the Y-AMT. I ride 16 k a year. I currently own a T7 World Rally (my offroad warhorse) which I will keep for good. This bike would be a great addition. So it is not a bike for rookies only.

[@PokerMuppet]

I am certain that you have opinions about things that you have never tried so get off your high horse. That you like this system is one thing, claiming that they will sell like hot cakes... well, that clearly shows how deluded you are.

[@Thegeordiemonkey]

Because most of the testers are biased towards a moto gp fantasy, everything has to be Rossi level performance and handling while everything else is for commuters or old disabled blokes, best way is try yourself and not listen to these lot.

[@GCTO239]

@@Thegeordiemonkey agreed. That's how I roll. I don't care about opinions of wannabe experts.

[@GCTO239]

@@PokerMuppet wow, respect! I applaud your high class comment. Way to go, mate! Have you ever thought about the fact that having different opinions is totally fine? No need to choose the low way, mate! You can have your opinion without attacking others. Insecure? Triggered? Feeling lonely? P.S.: Do you know how many DCT bikes are sold?

[@PokerMuppet]

@@GCTO239 hypocritical much? Your original comment is criticising others for having their own opinions. The whole point of my own comment is that people are allowed opinions whether they have actually tried something or not... Even if they haven't tried it personally they can still make an educated opinion count. I guess that flew over your arrogant little head. As for DCT... it's around 50% of certain, specific, Honda models which actually account for a very small minority of total bikes sold.

[@AnthonioChen]

I once read opinions like "i don't need a quick-shifter; rev-matching is the art of shifting" or "the joy of riding lies in operating clutch". And now people like to compare smoothness of quick-shifters from different models here and there, especially potential buyers. New models without auto-blip might be considered in-competitive in certain segments. Thank god manufacturers didn't hire these "true riders" for its engineering and marketing department, or we probably don't even have ride-by-wire as of now.

[@onwilson2]

So true I remember when people would not buy a bike with a quickshifter and insisted that you learn on a non ABS bike to learn how to ride, break and control a bike.

[@AnthonioChen]

It’s like a “real riders don’t need this and that” chronicle.

[@onwilson2]

@@AnthonioChen I don't know about you but I like the act shifting, rev matching, sliding the back end out, controlled breaking, and the sound of the engine as you do the above ( It is the same reason why drove a manual car); it's a dying and lost art. If the tech makes riding safer and puts more people on bikes then I am good with that too.

[@AnthonioChen]

@@onwilson2 I'm not against any of this pro riding skills, on the contrary i admire people able to do that. I just found hilarious that whenever there's a new tech introduced, there' will be people rushing in to say they don't need this and that like they hate riding becoming easier. I don't see what wrong is with introducing more rider-aids. There's a much bigger (potential) market besides pro riders.

[@allwheeldrive]

Okay... The assumption that the biggest reason these auto boxes are appearing because so many people have "grown up" on a paddle-shift car is nonsensical. This is NOT just for all these new, *inept* newbies. The target is ALSO people who've been riding for years, and can appreciate the tech in situations like traffic, very long slogs, and bad weather. And even in two-up riding where the system inherently smooths out shifts preventing helmet banging! It seems a few manly men out there think the absence of a clutch makes motorbikes scooters or (gasp!) secretary bikes and they'd NEVER have it. We'll check back in a few years to see how this falls out, but I'm betting there'll be a few of these in "real men's" garages. Out of all of these boxes, I think I like Honda's approach best so far, but this is pretty damned nice, and a great matchup for the T9.

[@zjgw72]

For me it's just about the freedom of 2 wheels. I can't be bothered with a clutch and a shifter anymore.

[@brianglendenning1632]

I do not quite understand the negativity towards these systems, which will might attract new riders who might never have used a clutch in a car or motorbike, and enable existing motorbike riders with injuries to continue to ride. More motorcyclists is a positive - and if you do not want one of these clutchless solutions do not buy one, simple!

[@101BadBreath]

Yes more please, and on more mid level bikes lowering barrier to entry for many potential riders.

[@gilesheaton4104]

Having had a left ankle fusion 6 years ago, my two wheel choices have been severely limited since then. Finally I can get back to the fun again! I for one am excited about this and Yamaha have a new customer as a result.

[@DouglasRosser]

Got a friend who had cancer as a kid and lost most of one of his legs. "Flappy paddle" gearboxes in cars enabled him to be a "car guy". Hopefully systems like this will allow him to become a "motorcycle guy".

[@avedgy]

Nice for people with left hand or arm mishaps, nice for people who hate shifting. More bikes less cars on the road I'm all here for it.

[@nlmaster9811]

How do you do low speed maneuvers without a clutch?

[@zjgw72]

Great review, thanks.Just the information I want and nothing extra.I would buy one in a heartbeat and I've been riding for thirty years 😎

[@mosca3289]

If automated clutch is for riders coming from auto cars how come experienced riders want quick shifters?

[@joshuasmith9410]

Because the experience between cars and bikes is different. Hope this helps!

[@kevinroark5815]

This will get more people into motorcycling

[@1990-t1j]

I like paddle-shift boxes, as my 'car' is a can-am F3-S. Far better than changing with my left foot.

[@sereneturmoil]

I like that there is another option available to riders, new, old, considering, skilled, and novice. That said, even as a relative new rider, five years in, who chose manual transmission cars for 25 years, I am happy to continue with a conventional motorcycle transmission and/or a quick-shifter. The U/D QS on new Yamaha models provides enough of an automatic experience for me since it's only 1st that requires the clutch, making shifting about as easy as it gets. That's not to say that I won't look into automatic options when age catches up with me but I want something to help me keep riding for as long as possible. I'm looking forward to seeing Yamaha iterating on and improving this tech.

