Motorcycle technology is changing rapidly. Advanced rider aids are being added as options or as standard on new models, and motorcycles powered by electric motors are emerging onto the market. Motorcycle tech is taking an additional step forward as OEMs are developing clutchless transmissions, like the KTM Automated Manual Transmission announced here.
See Johnny Aubert steer a prototype KTM AMT up the Iron Road Prologue at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo in the video below.
The KTM Automated Manual Transmission allows riders the choice between changing gears manually (although without a clutch lever) or letting the motorcycle do it for them. The AMT gearbox is set up as P-N-1-2-3-4-5-6, with Park at the bottom to prevent the bike from rolling when parked.
According to KTM, “Once 1st gear is engaged, forward drive is initiated by raising the engine speed, at which point the centrifugal clutch engages and sets the motorcycle in motion.” With this system, riders can start on a slope, stop, and manage slow-speed maneuvers more simply than with a traditional manual transmission.
In Manual mode, riders can shift gears using the foot gear lever or the paddle shifters on the left side of the handlebar. However, Park and Neutral can only be selected with the paddle shifters. The front or rear brake must be applied in order to engage 1st gear.
In Auto mode, shifting is fully automated and executed based on parameters such as gear position, engine speed, engine torque, lean angle, acceleration, vehicle speed, pitch angle, and rider inputs. Riders can select their shift preference via shift modes titled Comfort, Street, or Sport.
The gearbox is controlled electronically via the ECU and Transmission Control Unit. Each shift is started by the electromechanical shift actuator. KTM claims shifting gears takes 50 milliseconds.
Like the new E-Clutch system found on Honda’s CB650R and CBR650R or BMW’s Automated Shift Assistant available as an option on R-series Boxer models, the KTM AMT could be beneficial for a range of riders. Eliminating the requirement to learn clutch control will remove a steep learning curve for new riders, and it allows riders of all experience levels to pay more attention to the ride and the road.
The KTM Automated Manual Transmission will be available on select upcoming KTM models, and KTM says more options will be added in upcoming years. Visit the KTM website for more information.
Find all of Rider‘s KTM reviews here
The transmission sounds an awful lot like Honda’s dual clutch transmission.
Let’s see how this works and if it’s reliable. Like in the rain, sandy or crumbling roads. Off road?