People are always hating on new things. If you don't like it, don't buy it. World and tech moves on! Personally I think it's a great opportunity for people with disabilities, if you are missing a hand (perhaps an arm), this can be a way to ride a bike again. Even older people who just want to ride, have fun and don't eff around with clutch anymore.
This isn't targeted at disabled people, as that would be a tiny number. Instead this is targeted at people who might be put off buying a motorcycle by having to use a manual gearbox and clutch. The motorcycle companies are seeing their user base erode over time, as we all get older and shuffle off, and are looking for replacement customers.
I've been waiting on you to review this bike. I use a manual wheelchair and this will make it much easier and more reliable to get on the track. We always have to make custom power shifter setups for my bikes and they never work all the time. Hucking it into a corner on a hard downshift is not the time for your shifter to not work. Thanks guys!
@@atiq982982 What are you talking about the rest of us don't want it are you speaking for me SMH 🤦♂️ I hate a clutch I want an automatic and a lot of other people do too don't talk shit unless you know what you're talking about that's why they're coming out with automatics dingbat because the Honda's dct and I'm not handicap I just hate clutches.
I used to criticise quickshifters, until i rode one and now i love them...being able to shift at lean without upsetting the bike is great. No doubt this tech will be a great option for many.
@@BobSacamano-dy3wg was waiting for someone to say this 😂 it’s just nicer with a QS but yeah they are shit for wheelies through the gears…haven’t messed about with my settings but making it require more input to shift would definitely help that. Anyway they’re illegal 🫣
you could always get a clicktronic actuator and autoblipper fitted to an R1. You would still have a conventional clutch but it will move the gear changes to the bar.
@@silotx Can you even buy a brand new R1 for much longer or if they already stopped selling them ? And if so what warranties do you have on a track only R1 which I guess they will keep selling for a while just like they did with the R6 ?
@@mathias6423they are still selling the R1. If I'm not wrong they are halting the production in 2025 but still the manufactured bikes will be on sale. Correct me if I'm wrong here.
Not for me.. but if it allows riders with dissabilities to ride again I'm all for it. Think I prefer Hondas E-clutch system though.. as it can also be used conventionally as a normal manual.... which wont affect its consumer base size and wont make it a niche bike.
As long as it remains an option, I don't care if they introduce this stuff, I'm sure someone will find it useful/appealing. As soon as it starts being the only transmission offered, count me out of that product lineup.
The question is when will Honda put the same automation in a non-DCT bike, with e-clutch, finger controls and a foot shifter. That would be easily done and would make everyone happy.
Honda's been killing it for over a decade with their DCT on bikes from the Forza 750 upto Africa Twin/NT1100. Their sales figures can't be denied ! I'm pleased other manufacturers are joining the party. I think dct riders ll love it.
This Yamaha set up adds little extra weight to the bike unlike Honda DCT which is heavy. Will be an advantage for lighter built or disadvantaged /disabled riders.
I have an 07 blade which i love, i went and tried a DCT Africa Twin and it is soooo goooooood! At no point did i wish for a manual, the various different modes made it very easy to switch between your riding moods. Incredible. If it was in my budget, id buy one all day long.
I think it's cool. Not something I'd personally purchase but kind of similarly to the honda DCT it makes motorcycling a lot more accessible to people and I'm all for that.
I'm a disabled rider with only one arm left (left as in left arm not left-over). The problem with the Y-AMT is that it's a fly-buy-wire (FBW) throttle which makes it tricky to modify as an FBW throttle on the left would have to be reversed, and that's means making a new one. Also, a throttle on the left would make getting to the switchgear more difficult. A better option for left-handed riders is the e-clutch for the CB650R and CBR650R as they have cable operated throttle (just swap cable ends for right-handed throttle on left) and still allow you to change gear with your foot. I've had many motorbikes modified (FJR-1300AE, 2016 Africa Twin, Aprilia Mana 850, Honda DN-01 (yes that one), 2018 MT-09 (I made my own servo system using thumb lever) and it's only a matter of time before all bikes go FBW, so the window is closing for "easy" modification.
My left hand has permanent damage due to getting rear ended, so it's perfect for me... and good to see some more options to challenge the Honda DCT dominance.
@@jimporter I think you run into quite the complexity problem there. Honda's E-clutch is pretty awesome in that it's really just a manual with clutch override. I think fewer people want automated shifting AND clutch that you might think. For me, I'd rather have the ability to use the clutch when I want but also have no-stall for traffic or for slow/awkward off-road situations where clutch control becomes taxing.
Not just "gentlemen" might be interested in this. Some of us older, experienced girls have wrist issues that make clutching painful, especially in traffic. Also, after riding and enjoying my electric moto, I wonder why some "traditionalists" don't even question the "need" for gears and clutch on motos, when we've lost them in cars years ago.
I own a Gen 2 and commute to work occasionally. I could see this being much more relaxing to ride especially on a sleepy morning or after a long day. Much easier too when you're in 6th approaching a red light but then it goes green and u gotta downshift from 6th to 2nd to build back speed. This combined with the cruise control 🙌 👌
I wouldn't mind it all for a everyday commuter, but for my hooligan sportsbikes and offroad bikes, I need a clutch. Especially on offroad, you need to have precise control over your power to the rear wheel
I decided to test ride this while my SP was having its first service. I agree with Fagan; I liked it a lot more than I expected to. I took it for a city ride, which is the natural home of the automatic system - one thing I've not seen any reviewer mention is that the automatic mode only works with engine mode 3 which is basically the rain set-up - but if all you're doing is hopping from light to light then the automatic mode is very relaxing. In manual mode, I really liked it. One thing though; your left hand is very busy, and I say this as someone who ought to be used to the new indicator system by now as it's the same on the SP. I think I hit the horn three times when trying to shift down. I'm sure the muscle memory would get there in the end, but even so, it's a lot of buttons. For me, they could have dropped the clutch and just kept the foot shifter for manual shifting (basically the quickshifter in manual with an automatic option). Overall though I liked it a lot more than I thought I would, and I think that Gen 2 will probably be a big step up. For me, the worst thing about the bike was the suspension because I was coming off the SP, if that gives some idea.
