Acronym Alert – KTM develops AMT

KTM has developed an automated manual transmission, dubbed AMT, that it says retains the firm’s sporty credentials. It also achieves refined usability across a range of riding scenarios. And KTM stands for Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen, which probably doesn’t help much. Okay, so it means a motor vehicle developed by Mr Hans Trunkenpolz of Mattighofen in Austria. Happy now?

This system follows hot on the wheels of BMW announcing such a transmission for its R 1300 GS, and Yamaha offering auto shifting for its MT-09. Honda has been selling its DCT automated manual for years on models like the Africa Twin.

KTM’s AMT allows the rider to choose between manual clutchless shifting in M Mode or a completely automated transmission in A Mode. Engage first gear, twist the grip, the centrifugal clutch engages and you’re underway. This makes typically difficult starts that much easier, particularly on bigger bikes. Moreover, the engine cannot stall, another benefit, especially in heavy traffic.

The AMT box features a P – N – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 gear sequence. The P denotes Park to prevent any unwanted rolling thanks to a locking pawl inside the gearbox. It’s essentially a pin that locks into a notch in a shaft, preventing it from rotating. That’s apparently how P works in a car’s auto transmission.

Both Park and Neutral may only be selected using the shifting paddle on the handlebar switch cube. The front or rear brake must be applied to engage first gear.

Electronic control of the gearbox is via the ECU and Transmission Control Unit. Gear changes are initiated by an electromechanical shift actuator that turns the shift drum. This means gear changes takes milliseconds so the AMT is as fast as a quickshifter system.

But, says KTM, the AMT’s party trick lies with its Manual Mode.

In the M shift mode, the rider may shift gears in clutchless fashion using the traditional gear lever on the left side of the engine. Alternatively, they can operate the paddle shift on the left switch cube. This allows riders to maintain the sporty riding feel they’re used to with a manual transmission. 

The AMT system also allows riders a wide range of set-up configurations. For there are Shifting modes as well as the usual Ride modes, meaning lots of individual preferences.

It is expected that AMT will debut on the KTM 1390 Adventure Evo S Evo and will then become available on a range of models in the coming years.