[@TradeMeKrazy]

Amazing. I sold my MT09 after 3 years due to it being hard to shift up with my foot drop. Maybe snag another one down the road.

[@WalterJohnson-er7bt]

It would be a great idea for people who have a handicap that precludes them from using current controls on motorcycles. On the other hand I think some control it would eliminate are critically important in low speed maneuvering. So if you can ride a normal bike it would be your best option.

[@mstelios4259]

Can you get this with the SP spec?

[@2wheels1guy25]

How does it handle at low speeds when you are filtering and slaloming mirrors?

[@BBFazer]

Isn't it the same system as on the FJR1300AS. I had that bike and I loved it, althoug it did not have the at option. Shifting with the padles was sooo good. I really missed it on my Tracer 7.

[@PokerMuppet]

Slightly off topic but which reservoir and dam near to Barcelona is that? I'm doing a road trip next year from the UK to Barcelona and I'd like to visit that. Thanks.

[@L.A-h5s]

No clutch is very nice. Wonder how it works in 8 figures or between trafic since DCT is lagging in this manner in relatiin to regular shifting.

[@SomewhereInside]

That stealth black is awesome , just need to black out the tank badge the silver bits and the fork reflector 😊

[@zjgw72]

And change the front fairing. Lol

[@neilsolomon9149]

The Japanese are masters. ❤️

[@MattCallaghan-u7h]

My last MT09 could have benefited (marginally, to be fair) from me not having to move my foot on and off the left peg. And that’s where we’re at. Marginal gains. Motorcyclists won’t accept revolutionary change. Hub center steering anyone? 2 front wheels maybe? Even so, I’d like one. I guess I’ll find out how much when (if) my local dealer gets a demo.

[@SomewhereInside]

Wonder what paddle shift is like standing up?

[@t288msd]

Yes!! I now have a choice other than Honda for non-clutch bike. I wouldn't ride anything but. Thanks Yamaha!

[@gerry343]

I'd be interested to know the sales figures, after a couple of years, for the auto versus the manual bike.

[@PokerMuppet]

The Honda DCT versions run at around 50% of any given model it's available for.

[@gerry343]

@@PokerMuppet That sounds surprisingly high.

[@PokerMuppet]

@@gerry343 I looked up the stats for myself as I thought the same however, when you see the models it also makes sense. Africa Twins, NC750s and Goldwings... A very high percentage of each are riders in their 50's or over and are likely to suffer with wrist pain etc, and opt for an auto type bike instead.

[@gerry343]

@@PokerMuppet Thanks for your comments. I still wonder how popular this option will be on a sportier bike like the MT 09.

[@PokerMuppet]

@@gerry343 I agree... I doubt it will be more than a very small minority. DCT is rarely seen on more sportier models from Honda and isn't even available of most of their sports bikes at all so they obviously know there isn't a market for it or at least it just doesn't work in that situation.

[@ashwinraggs4226]

Toad says stuff that what an experienced rider might expect to hear 😄 Great job Visordown ;)

[@PokerMuppet]

Visordown are nothing if not predictable.

[@RRTouringUK]

The BIG question is-can it still be wheelied ???

[@DavidSimpsonSpecialForces]

Hmm...According to Yamaha the rider can shift faster using the finger shifter and automatic clutch than is possible with a foot and clutch. So one would assume riding a wheelie isn't applicable on this MT-09!

[@bob4390]

Impressive technology, but I still question why they introduce it on a hooligan bike like the MT-09? Seems odd as I would think this would be more applicable to the Tracer for touring. I really fear the manufacturers are all jumping on a bandwagon under the misguided belief we ALL want an automatic. I hope they are sincere in the statements that this technology will be offered as an option rather than replacing the manual transmissions, and the traditional clutch lever and foot shifter. I respectfully disagree with their marketing that this technology will make anyone more "one" with the bike. I believe it will do the opposite, it will disconnect the rider from what is going on and make them more of a passive participant in the riding experience :(

[@zjgw72]

They should have put it on the MT 03 for learner riders.

[@urbanstrencan]

New development space in the motorcycle industry like in the car industry years ago . Let's see how automatic transmission will be adopted by roders 😊

[@PokerMuppet]

I've looked and looked and no one seems to cover slow manoeuvres where you would use the clutch for control. All these videos only ever talk about open roads and how quickly you can race around like a twat. P.S. Also nice to see that Visordown can't be bothered to reply to anyone commenting on their videos. Shows how much they care about their followers.

[@Osman-am38ym]

29/09/2024update

[@TheLastCrankers]

I don't get why this is something that manufacturers are trying to push. Surely a DCT like in hondas with a regular gear change lever could work better and be more convenient? I just struggle to see the effort in all this engineering when a DCT is lighter, faster and barely more expensive.

[@colindecosta2756]

Perfect description of this system "turns the MT09 into a scooter" 🤣

[@CraigSmith568]

All I could think about was that horrible looking headlight.

[@tgmwright]

Target audience: new riders who don't want a clutch and shift lever. Better put it on a bike that no new rider should be buying...

[@onwilson2]

This is just prepping riders for electric bikes that don't need a manual shifter. You are riding a computer that rides the bike, you are riding the computer.

[@zaphodbeeblebrox4574]

Heaven forbid, that for your hobby, you need to learn another 'life ?' skill !.

[@PokerMuppet]

This is little more than dumbing down biking so that the transition to electric bikes is less noticeable when it happens. Of course there is a minority that will benefit from this kind of system such as those with medical conditions that struggle with clutch transmissions and an even smaller minority that simply 'like' it... But ultimately it so that motorcycle companies don't utter lose all customers by an aggressive switch from manual transmission bikes to electric.