Bought a africa twin last year and test ride the auto one, it was absolutely amazing and I completely fell in love with it. I got a manual though with a quick shifter as I could not live with the shame. No regrets...or not many. Definitely in the future tho.
There is no shame , for many people an automatic is more enjoyable. Once i got my first DCT bike a NC750 and learned how to use it properly i couldn't go back to a normal clutch since i am much faster on a DCT now and it is so much better in the city. The only problem is that if you wanted an automatic you had to choose honda and only a few nice but boring bikes , now there is more competition.
why doyou care what others think? You ride for yourself or for others? I have just purchased a dtc crf1100l and couldnt care less what anyone else thinks. Its not like i cant ride manual. Im just sick of constantly changing gears in city traffic, my left hand starts getting cramps, especially when its traffic you cant filter through.
I care as I'm still young enough to have a pitiful sense of worrying what others think, esp my mates. One day I'll be old and wise enough to not give a shit about a fat gut, Auto bike or driving a honda car. I kind of look forward to that day.
"... the clutch is an underrated part of the ride ..." Yes I'm old, as I started riding back in the day of points ignition, so I appreciate the 'involvement' of working a clutch and shift lever. I also like working on my bikes, from cleaning & adjusting the chain to checking valve clearances (wouldn't be opposed to hydraulically adj valves) - my analogy is a sailor who has to regularly maintain their boat, and deal with the sails, as opposed to jumping into a motorboat. I have only wanted easier shifting once in a while, like in rush hour traffic. I have feeling that much of these 'aids' are driven by the need for product differentiation - the need to make something new so riders, who feel the need to have something new, will buy it. Of course, to each their own, and of course if these developments make it possible for someone to ride who couldn't otherwise, that's great.
ever since i owned a honda dct, i completely quit manual bikes and now that honda has come out with e-clutch and yamaha with y-amt, i can't wait to get my hands on either one of those
I'm all for this. The way they have implemented it, in manual mode it's just the next step on from a quickshifter. Quickshifter on my Tuono does up and down, so I only use the clutch when stopping or going anyway. At this stage I think the only difference between this system and a quickshifter is that quickshifters are seen as cool and racy, whereas an automatic is seen as boring. Could go horribly wrong if you also have a thumb rear brake though!
for commuting i see the advantage, or if you have a missing leg or fingers, but for me, it takes away something i love, the feeling you get by being in control, doing everything yourself. If a bike has this i wouldnt buy it, im still undecided about quickshifters and want to blip the throttle on downshifts myself, it feels great, so satisfying when your on a good road and enjoying the feeling the bike gives you. the less you control the less satisfaction you get from controlling it well. a motorcycle is about how it makes you feel, i want to feel everything, not just the brake lever.
I can't believe all you pussies are riding about with auto fuel mixture and auto ignition retard. I can understand if you have a hand injury, or an arm missing so you can't reach down to flip the levers and turn the knobs, but any able bodied rider should hang their heads in shame if their not retarding their own ignition, or adjusting their own fuel mixture. Might as well be riding a moped!
Thanks for the Levity. I been ridin for almost 60 years. For me part of the Mystique of going up on two wheels has been the shifting. Street or Dirt the shift seems so much a part of it.
It’s telling that they introduce this automatic system and you spent most of the time on manual mode, which I think is intended by manufacturers to be the exception not the norm. But for people with arthritis, disabilities, or just sheer preference it’s good to have. Like EV and petrol, there’ll never be a one or the other but mix of both.
they're riding sporty - when i drive my dsg hard im in manual, but cruising the auto is such a game changer. I'd like a daily auto bike and a manual weekender.
I would go for Tracer7gt with this right now if it was available. I had CRF1000dct for a while, and after 10.000km, it became natural to shift with left-hand index and thumb. It's especially great when you get super tired after a long day riding.
It is good to make motorcycling more accessible for people. Clutching and shifting are a part of the riding experience that i can never give up. I like the gen 3 quickshifter on my MT-09 SP, especially whilst being on the throttle.
I have arthritis and also Djupitrens contracture in the little and ring finger of my left hand. I've been wondering how long I can keep riding my MT-07 but when I can't this could well be the ideal solution.
Honda has been doing this for decades, the most recent and common being the DCT system. They now just released the E-Clutch system that does all this while still having a clutch lever for those moments you feel the need to use it. This is not new technology at all. 👌
I love how major motorcycle brands are all getting on board with automatic trend one by one. Soon in less than a decade i feel as if most motorcycle will shift towards fully or semi-automatic motorcycle and ditch all the manuals for just select few.
For accessibility, elderly, and everything else between this is awesome! Would I currently ever be interested in this, absolutely not, but I'm not the target audience. Make more easy mode accessibility stuff, because it brings people into the world of two wheel travel!
Having had an Aprilia Mana, and currently on an MV Agusta with an SCS clutch, I would argue this looks maybe less advanced than the MV with its rekluse style system, that said, no major clutch service every 9000 miles. Well done Yamaha for putting it into production and giving riders like me, with an upper limb disability, the choice to decide between brands again. Also thanks Al, as with your MV video a few years back, your passion for different being ok is refreshing.
I have an NC750DCT….love it….and actually really love my manual paddle shifter….smooth as butter…do I miss the clutch and foot gear change, not at all…..horses for courses….but it’s what I enjoy and works for me.
