The Yamaha MT-09 is a glorious naked sportsbike with a loyal owner following. 2025 sees the monster machine get the Y-AMT option, the Yamaha Automatic Transmission, that does away with a clutch lever. Automatic boxes are becoming the trend, with nearly all brands producing at least one model in their range with AMT. How good is the Yamaha MT-09, and how good is the Y-AMT? Jeremy Webb and the RTR team answered the questions.

The Yamaha Y-AMT system on the MT-09 allows the rider to manually change gears and control shifts or have the bike in Auto, and the machine decides when to shift gears. Manual changes are made using the paddles on the left handlebar, and with a simple press of the thumb on the up or down button, the rider decides when to shift gears.

The clutch on the MT-09 Y-AMT engages smoothly but can be random in its shift timing, which is acceptable in urban settings but not encouraging when riding more rapidly. In manual mode, the gearshift paddles offer a sporty, responsive ride and interaction similar to playing on an Xbox. The transmission is linked to one of the best engines in the sector, and it is a joy to ride; acceleration is potent, and the sound is splanchnic.

The semi-automatic box is confidence-boosting at all speeds for novice riders or those returning to biking so that you can crawl along in traffic.

Filtering is a breeze, and when you want to get a spurt on, the paddles are intuitive, allowing quick progress.

The standard MT-09 is £10,100 and is competitive in the market, but there’s no direct comparison in terms of a naked sports bike with a semi-auto gearbox to price the Y-AMT against. Honda's DCT system is approximately £1200 more, whereas Yamaha’s Y-AMT is £550 over the standard model. It is worth the money for the ease of use and the engagement you get.

The Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT is crammed with lots of equipment, including a six-axis IMU powering a host of riding aids: wheelie control, lean-angle sensitive traction control, ABS, a new motor slip regulator to aid on downshifts, and plenty of rider modes, entered through a 5" TFT dash with connectivity as standard.

The Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT's riding position is good. It provides lots of comfort, allowing you to ride all day if you want to. It is ideal for touring or extended day trips. You can ride it daily for commuting and have a blast on a track day, as the handling is responsive and the engine superb.

The Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT model combines the performance and handling of the already impressive MT-09 with the practicality of a Maxi-Scooter. Eliminating the clutch makes riding the Y-AMT model easier, especially for new riders.

Those used to changing gear can use the paddles for manual control and maintain the innate sportsbike DNA of the Yamaha MT-09. Owners will find the lack of a clutch lever a joy when riding in urban environments, and the engine power will keep the pleasure of being on the Yamaha.

Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT

From

£10,600.00