More toys and a promised better ride
The same MT-09, but with an automatic gearbox option
The march of progress continues with the introduction of Y-AMT, a new fully automated transmission. The bike that Yamaha have chosen to debut the new technology on is the MT-09, or the MT-09 Y-AMT to give it its full title.
The MT 09 was launched a little over a decade ago. As with all success stories it was somewhat of a slow burner in these parts. But if you knew how good it was then you knew how good it was and it’s become a stable of the naked sportsbike market.
The engine and chassis have been used in the Tracer 900, in all its variants as well as the XSR900 models. The engine also features in the Niken. Two years ago the bike got a series model upgrade with the launch of the MT-09 SP, a rolling treasure chest of race derived technology.
A significant technology package
Powered by an engine that defines all these machines the latest incarnation of their cross planed crank 890cc in-line triple. It produces plenty of low end torque, clean power delivery and a great soundtrack!
All of this sits in a Deltabox inspired frame and features a Brembo master cylinder along with ABS and Traction Control.
The hyper naked range grew with a suite of MT machines that included the MT-07, the MT-03 and the MT-125. Then there’s the R1 derived MT-10 and what a bike that is!
Other colours are available!
Meanwhile, at this point we know how good the MT-09 is. Therefore it made sense to the company to add a whole new feature to the bike with a third model option the Y-AMT. The new bike offers the rider two ways to change gear, manually or automatically.
The idea behind this new system is to allow the rider to dispense with using their foot to change gear. Instead we use finger operated shift via a ‘see-saw’ switch on the left bar. This, in addition to being an easier way to change gear, is also quicker and smoother than using your foot. Yamaha claim that it’s even faster than their well established quick shifters. This is the manual or MT setting.
The automatic or (AT) setting offers a gentler gear change in a ‘D’ mode while a ‘D+’ leaves the changing until higher in the rev range. The choice between both can made via a thumb operated mode button. Changing between both the MT and AT modes can even be done while riding the bike from a button on the right hand bar. This is all in addition to having the traditional sport, street and rain fuelling options along with an additional two customisable ones.
A great rear profile!
The new system adds three kilos to the bike but doesn’t make it any bigger, wider or bulkier in any way. The three kilos are well ‘hidden’ and the new Y-AMT bike doesn’t feel any heavier to ride.
Adding to the technology is keyless ignition. Adjustable bars and rearsets allow the rider a certain amount of ‘custom fit’ latitude. The well established Yamaha app, MyRide, allows the rider to link a smart phone to the bike and view the phone from the TFT screen. This is a full colour affair that can be scrolled through without taking your hands off the bars. Garmin navigation is also part of the mix via their Streetcross app.
The new bike is available to test ride from Danfay Newlands. Give Jamie a call on 016871922 to make a booking.
Cool gloves!