Yamaha’s original MT-09 rewrote the rulebook when it came to middleweight naked motorcycles and now comes an equally revolutionary machine, developed to deliver the next level in sports riding and create a unique symbiosis between rider and machine – the MT-09 Y-AMT.
The first generation MT-09 brought pure emotion and excitement back to the world of motorcycling when it was introduced a decade ago, kick-starting a Hyper Naked revolution which would change everything.
Each aspect of the MT-09’s design philosophy was influenced by a desire to offer an exhilarating riding experience. This was further evolved for 2024 with the introduction of the latest MT-09, featuring a redefined riding position and a host of new technology to deliver the most heightened and engaged riding experience in the Hyper Naked range.
Now, the MT-09’s exhilarating ride can be experienced in a whole new way with the introduction of the MT-09 Y-AMT, the first model to feature the innovative, new Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission.
Set to revolutionise the sport riding experience, Y-AMT allows riders to fully focus on the MT-09’s thrilling performance by redefining the process of changing gear to either a finger-operated shift or fully automatic, to deliver consistently linear shifts, creating the most engaged and immersive riding experience.
Introducing the MT-09 Y-AMT
The Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT has been developed around the high-performance MT-09 platform, showcasing both the outstanding dynamics of the base machine and Yamaha’s new transmission technology.
Featuring the same critically acclaimed 890cc CP3 three-cylinder engine as the newly launched MT-09, the MT-09 Y-AMT is the first motorcycle to incorporate the Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission .
Retaining all the qualities which make the MT-09 a class leader, the MT-09 Y-AMT combines the standard machine’s agile handling and feisty performance with a transformational transmission system which allows the rider to choose between a finger-operated manual transmission, offering an even more engaged riding experience, and the pure convenience of a fully automatic gear change.
The clutch and gear shift operation are each actuated by an electric motor, eliminating the need for both the traditional clutch lever and a foot operated gear shifter, allowing the rider to better focus on their riding flow.
The MT-09 Y-AMT’s manual transmission (MT) offers a completely new way in which to experience the thrill of Yamaha’s acclaimed CP3 motor. With a closer and more refined connection to the brain than the feet, the hands are one of the most tactile and powerful tools the human body has.
Shifting by hand alone, as opposed to a foot-and-hand combination, is not only quicker, but requires less thinking time, allowing the rider to hyper-focus on throttle and brake application, lean angle, body position and tyre grip levels to intensify the ride, especially in cornering.
MT has been developed with sporty riding in mind, allowing for quicker and more consistent changes as the rider looks to extract every degree of performance.
Gear changes are activated through a tactile see-saw switch placed conveniently at the rider’s left hand fingertips. Riders can either use their thumb and index finger to upshift with the plus lever, and downshift with the minus lever, or opt for a single-finger operation for sportier riding, using only the index finger to shift by pulling the plus lever to shift up, and pushing it to shift down for the ultimate sporty ride.
With no clutch to operate, the rider can more easily time their gear shifts while focusing on their lines and other controls. With no traditionally mounted shift pedal, the rider is also better able to position their lower body through turns – providing an excellent sense of stability while cornering and creating an even more reassuring connection with the motorcycle.
At standstill and low speeds, the Y-AMT system controls the clutch and gearbox operation making the machine easier to control when moving off, performing manoeuvres and in heavy traffic. The system completely takes over gear shifting functions when in one of the two AT modes, but can be overridden using the see-saw lever.
The D+ mode unleashes the CP3 motor’s famous character, maintaining higher revs for longer as it changes up and down through the six-speed transmission. Alternatively, D mode delivers a softer and more confidence-inspiring fully automated gear shift to aid low speed and urban riding, ideal for commuting and on journeys where the rider wants to enjoy a more relaxing ride.
Where previous generations of automatic gearboxes may have been aimed only at comfort and convenience, Y-AMT prides itself in enhancing the torquey and agile nature of the MT-09 – delivering a more engaging experience for riders.
Toggling between MT and AT modes is easy and can be done on the move by activating the button on the right hand switchgear, allowing the rider to transform the nature of the MT-09 Y-AMT in a heartbeat.
A new dimension for MT-09
While the 2024 MT-09 Y-AMT premieres the latest Y-AMT technology, the new model retains all that has made the MT-09 a benchmark in the sporting naked class.
Embodying the same Dark Side of Japan philosophy and enhancing the MT-09’s sensational performance, the MT-09 Y-AMT provides a thrilling ride from start to finish – giving riders a highly distilled riding experience and an even greater connection with their motorcycle.
Powered by the soulful 890cc CP3 three-cylinder crossplane-concept engine, the MT-09 Y-AMT delivers a lively 87.5kW at 10,000rpm and the riding experience is enhanced by the aural tuning of the induction system, with mesh vents integrated into the fuel tank to allow the rider to hear the mighty induction roar at high rpm.
The minimalist design language of the MT-09 Y-AMT expresses the motorcycle’s ‘ready for action’ attitude and showcases the lightweight CF aluminium die cast frame, which is ideal for sporty riding. The chassis is the latest development of Yamaha’s iconic Deltabox frame and has been tuned to provide a high level of chassis stiffness, giving excellent rider feedback and outstanding agility.
Suspension and brakes are also of the level modern riders have come to expect from a sporting middleweight. The 41mm front forks are fully adjustable and have been developed suit a wide range of riding styles. Rear suspension is also adjustable, with multiple settings, while the MT-09 Y-AMT’s braking system features a Brembo radial master cylinder, which provides linear pressure to the four-pot front calipers – ensuring strong and progressive stopping power.
To complement the next-level technology synonymous with this class leading machine, the MT-09 Y-AMT comes with a Smart Key System, allowing the rider to start the bike at the touch of a button providing the key is on their person. The system also features a lock/unlock function for the fuel tank cap.
The dynamic nature of Yamaha’s Y-AMT technology has been made possible by the ‘ride-by-wire’ Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system and a six-axis IMU, which controls a comprehensive electronics suite derived from the R1. This class-leading electronics package includes lean-sensitive, three-level traction control (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS), Front Wheel Lift Control System (LIF), Brake Control System (BC) and Back Slip Regulator (BSR). Customisable ride modes allow the rider to further tailor the performance and attitude of their machine, with the full colour TFT dashboard presenting all the information in a clear and easy to understand format, alongside smartphone connectivity and navigation functionality.
2024 MT-09 Y-AMT: Exclusive Technical Highlights
Manual shifting via finger-operated ‘see-saw’ switch
Automated clutch and gear shift actuated by electric motor
Two automatic shift modes: D+ and D
Smart Key System
2024 MT-09 & MT-09 Y-AMT: Shared Technical Highlights
Sharp and compact looks including re-designed bi-functional LED headlight
5” full colour TFT screen with smartphone connectivity and navigation
Customisable riding experience via Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) settings
Modify YRC settings via smartphone with MyRide app
Engaged riding position
Separated passenger seat unit
Precise formed fuel tank
Acoustic amplifier grille
Latest 890cc, three-cylinder, four-valve DOHC liquid-cooled, EU5+ CP3 engine
Six-axis IMU with full suite of lean sensitive rider aids
Cruise control
Brembo radial master cylinder
Lightweight CF aluminium die-cast frame
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 M tyres
Yamaha’s SpinForged wheels for agile handling
Adjustable suspension for enhanced sports riding
Adjustable brake lever
Colours, availability and price
The new MT-09 Y-AMT will be available with three colour options: Tech Black, Midnight Cyan and Icon Blue.
The MT-09 Y-AMT will be available in European Yamaha dealers later this year. For full information regarding prices and delivery dates, please contact the national Yamaha distributor.