From quick shift to "paddle shift" (finger), what's not to like !? Tbh, I can see the value in this as clutching uphill on a sportbike in peak hour traffic is fun for nobody no matter the XP. But having the freedom to switch between both on the fly is huge. Only concern is when you're in 1st gear in manual mode and have to come to an inevitable stop, or slow uphill crawl as mentioned, will it stall? How does it handle this? Thanks for reviewing this bike, great video.
As a VFR !200 DCT owner this is interesting as it opens up the Market. VFR1200 ceased in 2017 and if i wanted a replacment the options are limited - just a pity Yamaha dont do a v4 sports tourer (MT12v) anyone.
A big advantage is that you will have more attention on what matters which is the road and dangers etc...this will improve safety as well. No matter how much you think that you are not thinking about shifting you are wrong because your brain is dedicating attention to it in one way or another.
I work at a dealer in the us, glad to see Yamaha didn’t go for a dct like Honda, haven’t seen too many issues with Honda’s dct’s but it’s one more point of failure, worst case this shift motor in the yamaha is much cheaper than clutch packs and much less labor, helps Yamaha’s sells for someone’s first bike, as long as it’s left as an option I’m totally cool with it, personally will be staying with using my left hand however
I think these bikes are good ideas to get people in to motorcycles. My wife has her endorsement but still is t comfortable in public using the clutch so has never ridden past getting her license. This or something like the Cb650r would work great for people like her.
I drive an automatic car as my main transport, so my bike is for fun, so therefore I want to feel part of it, manual for me. There is defo a place for auto bikes, like DSG in cars. Was wondering, is there a creep facility for super slow town traffic?, or does it always need some throttle to make any type of progress? Mt09 is a nice looking bike BTW.
Bring it on is what I say. Ten years ago I was converted from manual car gear boxes to autos, and I wouldn't willingly go back to a manual car, and I can't see why I wouldn't have the same opinion about this, even though I've ridden for 30 plus years. At the moment, it looks like manual mode would be ideal, but give it a couple of generations and I could see the fully auto mode maturing and becoming the choice for most riding. I'd put it up there with radar assisted cruise control; things you scoff at, but when you try it, you wouldn't willingly give up.
I have an H2SXSE which is the dogs danglies, especially after the remap was carried out! I also have a VFR1200X DCT, mainly purchased for all the touring I do two up in Spain/Italy etc… Only my opinion, but this system along with the Yam and and let’s face it, others soon the join the party, is brilliant… On the Honda, it’s pretty much seamless and mines 2014! Engaging if you want it to be or as relaxing and darn right lazy as you want! I’ve been riding for 45 years now and thought nah, auto bike!! Go try one, it’s a brilliant system, I love going out on it and as for the touring thing… Really can’t fault the thing👌🏽H2 for sunny days out, Honda DCT for big jaunts n touring😎What’s not to like🤷🏻♂️
I'm old fashioned and enjoy the mechanical interaction myself but can appreciate this, I would like it in traffic. I think keeping the leaver and pedal alongside the buttons a bit like what Honda are doing would be a better combo. Although like Al it won't help with my injured right wrist.
I like this i am auto all the way. I like riding i enjoy cornering i dont enyoy clutches especially in town i chose my BM because they have lite clutches. Some motorcycles you need to be Arnold S to pull in rhe lever. The next issue is as i get older i find just having more time to enjoy the ride and focus on the road hazards rather than on changing up and down means you ride safer and you are more rested when you arrive. Arthritis means less pain less discomfort though for me this is the least reason to change. For dome this would be the main reason.
I have a damaged left hand and get a lot of pain after hours of riding. Even on my current bike I have to just go for clutchless shifts when it’s sore. This would be allow me to continue to ride when it’s hurting….in saying that, one of my bikes is a Triumph T100 and that clutch is so soft anyway. :)
With most bikes having up&down quick shifters now this seems to just move the actuation from the foot to the fingers. Except you’re now missing a big part of the bike if you wanted it, the clutch. Also not being a DCT in coming years is gonna hurt this bike big time when the tech progresses. We’ve seen it in cars with automated manuals. Like Ferraris F1 box, BMWs smg and Citroen. They all now feel crap 10 years on. Yet a 1st gen VW DSG still feels good. And when it decides to mess a shift up because it’s confused and you end up on the floor. You’re not gonna be happy
I think one improvement or accessory Yamaha should add is a shift Lever with a good click. So it would make a good daily as well as great for the weekend rides when you actually want to feel connected with the bike!
I'm actually all for this kind of stuff, especially since it sounds like it's pretty easy to integrate into an existing engine/chassis. The only thing I would like to say to Yamaha (and others) is that I'd still like to have the option of a foot shifter. I don't know why, but even if it's a semi-automatic bike I still don't like the idea of shifting with buttons on the handlebar! Honda offer a foot lever (foot buttons?) on their DCT models, although it's a ludicrously expensive option.
Until now imo the e-clutch from honda is the best updated technology, it still keeps the clutch and foot shifter, it just makes life easier by free your left hand during traffic jams.
Two things would make it more interesting... A gear lever with switches which work in parallel with the finger switches, so you can use your foot if you want and a left lever rear brake.
For more then 2 years now I'm riding on a Honda NC750x 2021 with DCT. For 2025 I am switching to a Tracer 9 GT+ (or maybe a 2024 mt09 sp). On the Honda the automatic (DCT) clutch is a dream to ride but I cannot imagine having it on a MT09 (or tracer 9) as in my opinion it completely takes the fun away from the characteristic of the CP3 engine and chassis of the MT09/Tracer9GT+. I also never ever used the + and - button to do manual shifting (only for testing) because the auto mode is a dream to ride and manual shifting is too complicated when you are riding on the limit in corners and twisty roads. Also be aware that you cannot pull in the clutch and rev the engine for the traffic lights (as this is nice to do once in a while with the cp3 engine :)) So from a point of view with automatic shifting experience I love to ride my current automatic (DCT) bike and I think it's ideal for cruising and touring bikes (BMW GS/Honda NC750X and Africatwin) but I do not think the MT09/Tracer9 is the bike to have this feature on. I always would go for a manual shift bike (with quickshifter). Greetings from the Netherlands...
