Test/photo: OA Isdahl

Seductive and addictive technology

Yes, we can confirm that this is a completely new transmission technology, a technology that offers something we’ve never seen before and that actually lifts us into completely new driving experiences that no one else can actually match right now. Honda’s DCT (dual clutch transmission) or the new e-clutch can’t actually match this on fun-factor – no way. The technology is so good, well-functioning and fun that the Yamaha MT09 is simply categorized as a “thrill-maker”, nothing less. The journalist is simply delighted and has in a very short time become quite addicted to Y-AMT – Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission.

On the AMT system, there is no clutch lever, only paddle shifters controlled by these two buttons, or the choice between manual and automatic functions selected on the right-hand steering column. The automatic option has two choices, D or D+, with the latter moving the shift point higher up the rev range to be even sportier. Within D and D+, you can again choose between street, sport or rain engine mapping. In addition to this, you have two user modes that you can define and set up according to your own wishes. In other words, you have a wealth of variation options that are guaranteed to make it possible to find driving characteristics for your own preferences. I don’t think I’ve had access to that many before.

The control panel for manual shifting, direction indicator, horn, cruise control, lights and menu navigation in the instrument may seem quite large at first, but you’ll quickly become familiar with it and get used to using it. This is the very instrument you play when you’re driving and it’s nothing short of fantastic fun.

It simply introduces you to a whole new world and technology that I’ve never experienced on a motorcycle before. Sure, I love manual gears and quick-shift systems, these systems are simply associated with what we love about riding a motorcycle, but I didn’t miss the pedal for a single second. This is MUCH more fun.

Because, here I get access to the compromise between a hefty two-wheeler and a Ferrari with pedal shifting that makes it possible to shift manually or automatically. Fortunately, all the switches on the control panels are large and user-friendly and very easy to use, especially after a bit of practice. I had to think a bit to start with, but the controls were quickly at my fingertips and I was pretty much “rock’n roll” on this instrument after that. Shifting gears with your left thumb and index finger is many times faster than shifting gears with one foot, even with a quick-change and blipper system. If you use the automatic function D or D+, it works impressively well and I was actually a little surprised that the gearbox delivers such clear and noticeable gear clunks during shifting. Personally, I love gear clunks and was very excited to see if I would feel the gear points on this model. I did and the marking is no less or worse than on a good manual and traditional gearbox. On the contrary, the gear logic is absolutely outstanding and in all modes just the way I want it, even downshifting for turns, intersections or engine braking works perfectly and I get an incredibly nice flow in driving. Manual electric shifting or automatic, it doesn’t matter. Of course, I can override the automatic transmission with the manual gear levers on the left steering column whenever I want.

This just works so incredibly well and I’m completely hooked, I almost don’t know which preset to do because everything is just fun. I try to vary between manual and automatic to practice both and I just smile, smile and I smile more. This is soooooo fun, even though it’s only 5-6 degrees outside now.

Design, ergonomics and performance

Design is a matter of taste and I’m not going to say what I think of this design that comes from “the dark side and Japan”. A design language Yamaha has been using for many years now and which is quite cool. People can decide for themselves what they think about it.

Personally, I emphasize the technical aspects of the design more, the ergonomics, placement of switches, weight and balance, here these parameters are very well taken care of. The MT09 still has a very nice sitting position, I sit in the center, in balance on top of (not inside) the bike in a firm and well-molded seat that I can easily move sideways on and I have a wide and good handlebar that suits this segment very well. The bike is slim and well balanced and with 119 hp, 93 Nm and a wheelbase of just under 1430 mm and a cheeky steering angle, mentally I’m taken to some fairground that makes me a bit cheeky and mischievous. I simply go into play mode.

