KTM unveils AMT gearbox for its motorcycles

KTM hasn't officially announced on which of its bikes the AMT tech will make its debut.

Austrian automaker KTM has unveiled a new gearbox system for its motorcycles in the form of an AMT.

The new KTM AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) system aims to "achieve refined usability". While this is the first official announcement of the AMT system, the gearbox has already been featured on a prototype version of the KTM Super Adventure R motorcycle in the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, ridden by Johnny Aubert.

Being an AMT system, KTM bikes equipped with this tech will allow customers to choose between fully automated, semi-automated or fully manual gear shifting methods. The fully automated shifts remove the need for riders to use both the clutch or gear lever, while semi-automated shifts can be done via paddles on the left handlebar.

Both the fully and semi-automated shifting methods are achieved via an electromechanical actuator connected to the bike's ECU, TCU and the quick-shifter. Bikes will feature a centrifugal clutch, which will step in before the engine revs are low enough to stop the engine, essentially preventing any stalling. The KTM's AMT system features gears ordered in P-N-1-2-3-4-5-6. The P and N states can only be selected via the paddles on the handlebar.

While riding in automatic mode, the AMT will work with the bike's ECU and TCU to shift gears in-line with the riding mode the bike is in. This means, the gear shifts could be more aggressive (hold gears for longer) when in sport mode, compared to more gentle shifts in rain or eco modes.

While KTM hasn't officially announced on which of its bikes the AMT tech will make its debut. Reports do suggest that the upcoming 1390 Super Adventure could be the first KTM model to feature the new gearbox.

Source: VisorDown