I've only just started but to answer your initial question, would you ride one? Yes, I ride a DCT NC750X at the moment (because my left knee is having some issues). Really keen to see how this goes because the Honda bikes with it on are a bit.....meh.
In this case, when the clutch lever is missing, why don't they just put the rear brake on the bars, like on a bicycle, to get rid of the rear brake pedal?
Yup❤ Makes way more sense. I've ridden bicycles and twist and go scooters my whole life, as well as motorbikes, and rear brake on the handle bar just make more sense.
If you’ve driven a car with a DCT paddle shift - this is exactly the same. They provide a feather actuation of the clutch if you’re light on the throttle (say in stop start traffic). However if you’re heavy handed using large amounts of throttle an auto clutch will fully release thinking you want to take off quickly
Interested to know how much control you have mid corner at low speeds. I’m often between 1st and 2nd, I wouldn’t want the bike changing gear for me tilted over
For some people these will be great. If it allows someone that might otherwise struggle due to injury etc to get back on a bike, thats nothing to grumble at.
Drag racers pay good money for air shifters so you can shift with a button. Button shifting is an excellent idea and I can see manual mode being a huge selling point for any skill level rider.
It's clever tech, but it's not for me, I have a 21 MT09SP, and using that quickshifter / blipper is part of the enjoyment of riding. Great review as always Al 👍🏼
It's takes away from the experience of what makes a bike a bike. I'd just ride a moped if I want auto 😂 but great content. I appreciate the insight on the new system it will have its use cases, which will help some
It's crazy how many new systems are coming on to the market and it'll be interesting to see which becomes the future standard. Very few people spec a manual gearbox for their car these days, why should it be any different for motorcycles? I'm very impressed by Al's open mind. Go and try one, see if you like it and buy which ever type you want.
Interesting topic, just shows the way bikes are going now, it's another function for naked and or sports bikes to make them more sellable. I remember when only high end cars were automatic and it was a taboo if you had a cheaper car in auto now look, autos have came on and it's went full circle almost. Bikes are doing this now if not soon
Anything that gets more people into biking should be encouraged. ( I think it will appeal to younger riders they can hold their phone in the left hand )
I always believe Quick-shifter was for lazy and/or beginners and I was so wrong!! With QS I can go faster and harder than ever on curvy roads I’m ready to upgrade my Tracer with the Y-AMT system
People are always hating on new things. If you don't like it, don't buy it. World and tech moves on! Personally I think it's a great opportunity for people with disabilities, if you are missing a hand (perhaps an arm), this can be a way to ride a bike again. Even older people who just want to ride, have fun and don't eff around with clutch anymore.
Exactly this
Yes and no. Tech moving on also represents the transition from ICE to battery propulsion.
Are you going to buy an electric scooter for your next bike?
This isn't targeted at disabled people, as that would be a tiny number. Instead this is targeted at people who might be put off buying a motorcycle by having to use a manual gearbox and clutch. The motorcycle companies are seeing their user base erode over time, as we all get older and shuffle off, and are looking for replacement customers.
@@reverendhooverand those people do not belong on a bike that does zero to 60 under 3 seconds.
I agree
I've been waiting on you to review this bike. I use a manual wheelchair and this will make it much easier and more reliable to get on the track. We always have to make custom power shifter setups for my bikes and they never work all the time. Hucking it into a corner on a hard downshift is not the time for your shifter to not work. Thanks guys!
Glad it helps u, but the rest of us don't need or want this so i hope this doesn't replace what we are all used too
As a physiotherapist I’m glad for you, as a motorcyclist I hope manual boxes stay where they are.
@@atiq982982 well if they're outselling traditional manual shifters, it seems a lot of us do want and need it.
@@atiq982982 What are you talking about the rest of us don't want it are you speaking for me SMH 🤦♂️ I hate a clutch I want an automatic and a lot of other people do too don't talk shit unless you know what you're talking about that's why they're coming out with automatics dingbat because the Honda's dct and I'm not handicap I just hate clutches.
The other thing you can do is move the rear brake up to your left hand where the clutch would have been.
I used to criticise quickshifters, until i rode one and now i love them...being able to shift at lean without upsetting the bike is great. No doubt this tech will be a great option for many.
My thoughts exactly
Tell what they are crap for wheelies through the gears
You can shift when leaning without a quickshifter, it's just a matter of clutch control.
@@andyexuptaylor4503 3 inches off the ground and it's license lost, i'll keep the quickshifter and forego the wheelies.
@@BobSacamano-dy3wg was waiting for someone to say this 😂 it’s just nicer with a QS but yeah they are shit for wheelies through the gears…haven’t messed about with my settings but making it require more input to shift would definitely help that. Anyway they’re illegal 🫣
My left foot is f@@ked and I’ve been waiting for this!!!! OMG very excited
If they make an R1 I’m instantly sold……
Had a 4c8 back in the day
you could always get a clicktronic actuator and autoblipper fitted to an R1. You would still have a conventional clutch but it will move the gear changes to the bar.
@@kennethwilson9710 Don't you lose the warranty if you do that on a new bike? Also what is the cost for that kind of mod?
@@silotx Can you even buy a brand new R1 for much longer or if they already stopped selling them ? And if so what warranties do you have on a track only R1 which I guess they will keep selling for a while just like they did with the R6 ?
