KTM’s clutchless transmission explained: AMT is coming to motorcycles

KTM has joined the growing list of motorcycle manufacturers working on automatic transmissions with the introduction of its own Automated Manual Transmission, or AMT. The technology recently made its production debut on the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo. Here’s a quick look at how this technology works.

KTM’s AMT transmission: Tech explained

Unlike a fully automatic scooter-style transmission, KTM’s AMT is based on a traditional manual gearbox. The key difference is that it removes the need for a clutch lever. Instead of a conventional clutch, the system uses a centrifugal clutch that engages automatically when you open the throttle after selecting first gear. This allows the bike to move off smoothly without the risk of stalling.KTM’s AMT gives riders two main operating choices. In Manual mode, the rider can change gears themselves without using a clutch. Shifts can be made using the regular foot gear lever or through paddle shifters mounted on the handlebar. When the foot lever is used, sensors send signals to the electronics, allowing the ECU and Transmission Control Unit to manage the shift in a way similar to a quickshifter. There’s also an Auto mode that handles gear changes automatically. In this setting, the motorcycle decides when to upshift or downshift based on several parameters such as engine speed, throttle input, vehicle speed, acceleration, lean angle and riding conditions. Even in Auto mode, the rider can override the system using the paddle shifters, after which the bike returns to automatic operation after a short delay.

KTM’s AMT transmission: Gear sequence

One of the most noticeable differences with KTM’s AMT is its gear sequence. Instead of the usual motorcycle layout of 1, neutral, then higher gears, the AMT uses a P-N-1-2-3-4-5-6 sequence. The P stands for Park, similar to what is seen in automatic cars. This has been introduced because the centrifugal clutch cannot lock the rear wheel when the bike is parked on a slope. To address this, KTM has added a mechanical locking pawl inside the gearbox, which prevents the bike from rolling when Park mode is selected. Park and neutral can only be engaged using the handlebar-mounted shift paddles.

The system also includes a kick-down function, which drops to a lower gear when the rider opens the throttle sharply, helping during overtakes. Similarly, quickly closing the throttle can trigger a downshift to keep the engine in the right power band. Gear shifts are carried out by an electromechanical actuator.At present, KTM’s AMT is limited to its large-capacity models, with the 1390 Super Adventure S Evo being the first to feature the technology. Whether the AMT will eventually make its way to these smaller bikes remains unclear.