The design visually and technically defines this motorcycle, which is clearly one of the most fun you can choose. The three-cylinder engine, frame, swingarm, dampers and brakes have always been good on the MT09 and still are, no worries. The dampers have a function and travel that works very well for the purpose and even makes it possible to go on a long trip. As previously mentioned, you may eventually want a slightly better rear shock to keep a little better track of the rump and what’s going on at the back when you put your foot down.

As previously mentioned, you may eventually want a slightly better rear shock, but don’t do that until you’ve familiarized yourself with the adjustment options and worked on it a bit. Remember to make small adjustments at a time and don’t adjust several functions at once. Then it will be difficult to know what actually worked.

But no one should speculate on the capacities of the MT09. For ordinary Norwegian riders, this is in excess and very much more than what we as ordinary riders are actually able to handle. Yamaha also delivers an SP version that has slightly different components and looks very good. Here you get, among other things, Øhlins dampers.

How is it to drive at low speeds?

Yes, that’s exactly what’s so fascinating and impressive about this model. It fingers just as softly, distinctively and comfortably in the 30 or 50 zone and it’s actually quite nice to drive at low speeds with this ramp of a motorcycle. This is where the fine and “spoothe” throttle response and the good ergonomics come into their own and shifting in manual or automatic works just as well. I even enjoy and am in no way stressed by sitting on such large capacities as this bike actually has. It’s almost as impressive.

Will I be a better driver with AMT

Not immediately, but after a bit of practice I would say without a doubt that I drove better, faster and with better flow. The throttle, gearing and engine braking are so finely tuned that I go into dance mode on every ride. I might get a touch mischievous but not too much. I have the power to do what I want when I want, and I can extract the response I want from the motor, knowing that the bike will shift when it should and otherwise deliver what I need. The rest is entirely up to me and my skills. Sitting gaze, body positioning, balance and track selection, well then you can just fire away with power and surgical precision.

I had the bike for 14 days and got to know it well. The gear system kept me looking forward to every ride and I decided in advance which gear option I would train on. However, the technology is so flexible and so fun to ride that I ended up shifting during the different phases of the ride and slightly guided by my own state of mind and energy level. None of the options are boring, so this was more about making the right choice in variations of terrain and turns. How often do you get the opportunity to do that!!!

Personally, I love the interaction between man and machine, and the new technology challenges me and my skills on a level that makes me have to practice. Gears and motor control are just so much faster and more precise, but the feeling of mastery comes quickly and the experience of both playing and mastering a musical instrument becomes intense and fun. I find a good flow, balance, make good choices and find calm, even though in some parts I play fast and actively. I’m actually starting to think about what it’s going to be like to drive a conventional gearbox and quickly realize that it could be quite boring. Right now it’s an ever so small problem for me, I’ve gotten a taste of dangerous and narcotic capacities and I think in a short time I’ve actually become addicted to this!!! That’s not so good because now I’m actually about to go on a buying spree.

The Yamaha MT09 AMT comes with a keyless system and this works well, with one small practical snag. If you leave the bike in first gear (here the free position is at the very bottom) and later move the bike into the garage, you can’t leave it without taking the key with you, turning on the ignition and then tilting it into free with the manual gear lever on the handlebars. It’s a bit cumbersome, but there should be a separate parking mode that I’m sure you’ll learn eventually. I’ll update you on that.

 

What does the test driver think

Yes, the test driver is delighted, addicted and happy. Yamaha calls it a “thriller-maker” and I completely agree. According to the Yamaha philosophy, the technical aspects are of a high standard with a few minor exceptions that we can easily live with. Operationally, the technology lifts us even higher on the skill scale and the joy of riding grows to the Nth power. The model challenges us and enables us to learn, and not least it makes us want to learn. Then we grow and become better drivers. The driving pleasure that the MT09 AMT creates cannot be measured in terms of money, but as I said, it should be available on a blue prescription for depressed people. Quite simply a happy pill. In terms of design and functionality, this bike is in my custom top category called “this bike is so good to ride that I simply don’t care what it looks like”. There aren’t that many bikes in that category – just saying.