@@mathias6423they are still selling the R1. If I'm not wrong they are halting the production in 2025 but still the manufactured bikes will be on sale. Correct me if I'm wrong here.
Not for me.. but if it allows riders with dissabilities to ride again I'm all for it. Think I prefer Hondas E-clutch system though.. as it can also be used conventionally as a normal manual.... which wont affect its consumer base size and wont make it a niche bike.
As long as it remains an option, I don't care if they introduce this stuff, I'm sure someone will find it useful/appealing.
As soon as it starts being the only transmission offered, count me out of that product lineup.
The question is when will Honda put the same automation in a non-DCT bike, with e-clutch, finger controls and a foot shifter. That would be easily done and would make everyone happy.
I'd rather see automatic motorcycles than trikes...
😂
Honda's been killing it for over a decade with their DCT on bikes from the Forza 750 upto Africa Twin/NT1100. Their sales figures can't be denied !
I'm pleased other manufacturers are joining the party. I think dct riders ll love it.
Honda now have a new E-clutch system too... check it out.
Eclutch is on the 650, atm and it way better then any DCT.
@@wobblysaucethey do different things, e-clutch isn’t automatic shifting, yet!
I do indeed... (NT1100 DCT)
This Yamaha set up adds little extra weight to the bike unlike Honda DCT which is heavy. Will be an advantage for lighter built or disadvantaged /disabled riders.
Absolutely brilliant for handicapped riders
I have an 07 blade which i love, i went and tried a DCT Africa Twin and it is soooo goooooood! At no point did i wish for a manual, the various different modes made it very easy to switch between your riding moods. Incredible. If it was in my budget, id buy one all day long.
I think it's cool. Not something I'd personally purchase but kind of similarly to the honda DCT it makes motorcycling a lot more accessible to people and I'm all for that.
I'm a disabled rider with only one arm left (left as in left arm not left-over). The problem with the Y-AMT is that it's a fly-buy-wire (FBW) throttle which makes it tricky to modify as an FBW throttle on the left would have to be reversed, and that's means making a new one. Also, a throttle on the left would make getting to the switchgear more difficult. A better option for left-handed riders is the e-clutch for the CB650R and CBR650R as they have cable operated throttle (just swap cable ends for right-handed throttle on left) and still allow you to change gear with your foot. I've had many motorbikes modified (FJR-1300AE, 2016 Africa Twin, Aprilia Mana 850, Honda DN-01 (yes that one), 2018 MT-09 (I made my own servo system using thumb lever) and it's only a matter of time before all bikes go FBW, so the window is closing for "easy" modification.
My left hand has permanent damage due to getting rear ended, so it's perfect for me... and good to see some more options to challenge the Honda DCT dominance.
Would much rather have Honda's e-clutch where I have a clutch if I want it.
The ideal will be the mixture of both and am now waiting for Honda to do it.
@@jimporter I think you run into quite the complexity problem there. Honda's E-clutch is pretty awesome in that it's really just a manual with clutch override. I think fewer people want automated shifting AND clutch that you might think. For me, I'd rather have the ability to use the clutch when I want but also have no-stall for traffic or for slow/awkward off-road situations where clutch control becomes taxing.
Who is going to be the first to create a wheelie button!
They can steal the "boost" button from the kawa hybrids
Ducati already did with the HyperMotard.
People need to stop hating. This is essentially the same as a quick shifter, just actuated by the left hand instead of the left foot.
Not just "gentlemen" might be interested in this. Some of us older, experienced girls have wrist issues that make clutching painful, especially in traffic. Also, after riding and enjoying my electric moto, I wonder why some "traditionalists" don't even question the "need" for gears and clutch on motos, when we've lost them in cars years ago.
I own a Gen 2 and commute to work occasionally. I could see this being much more relaxing to ride especially on a sleepy morning or after a long day. Much easier too when you're in 6th approaching a red light but then it goes green and u gotta downshift from 6th to 2nd to build back speed. This combined with the cruise control 🙌 👌
I wouldn't mind it all for a everyday commuter, but for my hooligan sportsbikes and offroad bikes, I need a clutch. Especially on offroad, you need to have precise control over your power to the rear wheel
I decided to test ride this while my SP was having its first service. I agree with Fagan; I liked it a lot more than I expected to. I took it for a city ride, which is the natural home of the automatic system - one thing I've not seen any reviewer mention is that the automatic mode only works with engine mode 3 which is basically the rain set-up - but if all you're doing is hopping from light to light then the automatic mode is very relaxing.
In manual mode, I really liked it. One thing though; your left hand is very busy, and I say this as someone who ought to be used to the new indicator system by now as it's the same on the SP. I think I hit the horn three times when trying to shift down. I'm sure the muscle memory would get there in the end, but even so, it's a lot of buttons. For me, they could have dropped the clutch and just kept the foot shifter for manual shifting (basically the quickshifter in manual with an automatic option).
Overall though I liked it a lot more than I thought I would, and I think that Gen 2 will probably be a big step up. For me, the worst thing about the bike was the suspension because I was coming off the SP, if that gives some idea.
Honestly, the best implementation I’ve seen of it
Bought a africa twin last year and test ride the auto one, it was absolutely amazing and I completely fell in love with it. I got a manual though with a quick shifter as I could not live with the shame. No regrets...or not many. Definitely in the future tho.
There is no shame , for many people an automatic is more enjoyable. Once i got my first DCT bike a NC750 and learned how to use it properly i couldn't go back to a normal clutch since i am much faster on a DCT now and it is so much better in the city. The only problem is that if you wanted an automatic you had to choose honda and only a few nice but boring bikes , now there is more competition.
