KTM’s new Automated Manual Transmission or AMT (the KTM automatic transmission) system is a game-changer, marrying the thrill of manual control with the ease of automatic shifting. They’ve taken a page from Honda, BMW, and Yamaha but gone a different route, opting for a centrifugal clutch rather than relying on an actuator and ECU combo.
So, How Does the KTM Automatic Transmission Work?
When you’re revving in first gear, the clutch engages smoothly, making starts, stops, and slow-speed maneuvers—especially on big bikes—a breeze. And here’s the real kicker: you can’t stall this thing. Stall-proof? Now, that’s music to the ears of every rider who’s fumbled on a hill start.
The transmission shifts through an electromechanical actuator, and you’ve got two options: let the ECU and Transmission Control Unit handle things with automatic shifting, or take matters into your own hands with either the foot shifter or handlebar paddles. The AMT shifts faster than you can blink—50 milliseconds to be exact. It’s even smart enough to adjust shift points depending on your riding mode.
Here’s the quirky part: the KTM automatic transmission adds a Park position to the gearbox, like your favorite car. No more nudging into neutral between first and second gear, and yes, you’ll need the paddles for that Park or Neutral position. Forgetting to engage Park? Well, don’t, unless you like chasing a rolling bike.
KTM’s engineers designed this thing to keep extra weight low, though they’re tight-lipped on specifics. But rest assured, this tech will likely debut on their Super Adventure or Super Duke lineup, setting a new standard for big, powerful motorcycles.
Learn more about the transmission at KTM’s website.
