KTM Unveils New Automatic/Manual Motorcycle Transmission System

If a motorcycle has an automatic transmission, is it still a motorcycle or a scooter? This question has proved divisive among riders, but motorcycle manufacturers seem to be firmly in the “still a motorcycle” camp.

We’re saying that due to the number of bike makers introducing semi- or fully automatic transmission systems for motorcycles. For instance, Honda recently revealed its E-Clutch system on the 2024 CB650R and CBR650R, allowing riders to choose whether they use the clutch lever.

Now, KTM is entering the fray as well, but the company has gone one step further. Its new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) system aims to provide the best of both worlds by allowing riders to choose between automatic and (clutchless) manual shifting.

The AMT gearbox has roughly the same proportions and weight as a traditional manual gearbox, according to ATM. That, however, is where the similarity ends.

Unlike a conventional gearbox with a 1-N-2-3-4-5 shifting order, the AMT features a P-N-1-2-3-4-5-6 gear sequence, more reminiscent of automatic car transmissions. The P(ark) and N(eutral) gears can only be selected with the left handlebar switch cube.

In A Mode, or automatic mode, the transmission starts forward drive as soon as you engage the first gear and raise the engine speed. At that point, the centrifugal clutch takes over, and you’re ready to roll.

The automatic transmission is controlled electronically through the engine control unit (ECU) and a specific transmission control unit. An electromechanical shift actuator will then turn the shift drum roughly as quickly as when using KTM’s Quickshifter+.

Should you not want to ride with automatic transmission, the AMT still has your back. By switching it to M Mode, the rider can manually shift the gears like with a conventional gearbox.

You can shift gears either with the heel-toe shifter or by using the controls on the left-side handlebar cluster. There’s no need to use the clutch, and it’s likely motorcycles equipped with AMT will not have one at all.

KTM also says riders will be available to configure the AMT to automatically swap between A and M Modes when changing the ride mode. This feature is aimed at giving riders a wide range of customizability and flexibility.

The AMT system will be available on certain upcoming KTM models. We’ll update you with more information as it becomes available.