@@silotxexactly, I own an NC750X DCT and have been waiting for more manufacturers to join in 🤠
why doyou care what others think? You ride for yourself or for others? I have just purchased a dtc crf1100l and couldnt care less what anyone else thinks. Its not like i cant ride manual. Im just sick of constantly changing gears in city traffic, my left hand starts getting cramps, especially when its traffic you cant filter through.
@@Alex-if3sr One of my mates has a AT w DCT too. Once used to it he really likes it.
I care as I'm still young enough to have a pitiful sense of worrying what others think, esp my mates. One day I'll be old and wise enough to not give a shit about a fat gut, Auto bike or driving a honda car. I kind of look forward to that day.
"... the clutch is an underrated part of the ride ..." Yes I'm old, as I started riding back in the day of points ignition, so I appreciate the 'involvement' of working a clutch and shift lever. I also like working on my bikes, from cleaning & adjusting the chain to checking valve clearances (wouldn't be opposed to hydraulically adj valves) - my analogy is a sailor who has to regularly maintain their boat, and deal with the sails, as opposed to jumping into a motorboat. I have only wanted easier shifting once in a while, like in rush hour traffic. I have feeling that much of these 'aids' are driven by the need for product differentiation - the need to make something new so riders, who feel the need to have something new, will buy it. Of course, to each their own, and of course if these developments make it possible for someone to ride who couldn't otherwise, that's great.
ever since i owned a honda dct, i completely quit manual bikes and now that honda has come out with e-clutch and yamaha with y-amt, i can't wait to get my hands on either one of those
I really like this idea as it could help people with injuries be able to ride again safely. Brilliant for commuters as Al said in the vid too.
this auto mode is so good to use in high traffic town road with lots of traffic light stops. Cant wait to try it when its available.
Not for me, but really impressed the execs let it go on this platform. Demonstrates their commitment to product development, which is always a win.
I would buy a Bolt R spec with this Y-AMT. Super easy to roll around town with.
I think this is amazing! They give you options to be manual or auto. 👍🏼
I'm all for this. The way they have implemented it, in manual mode it's just the next step on from a quickshifter. Quickshifter on my Tuono does up and down, so I only use the clutch when stopping or going anyway. At this stage I think the only difference between this system and a quickshifter is that quickshifters are seen as cool and racy, whereas an automatic is seen as boring.
Could go horribly wrong if you also have a thumb rear brake though!
for commuting i see the advantage, or if you have a missing leg or fingers, but for me, it takes away something i love, the feeling you get by being in control, doing everything yourself.
If a bike has this i wouldnt buy it, im still undecided about quickshifters and want to blip the throttle on downshifts myself, it feels great, so satisfying when your on a good road and enjoying the feeling the bike gives you.
the less you control the less satisfaction you get from controlling it well.
a motorcycle is about how it makes you feel, i want to feel everything, not just the brake lever.
That's what I was thinking, you saved me the effort of writing it so I thank you!
Sure why don't you just throw away the engine and get a set of pedals so, you'll really feel everything then.
Quickshifters and auto blip are the best
I can't believe all you pussies are riding about with auto fuel mixture and auto ignition retard. I can understand if you have a hand injury, or an arm missing so you can't reach down to flip the levers and turn the knobs, but any able bodied rider should hang their heads in shame if their not retarding their own ignition, or adjusting their own fuel mixture. Might as well be riding a moped!
I've wanted a cool auto that's not a scooter for ages. Gear shifting is way old skool bro. I ain't got time to shift. Big job on. Concrete going off.
Have an Africa Twin DCT 1st generation, love it.
Looking forward to seeing it on the Tracer.
Thanks for the Levity. I been ridin for almost 60 years. For me part of the Mystique of going up on two wheels has been the shifting. Street or Dirt the shift seems so much a part of it.
It’s telling that they introduce this automatic system and you spent most of the time on manual mode, which I think is intended by manufacturers to be the exception not the norm.
But for people with arthritis, disabilities, or just sheer preference it’s good to have. Like EV and petrol, there’ll never be a one or the other but mix of both.
they're riding sporty - when i drive my dsg hard im in manual, but cruising the auto is such a game changer. I'd like a daily auto bike and a manual weekender.
Wonder if it'll make it harder to rob bikes🤔 if it won't roll unless switched on?
I've had regular bikes and the dct on a Honda. Both are great, just different. Why ppl think they have to pick a side with everything.
Happy to read in the comments that this technique will be well received by people who otherwise would need to modify their bikes.
This will be lovely in the Tracer for a long touring day.
I would go for Tracer7gt with this right now if it was available.
I had CRF1000dct for a while, and after 10.000km, it became natural to shift with left-hand index and thumb. It's especially great when you get super tired after a long day riding.
It is good to make motorcycling more accessible for people. Clutching and shifting are a part of the riding experience that i can never give up. I like the gen 3 quickshifter on my MT-09 SP, especially whilst being on the throttle.
Fagan trying to wheelie with a broken wrist 😄
Tricky...
I have arthritis and also Djupitrens contracture in the little and ring finger of my left hand. I've been wondering how long I can keep riding my MT-07 but when I can't this could well be the ideal solution.
Just passed my mod 2 today. Really really hoping they add this to the new mt07 sooner rather then later
They did! 2025 will have it.
Super interesting idea, much like all new things people will hate it. Wouldn't turn down a try on one
Honda has been doing this for decades, the most recent and common being the DCT system.
They now just released the E-Clutch system that does all this while still having a clutch lever for those moments you feel the need to use it.
This is not new technology at all. 👌
No comments for this video, but I hope Boothy and my favorite Geordie Mossy are doing well. I haven't seen much of either in a while.
Both are well. Boothy just had a baby but he'll be back for BBB8 very soon!
Christ. Bet that made his eyes water😂
@@FortyFourTeeth Good on you Boothy!
Always good to see you lads👊🏼🤙🏼
When are they rolling this new tech out?
Blacked out MT 09 looks quite cool
I love how major motorcycle brands are all getting on board with automatic trend one by one. Soon in less than a decade i feel as if most motorcycle will shift towards fully or semi-automatic motorcycle and ditch all the manuals for just select few.
For accessibility, elderly, and everything else between this is awesome! Would I currently ever be interested in this, absolutely not, but I'm not the target audience.
Make more easy mode accessibility stuff, because it brings people into the world of two wheel travel!
Having had an Aprilia Mana, and currently on an MV Agusta with an SCS clutch, I would argue this looks maybe less advanced than the MV with its rekluse style system, that said, no major clutch service every 9000 miles. Well done Yamaha for putting it into production and giving riders like me, with an upper limb disability, the choice to decide between brands again. Also thanks Al, as with your MV video a few years back, your passion for different being ok is refreshing.
This is awesome!! Thanks for the review.
Sure, why not have the option.
I would rather have a regular clutch (with QS even more fun I suppose, I don't have one)
I have an NC750DCT….love it….and actually really love my manual paddle shifter….smooth as butter…do I miss the clutch and foot gear change, not at all…..horses for courses….but it’s what I enjoy and works for me.
I’m glad for those who want or need this but half the reason I ride a manual bike is it’s involving.
From quick shift to "paddle shift" (finger), what's not to like !? Tbh, I can see the value in this as clutching uphill on a sportbike in peak hour traffic is fun for nobody no matter the XP. But having the freedom to switch between both on the fly is huge. Only concern is when you're in 1st gear in manual mode and have to come to an inevitable stop, or slow uphill crawl as mentioned, will it stall? How does it handle this? Thanks for reviewing this bike, great video.
As a VFR !200 DCT owner this is interesting as it opens up the Market. VFR1200 ceased in 2017 and if i wanted a replacment the options are limited - just a pity Yamaha dont do a v4 sports tourer (MT12v) anyone.
A big advantage is that you will have more attention on what matters which is the road and dangers etc...this will improve safety as well. No matter how much you think that you are not thinking about shifting you are wrong because your brain is dedicating attention to it in one way or another.
Great initiative, would be keen to try, but wondering how much potential with imminent change to electric these days.
I work at a dealer in the us, glad to see Yamaha didn’t go for a dct like Honda, haven’t seen too many issues with Honda’s dct’s but it’s one more point of failure, worst case this shift motor in the yamaha is much cheaper than clutch packs and much less labor, helps Yamaha’s sells for someone’s first bike, as long as it’s left as an option I’m totally cool with it, personally will be staying with using my left hand however
So so good this will give me more time to play with my phone while im riding.
I think these bikes are good ideas to get people in to motorcycles.
My wife has her endorsement but still is t comfortable in public using the clutch so has never ridden past getting her license. This or something like the Cb650r would work great for people like her.
I drive an automatic car as my main transport, so my bike is for fun, so therefore I want to feel part of it, manual for me.
There is defo a place for auto bikes, like DSG in cars. Was wondering, is there a creep facility for super slow town traffic?, or does it always need some throttle to make any type of progress?
Mt09 is a nice looking bike BTW.
Bring it on is what I say. Ten years ago I was converted from manual car gear boxes to autos, and I wouldn't willingly go back to a manual car, and I can't see why I wouldn't have the same opinion about this, even though I've ridden for 30 plus years.
At the moment, it looks like manual mode would be ideal, but give it a couple of generations and I could see the fully auto mode maturing and becoming the choice for most riding.
I'd put it up there with radar assisted cruise control; things you scoff at, but when you try it, you wouldn't willingly give up.
I have an H2SXSE which is the dogs danglies, especially after the remap was carried out! I also have a VFR1200X DCT, mainly purchased for all the touring I do two up in Spain/Italy etc… Only my opinion, but this system along with the Yam and and let’s face it, others soon the join the party, is brilliant…
On the Honda, it’s pretty much seamless and mines 2014! Engaging if you want it to be or as relaxing and darn right lazy as you want! I’ve been riding for 45 years now and thought nah, auto bike!! Go try one, it’s a brilliant system, I love going out on it and as for the touring thing… Really can’t fault the thing👌🏽H2 for sunny days out, Honda DCT for big jaunts n touring😎What’s not to like🤷🏻♂️
I'm old fashioned and enjoy the mechanical interaction myself but can appreciate this, I would like it in traffic. I think keeping the leaver and pedal alongside the buttons a bit like what Honda are doing would be a better combo. Although like Al it won't help with my injured right wrist.
I like this i am auto all the way. I like riding i enjoy cornering i dont enyoy clutches especially in town i chose my BM because they have lite clutches. Some motorcycles you need to be Arnold S to pull in rhe lever. The next issue is as i get older i find just having more time to enjoy the ride and focus on the road hazards rather than on changing up and down means you ride safer and you are more rested when you arrive. Arthritis means less pain less discomfort though for me this is the least reason to change. For dome this would be the main reason.
Look forward to test ride one, just seems so different, can’t see me preferring the buttons on the left hand to a clutch lever though, but we’ll see!
I have a damaged left hand and get a lot of pain after hours of riding. Even on my current bike I have to just go for clutchless shifts when it’s sore. This would be allow me to continue to ride when it’s hurting….in saying that, one of my bikes is a Triumph T100 and that clutch is so soft anyway. :)
Glad you're better after that crash, no wheelies is how I always ride lol
With most bikes having up&down quick shifters now this seems to just move the actuation from the foot to the fingers. Except you’re now missing a big part of the bike if you wanted it, the clutch. Also not being a DCT in coming years is gonna hurt this bike big time when the tech progresses.
We’ve seen it in cars with automated manuals. Like Ferraris F1 box, BMWs smg and Citroen. They all now feel crap 10 years on. Yet a 1st gen VW DSG still feels good.
And when it decides to mess a shift up because it’s confused and you end up on the floor. You’re not gonna be happy
For the money it's not too bad. Interested in what can happen when they intagrate to a proper IMU system.
As someone whos trying to get into riding bikes i feel like something like this might be good for me
I think one improvement or accessory Yamaha should add is a shift Lever with a good click. So it would make a good daily as well as great for the weekend rides when you actually want to feel connected with the bike!
I'm actually all for this kind of stuff, especially since it sounds like it's pretty easy to integrate into an existing engine/chassis. The only thing I would like to say to Yamaha (and others) is that I'd still like to have the option of a foot shifter. I don't know why, but even if it's a semi-automatic bike I still don't like the idea of shifting with buttons on the handlebar! Honda offer a foot lever (foot buttons?) on their DCT models, although it's a ludicrously expensive option.
Until now imo the e-clutch from honda is the best updated technology, it still keeps the clutch and foot shifter, it just makes life easier by free your left hand during traffic jams.
What camera is this filmed with - looks amazing!
Two things would make it more interesting... A gear lever with switches which work in parallel with the finger switches, so you can use your foot if you want and a left lever rear brake.
For more then 2 years now I'm riding on a Honda NC750x 2021 with DCT.
For 2025 I am switching to a Tracer 9 GT+ (or maybe a 2024 mt09 sp). On the Honda the automatic (DCT) clutch is a dream to ride but I cannot imagine having it on a MT09 (or tracer 9) as in my opinion it completely takes the fun away from the characteristic of the CP3 engine and chassis of the MT09/Tracer9GT+. I also never ever used the + and - button to do manual shifting (only for testing) because the auto mode is a dream to ride and manual shifting is too complicated when you are riding on the limit in corners and twisty roads. Also be aware that you cannot pull in the clutch and rev the engine for the traffic lights (as this is nice to do once in a while with the cp3 engine :))
So from a point of view with automatic shifting experience I love to ride my current automatic (DCT) bike and I think it's ideal for cruising and touring bikes (BMW GS/Honda NC750X and Africatwin) but I do not think the MT09/Tracer9 is the bike to have this feature on. I always would go for a manual shift bike (with quickshifter).
Greetings from the Netherlands...
Its great for people who want a actual motorcycle without learning the clutch, makes it simple
This is getting you ready for electric bikes, interesting tech though. I like it.
I've only just started but to answer your initial question, would you ride one? Yes, I ride a DCT NC750X at the moment (because my left knee is having some issues). Really keen to see how this goes because the Honda bikes with it on are a bit.....meh.
In this case, when the clutch lever is missing, why don't they just put the rear brake on the bars, like on a bicycle, to get rid of the rear brake pedal?
Yup❤ Makes way more sense. I've ridden bicycles and twist and go scooters my whole life, as well as motorbikes, and rear brake on the handle bar just make more sense.
Y-MCA
I feather my clutch all the time at low speeds to control the bike, can’t imagine using this set up.
If you’ve driven a car with a DCT paddle shift - this is exactly the same. They provide a feather actuation of the clutch if you’re light on the throttle (say in stop start traffic). However if you’re heavy handed using large amounts of throttle an auto clutch will fully release thinking you want to take off quickly
Interested to know how much control you have mid corner at low speeds. I’m often between 1st and 2nd, I wouldn’t want the bike changing gear for me tilted over
For some people these will be great. If it allows someone that might otherwise struggle due to injury etc to get back on a bike, thats nothing to grumble at.
Remember folks, just because something isn’t for you doesn’t mean it’s not for anyone else. We are all better off when we have many choices.
It sounds like this (auto variant) will go the way of the Niken!
Drag racers pay good money for air shifters so you can shift with a button. Button shifting is an excellent idea and I can see manual mode being a huge selling point for any skill level rider.
Cool, as long as they keep making the manual versions. Not sure why the big thing now is this auto stuff.
The push/pull function seems like a nice touch. I dont know how i feel about a fully auto bike though 😂
It's clever tech, but it's not for me, I have a 21 MT09SP, and using that quickshifter / blipper is part of the enjoyment of riding. Great review as always Al 👍🏼
It's takes away from the experience of what makes a bike a bike. I'd just ride a moped if I want auto 😂 but great content. I appreciate the insight on the new system it will have its use cases, which will help some
It's crazy how many new systems are coming on to the market and it'll be interesting to see which becomes the future standard. Very few people spec a manual gearbox for their car these days, why should it be any different for motorcycles? I'm very impressed by Al's open mind. Go and try one, see if you like it and buy which ever type you want.
I think by the time it gets to gen 2 and shifts down a little faster in manual mode it might be a game changer. Similar to DSG in cars
Interesting topic, just shows the way bikes are going now, it's another function for naked and or sports bikes to make them more sellable. I remember when only high end cars were automatic and it was a taboo if you had a cheaper car in auto now look, autos have came on and it's went full circle almost. Bikes are doing this now if not soon
Anything that gets more people into biking should be encouraged. ( I think it will appeal to younger riders they can hold their phone in the left hand )
I always believe Quick-shifter was for lazy and/or beginners and I was so wrong!!
With QS I can go faster and harder than ever on curvy roads
I’m ready to upgrade my Tracer with the Y-AMT system
I personally think that Honda are closer to the mark with their semi-auto e-clutch option. Best of both?
Stick it on a Niken for the full Marmite experience! Actually that sounds ace...
Yaaay for controverse! 🎉
No controverse, it’s optional